Print Solutions Green Solutions
Phil McMullin, Pro Graphics Head of Sales, Epson (UK), explains that sustainability, once an additional consideration for designers, is now a cornerstone of their work.
Charlotte O’Reilly, founder and head designer of luxury interiors brand Charlotte Jade, recently participated in an Epson discussion. She said, ‘I am very conscious about the environment now so that is something I will always look for.’
Katja Behre, creative director of wall art design agency Elli Popp, who was also part of the conversation said: ‘What is very important to me, and hopefully to my clients as well, is that I look for locally sourced materials, so it has a smaller carbon footprint.’
Sustainability and the impact of production on the environment is shaping the sector.
People in the wallpaper industry and print companies who are generally adding wallpaper to their applications are asking questions now. How environmentally friendly is this? Can I do something more? Can I put together a sustainable message for my customers to produce a unique selling point for my business?
At Epson, sustainability is a fundamental to our corporate vision and the future of our business altogether. Our environmental goals include reducing scope three greenhouse gas emissions by 44% by 2025. This means that for all purchased goods and services, as well as the use of sold products, we are aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as a percentage of value added (business profit) by 44%. That said, helping improve our customers’ environmental footprint through our technology is an ongoing pursuit and one that brings us closer to meeting customer interests.
This focus has helped shape our product development with a focus on combining water based inks with uncoated media. It makes the whole process much more environmentally friendly. Wallpaper can now be fully recyclable.
One of our new portfolio additions is the SureColor SC-R5000 Resin ink large format printer. It uses a water based resin ink that can be fully recycled.
The ability for Epson to develop products that respond to market demand is supported by its commitment to research and development where approximately $1.2 million is spent daily. The creative process is enhanced by the fact our chemists sit next to the team developing the print heads and co-develop proprietary intellectual property for use exclusively in Epson printers. In addition, Epson has committed to spend 100 billion yen (approximately £605 million) by 2030 on decarbonisation, closing the resource loop, and environmental technology development.
As a result, Epson is increasing its understanding of what is going to be important to the end customer and how technological innovation can support with this.
Providing easy to use systems that support quick adoption and facilitate local production is something that both Katja and Charlotte value alongside other key capabilities digital print delivers.
Katja stated, ‘The main reason for me to choose the supplier that works best for each project is to see how the machines are printing the details, the colours and how far I can go with designs.’ She added, ‘What I am really, really excited about is the new Epson printers uses water based inks.’
Charlotte added, ‘Obviously quality is massive. What my design looks like printed. So is working with someone. Building that relationship.’
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