The Future of Printing: How the Circular Economy is Reshaping the Industry

In the 1970s, experts predicted that a “paperless society” was just around the corner. F. W. Lancaster’s Toward Paperless Information Systems (1978) envisioned a world where digital technology would make print redundant, and Administrative Management magazine claimed we’d be out of the “Gutenberg rut” by the late ’70s. Fast-forward to today, and print remains an essential part of business, retail, construction, events, and countless other industries. The idea that print would disappear was always flawed—what’s actually happening is a transformation.

The real challenge isn’t about eliminating print but rethinking how it fits into a sustainable, circular economy. From large-format signage to window vinyls, print is an integral part of how businesses communicate, promote, and operate. The key is making it smarter, not scrapping it altogether.

What Does a Circular Economy in Print Look Like?

A circular economy moves away from the “take, make, dispose” model and instead focuses on keeping materials in use for as long as possible through recycling, reuse, and sustainable sourcing. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation defines it as:

“A system where materials never become waste and nature is regenerated. In a circular economy, products and materials are kept in circulation through processes like maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, recycling, and composting.”

This shift is already influencing policies worldwide. Labour’s 2024 pledge to achieve a zero-waste economy by 2050 highlights the urgency of rethinking resource use. Steve Reed, the then Shadow Environment Secretary, stated that “regulation would give businesses the confidence to invest in their facilities and they can be reusing materials.”

Unlike digital, which relies on energy-intensive data centres and often-overlooked electronic waste, print offers the ability to control material choices, reuse high-quality signage, and incorporate fully recyclable solutions.

The Role of Print in Business, Retail & Events

Print isn’t just a marketing tool—it’s fundamental to how businesses function. Walk through any workplace, shopping centre, or construction site, and you’ll see print everywhere. Wayfinding signs, hazard signage, point-of-sale displays, promotional window vinyls, event graphics—the list goes on. Digital screens have their place, but they can’t replace high-impact physical print in many environments.

Consumers are also paying more attention to how businesses approach sustainability. Research suggests that at least 26% of people would boycott a company if it doesn’t align with their environmental values. So, how do businesses balance the necessity of print with the demand for sustainability?

Rethinking Print: Long-Term vs. Short-Term Solutions

The shift to a circular economy in print comes down to material choices and lifespan.

For permanent or semi-permanent installations, the focus should be on high-quality, durable materials that stand the test of time:

• Aluminium Composite Panels – Ideal for external signage, aluminium panels are lightweight, weather-resistant, and long-lasting.

• Acrylic & Perspex Displays – A sleek, professional option that maintains its clarity and finish over time.

• Fabric Tension Displays – Used for exhibitions and retail spaces, these can be re-skinned with new graphics while keeping the same frame.

For temporary branding, seasonal promotions, or short-term campaigns, materials that can be recycled or composted are key:

• Reboard & Honeycomb Board – 100% recyclable and a great alternative to plastic-based signage.

• PVC-Free Window Vinyls – Biodegradable options now exist that remove the reliance on traditional PVC.

• Correx (Fluted Polypropylene) – Used for temporary signage, it’s lightweight and recyclable.

The Future of Print: Smarter, Not Less

The misconception that print is outdated misses the point—print isn’t going anywhere, but how it’s produced, used, and disposed of is evolving. Many print service providers are already making circular economy principles a core part of their process, offering recycled or recyclable materials, take-back schemes, and sustainable alternatives.

Conclusion

Instead of asking whether print should exist, the real question is how to make it better. The industry is already proving that sustainability and high-impact print can go hand in hand. The future isn’t paperless—it’s smarter print.