3 Misconceptions Of Sustainability
We're myth-busting to help you make better choices
Sustainability is a welcomed part of the print industry, and you’ll have seen how XG Group is embracing it in our products and processes. However, with the latest IPCC reports there is an increased concern around what we can do to help and the impact it really has, with misinformation being prominent online. Let us help by myth-busting three of the most common misconceptions around sustainability.
'Recycled materials are the best option'
It’s very common to see claims of materials being made from 100% recycled materials. On face value, this is exactly what is wanted for a sustainable future. Sadly, many of these claims from long-distance suppliers go unfounded and unquestioned. We recommend taking a few things into consideration over stats that seem too good to be true. Is the supplier local, naturally reducing its carbon footprint? Can you contact them regarding their claims on recycled material, or do they have a sustainability statement? It’s important to remember that the print industry as a whole is progressing to greener practices, which is led by supply and demand. As demand for more eco-friendly solutions increases, the quicker the print industry will respond. In the meantime, it can mean big promises with minimum impact. It’s an integral part of XG Group to equip our customers with the information they need to make the right choices in products for their needs, including their sustainability.
'Printing creates a lot of waste'
We use dye sub and UV printing techniques, which are both very eco-friendly solutions. Neither of these options release harmful solvents into the atmosphere, and both can be applied to materials quickly and efficiently using their own unique curing processes. UV printing doesn’t need a primer, letting it use less products and saving on additional products and processes. UV printing dries using photo-initiators in the ink that are solidified by LED UV lamps, which means nothing gets evaporated into the atmosphere. Direct dye sub printing, on the other hand, uses an in-line curing process that reaches temperatures of up to 180°c which evaporates the water in the ink. This method only creates a small amount of water-vapour in excess. Find out more on dye sub and UV printing here.
'Plastic is an absolute no-go!'
It’s true that the use of plastic should be minimised, but there are ways to use plastic in a way that is more sustainable. For example, single-type plastics such as polyester are one of the easiest materials to recycle. Careful consideration about the use of your XG products can also play a huge factor in their eco-friendliness, such as choosing durable materials which can last long-term, or the safe storage to prolong their appearance. Many products, such as our roller-banners and TFS frames, have interchangeable graphics which lets you replace and recycle the visuals without wasting the structure. Using plastic based products can still be used in a more sustainable way, keeping their production and longevity in mind.
Get in touch
You can trust that XG have some of the most eco-friendly equipment to make your products with, in a quality that will truly stand the test of time. If you’d like to hear more about sustainability at XG Group, get in touch on 01280 707 180 or email us at sales@xg-group.co.uk
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