The challenge of reducing the impact of carbon on the environment could be encapsulated in Albert Einstein’s quote, “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.” Currently, change is underway, and the EcoPrint-Highcon industry survey on sustainability highlighted many aspects and perceptions of this process.
In his introduction to the survey report, Marcus Timson, Co-Founder & Director of EcoPrint, wrote, “Becoming more sustainable is not just an ethical thing that is right to do, it is moreover a very sensible business decision as is borne out in the results of this survey.”
Nevertheless, all truly impactful change is a process; occasionally seamless, but generally accompanied by trade-offs, challenges, and a variety of inertial forces which are determined to maintain the status quo. This can be seen in one very significant statistic as observed by Simon Lewis, Vice President Marketing, Highcon, who wrote, “What are the main barriers to better sustainability performance? Lack of understanding was the number one answer (55%).” It is critical to be mindful of this reality when pushing yourself and your business to adopt pragmatic approaches to reducing your carbon footprint.
Breaking down these barriers is perhaps the foremost hurdle to succeeding globally in “fixing the planet,” and knowledge is key. Hence, the importance of the EcoPrint-Highcon Survey.
In the January 18th Webinar, an event in conjunction with the release of the survey, Highcon’s Lewis, focused on several poignant topics relating to converters. For example, is sustainability “nice to have,” or a must-have? According to the survey, 50% of the converter respondents did not see sustainability as strategically important. So, why do companies even develop plans for environmentally friendly production? Typically because they view “green” improvements as vital to creating business opportunities.
If that is the case, and if business opportunities aren’t obvious, then what will it take to overcome the inertia? Some say it is government regulation and net-zero goals. Others emphasize awareness.
That is to say, profitability and sustainability are complements, but the industry doesn’t recognize this automatically.
Survey participants were asked which technology options are available to improve sustainable performance, and which would be most cost-effective. 37% highlighted digital printing and 24% digital finishing. Digital finishing is still an emerging domain, so it’s not surprising that 50% say they don’t fully understand the benefits, and a further 26% don’t know them – statistics that highlight the importance of seeking out more and better information. Highcon would, of course, be delighted to help converters understand how our digital die cutting can help a business become more sustainable.
The EcoPrint Survey is a worthwhile read. Fill out the form on the right to see all the questions and answers, including statistics.
Highcon is leading the race to incorporate digital finishing as a valuable add-on to existing analog production, or as a sustainable and revenue generating addition to existing digital printing technology. If you would like to learn more about Highcon’s efforts to improve the environment while simultaneously provided new business opportunities for converters, contact us!