Sustainable Printing: Eco-Friendly Materials Shaping Future of Packaging

The UK's commitment to reducing plastic waste is reshaping packaging design, driven by policies like the Plastic Packaging Tax and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Simultaneously, the EPR scheme, set to fully implement in 2025, holds producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their packaging, promoting recycling and waste reduction. These regulations are prompting brands to innovate, opting for eco-friendly alternatives and enhancing transparency in their packaging choices.

Core Eco‑Friendly Materials

Recycled Paper and Cardboard

Recycled board, sourced from post‑consumer fibre, reduces reliance on virgin pulp and lowers carbon emissions. It can be used for packaging, display units and retail point‑of‑sale materials without compromising print quality.

Correx Board Printing

Corrugated polypropylene signage (correx board printing) is lightweight, waterproof and 100% recyclable, ideal for durable outdoor applications such as bollard covers and construction site hoardings.

Vegetable‑Based Inks

Derived from soy, linseed or other plant oils, these inks emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) compared to petroleum‑based alternatives, enhancing indoor air quality and recyclability of printed materials.

Biodegradable Lamination

Plant‑based laminates, such as polylactic acid (PLA), offer water resistance and durability while naturally breaking down under composting conditions, making them suitable for flexible packaging and laminated labels.

Consumer Attitudes and Market Trends

Consumer demand for sustainable packaging continues to rise. DS Smith’s Material Change Index reports over 51% of plastic packaging on grocery shelves could be minimised or replaced with eco alternatives.

Comparative Overview

Disclaimer: The environmental impact of materials used in bollard sheet and Correx board printing varies.

Implementing Sustainable Practices

Supplier Selection

Opt for vendors certified under FSC, PEFC and ISO 14001 standards, ensuring traceable and responsibly managed materials.

Material Choices

Evaluate lifecycle impacts: recycled board, vegetable inks and compostable films should be prioritised to meet consumer and regulatory demands.

Waste Minimisation

Adopt on‑demand digital printing to reduce overproduction, and implement lean manufacturing to cut trim waste by up to 20%.

Energy Efficiency

Compared to traditional UV curing, you can reduce operating energy use by up to 30% by investing in energy-efficient presses and LED-UV curing systems.

Applications: Bollard Covers and Correx Board Printing

Bollard panels, which are frequently used for event safety and outdoor shopping, can be made from recycled PVC or corref board printing materials to provide eye-catching branding with a smaller environmental impact. Correx board is particularly suited for short‑term signage, being fully recyclable and weather‑resistant, ideal for construction hoardings, estate agent boards and promotional displays.

Bollard Covers: Versatile Applications

Bollard sleeves are decorative and protective sleeves that are used for both practical and marketing reasons. Common applications include:

• Promotional Advertising: Display offers, product promotions, or event information using slip-on, square, or triangular bollard sleeves. These are especially effective in high-traffic areas like shopping centres and retail parks.
• Wayfinding and Signage: Guide pedestrians and vehicles with directional arrows, maps, or safety instructions.
• Safety and Hazard Warnings: Highlight potential hazards such as wet floors or icy surfaces using high-visibility bollard sleeves with reflective vinyl.
• Event and Festival Branding: Enhance the atmosphere with themed bollard signage, such as festive designs during holidays or branded covers for events.
• Emergency Assistance Points: For easy identification, mark the positions of defibrillators or first aid kits with amber or green bollard covers.
• Healthcare and Educational Institutions: Use colour-coded bollard sheet to demarcate zones and enhance safety within hospitals, clinics, schools, and universities .

Cost Implications

While sustainable materials may carry a modest price premium, lifecycle cost savings through reduced waste, energy efficiency and extended brand value often offset initial investments. For detailed pricing and tailored quotes, refer to website for the latest sustainable printing solutions.

UK Retailer’s Packaging Overhaul

A leading UK retailer transitioned from single‑use plastic wraps to 100% recycled board carriers and vegetable‑based ink printing. Key outcomes included a 25% reduction in packaging waste, lowered shipping costs by 10% due to lighter materials, and a 15% uplift in customer satisfaction scores attributed to visible eco credentials.

Disclaimer: The metrics provided such as reductions in packaging waste, shipping costs, and improvements in customer satisfaction are based on internal data and may not be universally applicable.

Vision for the Future

More than 40% of businesses worldwide want to incorporate circular economy ideas into packaging design by 2025, indicating a sustained move toward eco-friendly materials and digital processes. Brands adopting eco‑friendly bollard covers and correx board printing today will be best positioned to meet future regulations and consumer expectations.

Correx Board Printing: Cost-Effective Signage Solutions

Correx boards, made from fluted polypropylene, are lightweight, durable, and weather-resistant, making them ideal for various signage needs. Applications include:

• Event Signage: Create large-format signs for events, fairs, and festivals. Correx boards are perfect for directional signage and promotional displays.
• Estate Agent Boards: Promote properties with custom-designed boards that are easy to install and replace.
• Construction Site Signage: Display safety notices, site information, and regulations clearly and durably.
• Security and Warning Signs: Produce high-quality security notices, including 'Keep Out' and 'CCTV' signs, suitable for commercial premises.
• Political Campaign Signs: Design and print election signs, placards, and promotional boards for political campaigns.
• Lamp Post and Bollard Post Signs: Create signs that can be easily attached to lamp posts or wrapped around bollards for visibility 

Conclusion

Embracing sustainable printing materials—from recycled paper and biodegradable laminates to corref board printing—offers UK businesses a pathway to reduce environmental impact, comply with evolving legislation and build stronger customer loyalty. By integrating practices such as on‑demand production, certified sourcing and energy‑efficient technologies, brands can achieve cost‑effective, eco‑friendly packaging solutions. The rising consumer willingness to support green initiatives underscores that investment in sustainability is not only responsible but commercially strategic. VC Print stands ready to guide your business through this transition with innovative, eco‑conscious printing services.