At Wallace Print, our journey into the realm of sustainability has never been a fleeting trend or a mere afterthought. Founded on a heritage of innovation, excellence, and responsibility, our mission has always transcended the boundaries of traditional printing.
We recognise the profound impact industries like ours can have on the environment and the responsibilities that come with such influence. The rapidly changing dynamics of our planet, shaped by human activities, have made it abundantly clear that businesses must evolve in harmony with the environment. Guided by this understanding, our pursuit of sustainable practices has been a deliberate, well-thought-out endeavour, driven by both ethical imperatives and a vision for the future. It’s a testament to our unwavering commitment to future generations and the environment we share. For us at Wallace Print, sustainability isn’t just about adopting eco-friendly materials or practices; it’s about setting new industry standards, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship, and, most importantly, leading by example in a world desperately seeking sustainable solutions.
In 2017, Wallace Print underwent a pivotal shift. We ceased to be a Litho business and transitioned into a wholly digital enterprise. This change resulted in substantial power savings and led to a dramatic reduction in waste, such as outdated ink and rags. Additionally, we began our journey into sustainable transportation by introducing the use of hybrid vehicles, starting with the BMW. Our fleet has since evolved to incorporate both hybrid and fully electric vehicles, while still maintaining a small number of diesel vehicles.
2018 saw Wallace Print take a definitive step towards a sustainable future. We began to replace traditional materials with PVC-free banner materials, which offered high-quality print results and significantly decreased the amount of plastic waste generated by our production process.
This commitment was further strengthened with our adoption of Triaprint®, a revolutionary material transforming the printing industry. Triaprint® is an extruded polypropylene sheet consisting of three distinct layers: a structured cell layer at its core, enveloped by two outer layers providing a smooth surface ideal for both Digital and Screen printing. This unique construction offers Triaprint® with outstanding attributes, such as exceptional rigidity and impressive compression strength, all while maintaining a lightweight profile.
Triaprint is an eco-friendly material that revolutionised the way we printed and marketed ourselves, as it is composed of 100% recyclable Polypropylene. The high strength and rigidity of the material make it suitable for a multitude of applications, encompassing printed POS (Point of Sell) and Display, indoor and outdoor signage, exhibitions, and hoardings. Triaprint® is compatible with a variety of printing methods including UV digital printing, screen printing, and Die cutting. Our transition to this innovative material marked a significant milestone in our journey towards sustainable printing practices.
In 2019, Wallace Print took an impactful step towards sustainability by integrating PVC-free print materials into our workflow. These environmentally-friendly materials offer recyclable alternatives to PVC without sacrificing durability or quality. Our extensive range spans from textiles made from recycled plastic bottles to PET and PP banner materials, suitable for outdoor use. Furthermore, we distinguished ourselves in the industry by adding Europe’s first biodegradable print media to our offerings.
To meet the demand for eco-conscious displays, we expanded our catalogue to include a diverse range of PVC-free display materials. Compatible with wide-format printers, our selection caters to every need with a variety of display textiles and roll-up films. Whether it’s promotional flags, vibrant banners, or attention-grabbing signs, we’ve got an environmentally-friendly solution.
Our commitment to sustainability led us to introduce PVC-free materials for wall and backdrop graphics. These materials offer the perfect fusion of lightweight performance, robustness, and opacity. They allow for the creation of vibrant, compelling displays that are not only visually stunning but also eco-friendly.
We furthered our commitment to environmentally-friendly printing by offering a range of PVC-free self-adhesive vinyls from leading brands like VistaMAX and General Formulations. As part of our endeavour to offer comprehensive sustainable printing solutions, we integrated PVC-free banner materials into our product range. Available in wide format widths (3.2m and 5m), these substrates deliver the durability, flexibility, and recyclability needed for creating resilient eco-friendly banners.
Through these innovations in 2019, we deepened our commitment to environmental responsibility, paving the way for an ever more sustainable future in the printing industry.
The year 2022 was a milestone in our sustainability journey. We took two major steps to manage waste more effectively and reduce our energy consumption. Firstly, we joined hands with Biffa, a leading integrated waste management company in the UK, for ‘dry mixed recycling’. This alliance has significantly amped up our recycling rates while simultaneously cutting down on landfill waste.
The second game-changer was the installation of solar panels at our print factory. Our transition to this renewable energy source has resulted in a notable decrease in our carbon footprint. The solar panels now power everything at our facility, from our state-of-the-art printing machines and studio facilities to our beloved kettle!
Continuing our journey towards greener print solutions in 2022, we expanded our product portfolio by integrating eco-friendly laminating films into our offerings. If you’re looking to produce environmentally-friendly graphics, our eco-friendly lamination films offer the ideal solution. Designed specifically to pair with PVC-free vinyls, these films serve as a sustainable answer to enhancing the durability and longevity of graphics, stickers, and other printed materials. They not only add an extra layer of protection, helping to maintain the vibrancy of your prints and prolong their lifespan, but also do so in a way that minimises environmental impact.
Our eco-friendly laminating films are the perfect representation of our ongoing dedication to offering high-quality print solutions that respect and protect our environment. With these films, we’ve made it possible for our clients to further ensure their prints are not only impactful and long-lasting, but also kind to the planet. As we continue to navigate the printing landscape, we remain committed to sourcing and providing innovative, sustainable materials for our clients.
As we march ahead into 2023, we remain steadfast in our journey towards a greener future. This commitment is reflected in our efforts to enhance our range of recyclable and PVC-free materials. Our goal is to cater to the diverse needs of our clients, whilst maintaining a firm focus on our shared commitment to the environment. This continuous expansion of our sustainable materials is a testament to our pledge to protect the planet and provide an array of environmentally-conscious options to our clients.
Get in touch via our contact form to find out more about how Wallace Print can help you transform your print project. Our expert account managers are on hand to provide advice, quotes, and assistance – however, and wherever you need it.
Get in touch via our contact form to find out more about how Wallace Print can help you transform your print project.