Green printing has become a reality, thanks to 3D printing materials. The printing sector has taken a new turn by incorporating more environmentally-friendly production techniques, in line with the circular economy.

The world of printing is renewing itself thanks to new technologies that serve the sustainable development of the sector, as well as the environment.

Green printing, social commitment and the environment

Social responsibility and CSR strategies remain key concerns for all companies. The printing industry is no exception to the rule, and must constantly renew itself to meet the demands of the government, as well as the various players in the sector and consumers at the end of the chain.

3D materials have mainly stood out for the economies of scale they offer, thanks to the absence of waste, and their sustainable integration into the production chain of the product-packaging pair.

In fact, only the necessary materials are used for printing, compared with the old subtractive methods. As a result, the additive manufacturing techniques offered by 3D printing have developed at a rapid pace, thanks to three major advantages: speed, efficiency and durability of the printing method.

A technology that offers a viable and eco-responsible response to the growth in plastic waste, which remains the black spot. More respectful of the planet, 3D printing is emerging as the eco-responsible solution of the future, in line with the circular economy.

Green printing thanks to materials that promote the circular economy

In response to the harmful chemicals released by PVC, 3D materials fill the need for materials without adding the waste at the end of the loop – a point of concern for the pro-environmental requirements of the packaging ecosystem.

Minimal losses, a reduced risk factor by avoiding the danger of manufacturing and disposing of PVC: this is a win-win solution for the manufacturer, the customer and the environment.

The green printing offered by 3D is based on the additive manufacturing method, superimposing a material layer after layer to produce a part – whether metal or plastic.

This is a reversed technology in the printing sector, because it adds material rather than subtracts it, as the traditional production technique does. The use of materials is both fair and adapted to the needs of each part, for sober production that strictly complies with the number of parts required.

• Green printing via 3D is part of the circular economy thanks to :
• The quantities of materials controlled;
• The manufacture of parts in accordance with requirements;
• Less recourse to recycling channels;
• Reducing waste production;
• Less storage of parts in warehouses.

The printing sector’s progress in terms of eco-responsibility has been made possible by the emergence of new technologies and alternatives to the old machining techniques.
From the development of sustainable bio-sourced materials to innovations in manufacturing processes, green printing is a key concern for everyone involved in the world of printing.

The future of green printing

Some of the materials used in filaments or powder for 3D printing production are not always 100% environmentally friendly. However, new bio-sourced materials are emerging and continuing to make their mark in the printing ecosystem, contributing to the boom in green printing in recent years.

Eco-responsible alternatives are evolving to increase the printing world’s sense of responsibility in the face of environmental concerns.

Filaments made from recycled plastic also have a good reputation and are at the heart of the sector’s CSR strategies. On the other side of France, companies are also starting to recycle printer toners in order to eco-design sustainable parts using 3D printing.

In the United States, start-ups have made a name for themselves with green printing techniques derived from the recycling of water bottles, food packaging and plastic cutlery and crockery.

Sustainable solutions are multiplying to reduce the impact of production, develop a green printing production chain, and meet the pro-environmental expectations of consumers as well as regulatory requirements.

Favouring the integration of printing into the circular economy loop, promoting good waste management, limiting the use of recycling channels at the end of the loop: a common objective and a global commitment from the printing ecosystem for printing that is as economical as it is ecological.

If you’re also involved in the world of printing and concerned about green printing, the ALL4PACK Emballage Paris trade show is open to you, at the crossroads of innovations and pro-environmental trends.

Join us at the next edition of ALL4PACK Emballage Paris in 2024: registration is already open and we’re waiting for you!

In the meantime, take advantage of the replays of last year’s conferences, and take part in the final events of 2023.

ALL4PACK Emballage Paris : Innovation never stops !