How can print production learn from and share best practices with other circular industries and regions?

1 Circular economy basics

The circular economy is a system that aims to eliminate waste and pollution, keep products and materials in use, and regenerate natural systems. It is based on three principles: design out waste and pollution, keep products and materials in use, and regenerate natural systems. The circular economy offers a way to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation, and to create value for people, planet, and profit.

2 Circular print design

One of the key aspects of the circular economy is to design products and services that are durable, repairable, reusable, recyclable, or biodegradable. This means that print products should be designed with the end-of-life in mind, and with minimal environmental impact. For example, print products can use recycled or renewable materials, avoid toxic inks and coatings, reduce packaging and transportation, and include information or incentives for proper disposal or return.

3 Circular print business models

Another aspect of the circular economy is to create business models that capture the value of products and materials throughout their life cycle, and that encourage customers to use them more efficiently and effectively. This means that print products can be offered as a service, as a subscription, as a lease, or as a part of a product-as-a-service system. For example, print products can be shared, rented, or refurbished, or they can be integrated with digital platforms, sensors, or feedback loops.

4 Circular print collaboration

A third aspect of the circular economy is to collaborate with other actors in the value chain, from suppliers to customers, from competitors to regulators, from NGOs to academia, to create synergies, innovations, and solutions. This means that print producers can engage with other circular industries and regions, to learn from and share best practices, to co-create new products and services, and to advocate for policy changes and standards. For example, print producers can join networks, platforms, or coalitions, such as the Circular Print Alliance, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, or the Global Recycling Standard.

5 Circular print examples

Print production is increasingly embracing circular principles and practices, such as RePack's reusable packaging service that reduces waste and carbon emissions, PrintReleaf's platform connecting print customers with reforestation projects, HP's initiatives using recycled plastic in its ink cartridges and offering ink subscription and recycling services, and Cradle to Cradle's certification system assessing the environmental and social performance of print products. These examples demonstrate the potential of circular economy in print production, promoting sustainability and rewarding customers for their efforts.

6 Circular print challenges

Despite the potential and progress of circular print production, there are still many challenges and barriers to overcome. These include a lack of awareness and demand from customers and stakeholders who may not understand or value the benefits of circular print products and services, as well as a lack of data and transparency on the environmental and social impact of print production. In addition, there is a lack of infrastructure and systems for collecting, sorting, and processing print waste, especially in developing countries or remote areas. Moreover, there is a lack of innovation and investment in circular print technologies, materials, and processes, which can limit the availability and affordability of circular print solutions.