DIGITAL PRINTING – PAVING THE WAY TO A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

While sustainability represents one of the greatest challenges facing the printing sector today, it also presents an unparalleled opportunity. As environmental awareness intensifies worldwide, print service providers (PSPs) are facing growing pressure to adopt more environmentally responsible practices. Taking action to shift towards eco-conscious materials, energy-efficient operations and waste reduction is essential for staying relevant and competitive. Digital printing is uniquely positioned to lead this revolution.

The momentum behind more sustainable printing is driven by a convergence of powerful forces. Today’s consumers are more informed than ever about the environmental impact of their choices. As a result, they are willing to support products that reflect their values. Issues such as climate change, resource depletion and plastic pollution are influencing purchasing decisions. As a result, brands are being prompted to rethink supply chains and product offerings.

In parallel, brands are setting increasingly ambitious sustainability targets, embracing operations and supply chains. Detailed environmental reporting on issues, such as Scope 3 emissions, is becoming the norm. This puts pressure on PSPs to deliver solutions that help brands achieve their goals. This may include using recyclable or biodegradable substrates in place of conventional plastics.

Meanwhile, the regulatory landscape is also tightening. Certifications such as ISO 14001 and FSC are now standard requirements. In addition, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes are placing greater accountability on manufacturers for end-of-life management of products. Compliance with frameworks such as SEDEX is increasingly non-negotiable for those supplying leading brands.

“Agfa’s inkjet printers are designed for durability and outstanding energy efficiency”

In this environment, showing tangible action on sustainability is a necessity for any PSP. Businesses that can show real progress on reducing waste, optimising energy use and lowering carbon emissions will be best positioned to thrive as they move forward.

Digital-printing technology is uniquely equipped to address these challenges. 
Its inherent flexibility and precision enable print runs tailored exactly to demand, virtually eliminating overproduction and minimising waste. Short runs, versioned campaigns and on-demand production all become feasible. This means a reduction in the need for warehousing and the carbon footprint associated with transportation.

Energy efficiency represents another key advantage, as modern digital presses are engineered to consume less power per job. This offers particular benefits on small and medium print runs compared to conventional offset methods. Innovations in ink chemistry have also further reduced emissions and improved safety. This enables PSPs to deliver vibrant results without compromising on environmental responsibility.

The rise of more sustainable substrates is also reshaping the landscape. Recycled papers, biodegradable films and FSC-certified materials are now widely available. Digital-printing platforms are optimised to handle these media with ease. This compatibility empowers PSPs to offer eco-conscious products without sacrificing quality or productivity.

Automation and digital workflows are further enhancing sustainability. By streamlining job setup, reducing errors and optimising material usage, these technologies help conserve resources and drive operational efficiency.

Agfa has long recognised that sustainability must go hand-in-hand with quality and cost effectiveness. The company’s commitment to environmental stewardship is reflected in its holistic approach to product development and customer support.

Agfa’s approach to crafting more sustainable technology, starts with listening and understanding the evolving needs of both its customers and the market at large. PSPs consistently express a desire for solutions that reduce waste, lower energy consumption and enhance recyclability. Meanwhile, the high quality that brands expect needs to be maintained. Agfa’s response is a comprehensive ecosystem of wide-format, digital-printing solutions, engineered to deliver on all fronts.

"Agfa formulates its digital inks to meet industry standards"

Printers built for the long haul – Agfa’s inkjet printers are designed for durability and outstanding energy efficiency. Their robust construction ensures a long service life. This makes them an investment in sustainability for forward-thinking PSPs.

Environmentally responsible inks – Agfa formulates its digital inks to meet industry standards. By carefully selecting raw materials and optimising formulations, these inks deliver exceptional print quality while minimising ecological impact.

Smart software for more sustainable workflows – Asanti workflow software is central to Agfa’s sustainability offering. This programme not only streamlines production, but also integrates with carbon footprint assessment tools. This empowers users to quantify and reduce the environmental impact of each job. Advanced features, such as automated nesting and ganging, maximise material efficiency and minimise waste.

Expert services for high efficiency – Agfa’s service model is designed to support sustainability at every stage. IoT-enabled remote diagnostics and monitoring, reduce the need for onsite technician visits. Localised support and optimised logistics further contribute to lower energy use and reduced waste.

What truly sets Agfa apart is the seamless integration of these elements. Rather than offering piecemeal solutions, the company delivers a unique cohesive ecosystem where each component is optimised for integration. This synergy amplifies sustainability benefits for PSPs, reducing waste, improving energy efficiency and supporting compliance with the latest industry standards.

This expertise in the entire print-production process enables Agfa to deliver tailored solutions that meet the needs of every customer. Through close collaboration, it empowers PSPs to achieve their sustainability objectives, while maintaining the high standards of quality and reliability required.

“Agfa’s service model is designed to support sustainability at every stage”

As digital printing continues to evolve, selecting a partner who can truly support sustainability ambitions is more important than ever. Agfa stands apart by offering a uniquely integrated approach, providing customers with a single, trusted partner for the entire print-production process. This seamless integration means that troubleshooting is simplified, performance is optimised and sustainability goals are driven forward. This performance is achieved without the complexity of managing multiple vendors. Partners such as Agfa are ready to support PSPs as they adapt. The company offers the technology and expertise needed to build a more resilient, sustainable future.