Less is more: A journey to sustainable innovation in the printing industry

As businesses and industries around the world come under increasing pressure to become more sustainable, the printing industry is at the forefront of change. “Less is more” - an approach that focuses on efficiency, compactness and precision - is a promising way forward and is already, consciously or unconsciously, part of many efforts. This idea of doing more with less, articulated by Yasunori Ogawa, Global President of Epson, in an essay for drupa 2024, can lead the way for the entire printing industry.

Ogawa credits the less-is-more principle to Epson's origins in a rural region of Japan and its beginnings as a small watchmaker's workshop. He says that less-is-more is the result of a tradition of combining efficient, compact and precise technologies - sho-sho-sei in Japanese - with the skill of monozukuri, which he translates as the art and science of manufacturing.

Epson's commitment to this concept has led to the development of technologies that minimise waste, reduce energy consumption and improve production processes - the latest results of these efforts were on display at drupa 2024 in the form of the newest Epson machines. The impact of this philosophy goes far beyond a single company, however, as this approach can be used as a guideline for the entire industry - and is already being taken to heart in many places.

By adopting efficient, compact and precise innovations, companies in the printing industry can significantly reduce their environmental footprint. From energy-efficient presses to advanced digital printing solutions, the industry is finding new ways to reduce resource consumption while maintaining high quality standards. Many of these innovations were showcased at drupa, demonstrating how “less is more” is driving sustainable change in the printing industry.

Compactness and precision are also key elements of Ogawa's vision. In the printing industry, compact and high-precision machines not only save space, but also reduce material and energy consumption. This is crucial in an industry where high-volume processes often result in significant waste.

For example, digital printing technologies, which were one focus of drupa, enable production on demand. This avoids large print runs and reduces waste as companies print only what they need. Compact, high-precision machines also allow greater accuracy in the printing process, resulting in fewer errors, less wasted material and a more sustainable production cycle. This focus on precision is changing the way companies think about their processes and driving the transition to more responsible and sustainable production methods.

The “less is more” philosophy offers valuable lessons not only for the printing industry, but for society as a whole. At its core, it encourages us to rethink the way we consume resources and produce goods. The printing industry, which has historically consumed large amounts of paper, ink and energy, is now moving towards more sustainable practices that are in line with this mindset. Companies exhibiting at drupa showcased numerous solutions that prioritise environmental responsibility while delivering high performance and quality.

At the Epson stand, but also at the Touchpoint Sustainability and the stands of many other exhibitors, drupa visitors were able to experience first-hand how the “less is more” approach is already shaping the future of the industry. The focus is shifting from pure mass production to smarter production that uses fewer resources but delivers better results. This shift is not only good for the environment, but also helps companies stay competitive in a market where sustainability is becoming a key differentiator.

Yasunori Ogawa's “less is more” philosophy is a forward-looking way forward for the printing industry and society as a whole. By focusing on sustainable innovation, the printing industry can prove that less can be more. At drupa, anyone who wanted to could see for themselves how this vision is shaping a future where technological progress and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.