Sustainable Print Manifesto launches framework

The Sustainable Print Manifesto has launched the Implementation Framework for More Sustainable Print at the FuturePrint Packaging, Labels and DTS Summit in Valencia, turning the nine universal principles established by the original Manifesto in April 2025 into practical actions, a common set of indicators and a maturity model that lets businesses see where they stand and what to do next.

Developed collaboratively with brands, retailers and partners across the industry, the Framework avoids prescribing specific technologies or materials, instead offering a common foundation that organizations of any size, sector or stage of maturity can apply to their own circumstances. It gives OEMs, technology providers, printers and print service providers a shared way to demonstrate progress to brands and buyers, differentiate their offering and turn improved sustainability performance into commercial opportunity.

'The first Manifesto established what more sustainable print looks like. The Framework now enables OEMs, technology providers, printers and PSPs to demonstrate meaningful progress to their customers in a shared language. That matters because becoming more sustainable shouldn't simply be an obligation, it should also make businesses more attractive to the brands and buyers they want to work with. But this is a platform, not a full stop. The work continues, and we're inviting the whole industry to build it with us,' said Elena Knight, marketing and content director at FuturePrint, facilitating partner for the Sustainable Print Manifesto.

At the heart of the Framework is the idea that progress beats perfection, meeting businesses wherever they are and showing them the next step, from measuring for the first time through actively managing improvements to optimizing and sharing data across the value chain. It arrives as the print and packaging industry faces growing pressure from tightening regulation, rising customer expectations and the move toward item-level transparency through initiatives such as digital product passports.

The launch follows Canon's announcement that it has joined the initiative as a Development Partner, alongside existing Development Partners Cimpress, Domino, Gallus, HP, Nazdar and Sun Chemical. As a Development Partner, Canon will take an active role in shaping the initiative's next phase and supporting its adoption across the industry. Its Supporting Partners are Bespoke, BPIF, IPIA, Lightning Tree, Printing United Alliance, SteveLister.com, The Pack Scout and VIGC. The Framework was further shaped by contributors including CarbonQuota, CPI, Esko, Flint Group Digital Xeikon, Kavalan, Koenig & Bauer, Ricoh and TradePrint.

'We are delighted to welcome Canon as a Development Partner. Their expertise and global reach will help move the industry toward a shared, practical standard for sustainable print, which is exactly what this initiative was created to achieve,' added Knight.

'Canon has a long-standing commitment to improving the sustainability of print, built on decades of expertise, innovation and close collaboration with customers across the industry. We are proud to support and contribute to an industry-wide framework that turns shared principles into practical, measurable improvements,' noted Martijn van Hoorn, senior vice president, R&D and head of sustainability steering committee at Canon Production Printing.

Ahead of the launch, Knight joined a panel titled 'The Era of Static Packaging Is Over: Structure, Story, and Sustainability as One Design Language' at London Packaging Week on September 17, hosted by AuraVeo alongside Sandra Wagner of Koenig & Bauer and Tom Stone of Bakkavör. Sustainability expert Steve Lister will introduce the Framework to a UK audience in a one-hour headline slot at the Sign & Print Show in Birmingham on Thursday, October 1.