Climate change and innovation: How the printing industry is becoming sustainable

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time. And, of course, sustainability was not only an important topic at the Sustainability Touchpoint, but also a recurring theme throughout drupa2024 - just as it is throughout society and life. In his keynote speech in the drupa Cube, Mark Maslin, Professor of Earth System Science at University College London, gave an insightful overview of the history of climate research and the latest findings. As a keynote speaker at drupa, much of his talk focused on what and how the printing and packaging industry can contribute to a more sustainable world.

The printing and packaging industry faces the challenge of reducing its high consumption of resources while developing innovative, environmentally friendly solutions. By adopting sustainable materials and processes, the printing and packaging industry can make a significant contribution to environmental protection.

One example is the use of recycled paper and biodegradable packaging materials. Recycled paper not only reduces the need for virgin fibres, but also the energy and water used in paper production. Biodegradable materials such as PLA (polylactide) and other plant-based plastics offer an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional packaging materials.

Modern printing technologies can significantly reduce energy consumption and waste. Digital printing technologies enable demand-driven production, avoiding overproduction and waste. This is particularly important at a time when resources are becoming scarcer and waste disposal more expensive.

The implementation of lean production principles also helps to further increase efficiency in the printing and packaging industry. By optimising production processes, reducing waste and improving workflows, companies can significantly improve their environmental footprint.

Another example is the use of environmentally friendly inks. Conventional inks often contain solvents and other chemicals that can harm the environment. New developments in printing inks are based on water-based or UV-curable inks, which are much more environmentally friendly while offering high print quality. These inks not only reduce the environmental impact, but also the health risks during production.

Promoting the circular economy is also a key aspect of equipping the printing and packaging industry for a sustainable future. This means designing products so that they can be reused or recycled after use. A circular system minimises waste and closes material cycles by recycling resources back into the production process.

The importance of cooperation and joint efforts to meet the challenges of climate change cannot be overstated. Governments, businesses and consumers must act together to create a sustainable future. Many drupa participants and visitors are already putting sustainability at the heart of their business strategies and are actively contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Certification and transparency are important steps. Companies should clearly communicate their sustainability goals and regularly report on their progress. For Maslin, certifications such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) for sustainable forest management or ISO 14001 for environmental management systems are an important building block in gaining the trust of customers and partners.

The presentation in the drupa Cube provided a deep insight into the challenges and opportunities that climate change presents to the printing and packaging industry. Maslin impressively demonstrated that, despite the seriousness of the situation, there are still ways to avert the worst consequences of climate change. Visitors to drupa2024 were able to see the industry's potential to make an important contribution through innovation and sustainable action first hand at many exhibitors. It is now up to companies to seize these opportunities and actively contribute to a sustainable future.