As climate concerns grow, industries worldwide are shifting towards more sustainable practices, and the digital print sector is no exception. Consumers and governments are increasingly focused on eco-friendly business operations, with 44% of modern consumers more likely to buy from sustainable brands and 54% actively avoiding companies that fail to meet environmental standards, according to research by Statista.
This has driven significant changes within the digital print industry, where companies are adopting new practices to reduce their environmental impact.
The Rise of Sustainable Practices in Printing
Historically, the printing industry has been associated with a large environmental footprint due to its use of energy-intensive equipment, non-recyclable materials, and harmful chemicals. Thankfully, the sector is now making substantial efforts to become more eco-friendly with many companies using recycled media, environmentally friendly inks, and energy-efficient equipment.
This shift is not just about reducing environmental harm but also about responding to consumer demand for greener products. Sustainable printing materials have often been priced at a premium, but as demand for eco-friendly products has increased, the costs of sustainable alternatives have become more competitive, enabling wider adoption across the industry.
Roland DG: A Leader in Sustainable Printing
Roland DG takes pride in being at the forefront of driving sustainability within the digital print industry. Roland DG devices are known for their exceptionally long-lasting print capabilities that allows customers to reach their own sustainability targets, while delivering incredibly low total cost of ownership (TCO) over the course of their device lifespan.
Here are some of the ways that Roland DG is championing sustainability across the business, internationally, and here:
Cutting-edge Green Technology
Roland DG focuses on the conservation of energy and resources during each stage of a product’s lifecycle—from design and development through to transportation, use and disposal—with the aim of achieving a low-carbon, and recycling-oriented, society.
Roland DG’s products are used in countless day-to-day operations, and as such they are designed and developed with energy-efficient operation in mind. An example of this is the TrueVIS VG3 Series large-format inkjet printer cutters that have a maximum operating power of 1,090W. Even with their additional options, power consumption remains below 1,800W to achieve both energy-saving operation and the highest level of quality.
Roland DG also incorporates energy-saving features, such as built-in sleep timing and smart wake-up functions across its product range, allowing customers to use less energy without sacrificing performance.
Reducing Waste and Optimising Resources
VersaWorks RIP software minimises wasted media
Roland DG focuses on reducing waste throughout the printing process. VersaWorks RIP software, included with all Roland DG printers, helps users optimise printing to minimise wasted media. The ‘Nesting’ feature allows multiple designs to be arranged in a single print space, making the most of available materials. Additionally, ‘basepoint’ ensures precise print placement, reducing material wastage further.
Cartridge Recycling Program
Roland DG customers have recycled over 28 tonnes of printing material since the Cartridge Recycle Program launched in 2014
Close the Loop reuses or recycles 100% of every inkjet cartridge collected.
Through our Cartridge Recycle Program, we’ve recycled over 28 tonnes of printing materials with ‘zero waste to landfiill’ since the program launched in 2014. That figure is growing every year.
Sustainable Consumables
Several ranges of Roland DG ink, including TR2 Ink, TrueVIS Latex Ink and ECO-SOL MAX Ink are GREENGUARD Gold certified for low VOC emissions, making them safe for use in sensitive environments like schools and hospitals. These products reflect Roland DG’s dedication to developing sustainable alternatives that do not compromise on quality or performance.
Cardboard-Based Ink Cartridges
Moving towards cardboard-based ink cartridges
In 2023, Roland DG introduced cardboard-based ink cartridges, which reduce plastic use by 82%. This move is expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 350 tons annually, marking a significant step in Roland DG’s global sustainability mission. Roland DG also ensures that all packaging is fully recyclable, helping to reduce waste in the industry.
A Collective Effort for Long-term Sustainability
Sustainability in the print industry is a shared responsibility. We want to set a powerful example for the rest of the industry through our efforts to create environmentally-friendly printing technologies.
Roland DG is leading the way towards a greener future for the digital print sector. By making sustainability a core part of our business strategy, we are helping customers and the industry move towards a more environmentally conscious future.
