Introduction
Green printing has become a modern, practical way to improve in-store experience, reduce waste, and keep campaigns moving without fuss. At Pointmedia, sustainability sits alongside production speed and print quality, so marketers do not have to choose one over the other.
Our approach starts with responsible material control. Pointmedia aligns with recognised sustainability schemes, such as FSC and PEFC, which promote responsible forest management and full supply chain traceability. Although we are not currently ISO 14001 certified, our environmental management practices are structured around its core principles, supporting our goals for compliance, performance, and continual improvement.
Sustainable intent only works if the output looks the part. In-house production uses high-resolution print technology, photographic quality finishing and UV-resistant inks to keep graphics sharp and durable in store lighting and window conditions. Short run digital supports adhering to tight deadlines, and variable data lets you personalise content without over-ordering. Knowing when to use these levers can help to cut overruns and obsolete stock, making for an easy way to trim both costs and environmental impact.
Most retail waste happens in execution, rather than during the design process. As a guide, treating fulfilment as part of sustainability by taking steps to plan collation, labelling and tracked distribution to multiple destinations can go a long way towards reducing needless waste. We also recommend that UK retailers and brands reference WRAP guidance to measure and prevent waste, and try their best to keep pace with government policies such as Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging.
On the shopfloor, well designed and implemented point of sale assets are more likely to earn their footprint. At Pointmedia, we design and produce POS graphics to capture attention and drive sales, using premium materials chosen for durability and fit. Our team manages production and installation across interior and exterior spaces, so seasonal campaigns, window wraps, floor graphics and wayfinding move quickly from sign-off to store, all whilst matching your specific guidelines and requests. Our end result always seeks to provide a cleaner path from creative to live environment, with fewer defects and less waste in the middle.
What to prioritise if you are refreshing your retail print:
Think about choosing substrates and finishes that match your dwell time and location. Products such as UV-resistant inks and suitable stocks are much more likely to reduce colour fade and extend display life, especially at windows and entrances; if you’re looking to go further than specification, try to only use accepted measurement frameworks. A product’s life-cycle footprint can be assessed using guidance from sources such as the Carbon Trust, and reported using the GHG Protocol scopes.
Always focus on keeping production runs agile. Short digital runs and variable data reduce leftover stock and allow precise, store-specific messaging, order only what you need, when you need it. For end-of-life, follow UK best practice on recycling communications and material guidance from organisations such as Recycle Now, or use WRAP’s campaign assets to make it easier for stores to dispose of materials correctly.
Finally, always design specifically for installation. By planning graphics that minimise joins and trims where possible and specify fixings that fit the site, installation teams are able to work faster with fewer errors, which saves materials and time.
By considering factors such as certified sourcing and waste reduction in the factory, all the way through to accurate fulfilment and robust in-store performance, Pointmedia’s approach gives retailers and brands a simple, accessible means to meet commercial goals, all whilst improving environmental outcomes. If you want to roll these principles into your next campaign, the team can scope substrates, print routes and fulfilment to fit your calendar and store.
