BEING A SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS | JONATHAN PERT has become an increasingly important consideration for many of its customers, particularly larger organisations looking at the environmental impact of their supply chains who want a print partner that shares their values. By aligning its operations with these values, Zebra Print Group has strengthened long-term client relationships and opened the door for lucrative partnerships in the future. Overton admits that balancing environmental ambition with the financial reality of running a manufacturing business can be challenging. As she says: “Many sustainable technologies require significant upfront investment, and smaller businesses don’t always have access to the same level of support as larger organisations.” To combat this, she recommends that businesses take a long-term view and make steady improvements rather than expecting overnight change. She advises: “Start with the changes that are within something Mimaki has focused on for a number of years.” This focus dates back to the early 2000s, when Mimaki was one of the pioneers of LED UV printing, delivering the productivity benefits of instant curing while significantly reducing energy consumption compared with conventional UV systems. In the company’s newest solutions, features such as an built-in ink saving function available within Mimaki’s RasterLink RIP software can allow users to reduce ink consumption without compromising the quality expected for many applications. Mimaki has also invested heavily in onboard systems to help avoid production errors before they happen, reducing the likelihood of spoiled prints and unnecessary material consumption. Alongside advances in Mimaki technology, Hybrid’s own ‘Let’s Do More’ solvent cartridge recycling scheme has been helping UK customers recycle solvent ink cartridges for almost two decades. Gregory explains: “Our Let’s Do More cartridge recycling scheme removes much ▼Mimaki has utilised UV-LED print into its solutions, which reduces energy consumption in comparison to standard UV systems 87 Issue 362 - September | October 2026 Teemill’s closed-loop circular system has so far recovered and remade over 100,000kg of old clothing into new garments 100,000 your control and don’t feel you have to do everything at once. Measure where you are today, set realistic goals, and build on each success over time. Sustainability is a continuous journey, and even small improvements can have a meaningful impact when they’re embedded into the way your business operates every day.” Greener Tech In order to reap the rewards of energyefficient equipment and renewable materials, it is important to understand some of the latest solutions available to the market. One of the hardware companies looking to offer a raft of sustainable solutions is Mimaki, which provides a range of equipment to UK businesses through its official distributor for the UK and Ireland, Hybrid Services. Andy Gregory, sales director at Hybrid Services, asserts that: “One of the biggest commercial gains any print business can make is reducing the amount of energy and consumables it uses every day, and that’s It’s about continually looking for ways to operate more efficiently. We believe environmental responsibility and commercial success should go hand in hand www.printmonthly.co.uk
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