How to navigate the complex world of sustainability in print – A guide

Hello print enthusiasts! Are you a print company wondering how to navigate the complex world of sustainability in print? Look no further!

Are you being asked about carbon?

• Scope 1 & 2 is the carbon footprint related to your buildings and vehicles. Some legislation makes the reporting of this mandatory.
• Scope 3 is everything else, and is typically reported on a voluntary basis.
• If your customers ask you to report on your Scope 1, 2 & 3, this is usually because they are checking you are taking action in this space.
• Product carbon footprints are usually more useful for your clients, as it helps them understand your environmental impact in a way that’s relevant to them.
• The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) is an international platform used by companies to examine how compliant their supply chain is in reporting carbon.

Talking about sustainability? Don’t get caught greenwashing!

Greenwashing is the act of making false or unsubstantiated claims. So be careful when you talk about sustainability, and make sure your claims are backed up with the latest science.

What regulations affect you?

• Most territories have packaging regulations, such as the widespread Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive.
• For companies trading directly or indirectly with EU customers, the EU’s Regulation on Deforestation-free products (EUDR) will require you to prove you have undertaken due diligence sourcing paper.
• Regulations to track the transfer of waste from one location to another affect many countries, such as the UK’s Waste Transfer Notes and the EU’s Waste Framework Directive.
• The widespread REACH regulations control the use of chemicals, including inks and solvents.
• Green Claims Directives identify and deal with greenwash, with voluntary schemes in many jurisdictions.
• The UK’s Streamlined Energy and Compliance Reporting (SECR) covers carbon reporting.
• In the EU, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) & Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) will cover reporting on carbon and many other environmental and social aspects of an organisation.
• In many countries, energy efficiency regulations exist such as the UK’s Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) and the EU’s Energy Efficiency Directive.

– Nathan Tiller, Co-founder