The push for environmental sustainability in the wide format imaging business is likely to grow according to market research firm InfoTrends in its recently released Q4 Wide Format Market Survey. Specializing in research and strategic consulting for the digital imaging and document solutions industry, InfoTrends reports that now is the time for print service providers to be practicing and promoting green strategies.
As the wide format digital graphics printing market rebounds with the economy InfoTrends believes the “green” movement in this industry will also see a resurgence–identifying it as one of its top trends in 2011.
In a recent survey, 45 percent of print service providers indicated they were getting more customer requests for printing using more environmentally-friendly practices.
In response, almost 50 percent of service providers indicated they have or are going to take steps to produce wide format digital graphics in a more environmentally-friendlier way.
Using “green” media was the top way in which print service providers are transforming print shops, followed by reductions in solvent-based inks (in favor of UV, aqueous or latex), the reduction or elimination of waste material, developing a more robust recycling program, and buying energy from a different source.
Equipment manufacturers and dealers are also responding to demand with new products including enviro inks, media that is easier to recycle and lighter weight substrates.
InfoTrends expects major retailers and brands to adopt sustainable signage and graphics sourcing policies through 2011, further driving the green printing trend.
The new report also addresses the use of variable data, QR codes, and digital signage. The report, a 29-slide PDF presentation, is available at InfoTrends online store for $150.
