Synthetic printing materials manufacturers form sustainability pact

Agfa, Folex, Kernow Coatings and Polyart, some of the top manufacturers in the coated polyester film industry, have partnered to establish a sustainability pact to share industry-specific insights and develop shared strategies for a more sustainable future.

According to the mentioned companies, every industry faces unique challenges when trying to enhance the sustainability of its products. When it comes to film coating or laminating, these challenges are often particularly intricate: plastic materials are coated with a functional layer, which is crucial for printing.

Prints made with these materials are typically used for demanding applications that require durability even in tough conditions. Common examples include workshop manuals, restaurant menus, or outdoor product labels.

Non-synthetic alternatives and laminated paper are often not durable enough to serve as substitutes and would need frequent replacement. From this viewpoint, synthetic products are both sustainable and conserve resources.

Conversely, their production mainly uses virgin raw materials, and it's vital to ensure these products have an as environmentally friendly 'afterlife' or 'second life' as possible.

‘What modifications are needed to adapt these products for the circular economy? How can we reduce our ecological footprint right now? What recycling or upcycling options exist already, and how do country-specific regulations impact the disposal of such products,’ we read in a press release. ‘These and similar questions challenge all manufacturers today. Often, legal regulations merely provide a broad guideline. To find practical and cost-effective answers, the manufacturing sector must take initiative, and it's wise to collaborate within the industry to do so.’

Thus, in the niche sector of coated polyester films, leading brand manufacturers have united to establish a sustainability pact, driving forward more swiftly and powerfully by pooling their expertise. The founding members of the pact: Agfa, Folex, Kernow Coatings and Polyart, have agreed to share their industry-specific experiences and work together on solutions for transitioning to a ‘green economy’.