How Sustainability Has Changed Print Over the Last 100 Years

When SF Taylor was founded in 1926, sustainability wasn’t something businesses talked about.

Print production focused on efficiency, volume and keeping industries moving. Large print runs, manual processes and excess waste were common across the industry.

100 years later, the conversation has changed dramatically.

Today, sustainability is one of the biggest drivers of innovation across print and packaging — shaping how products are sourced, manufactured, delivered and recycled.

As we mark World Environment Day and celebrate our own centenary year at SF Taylor, it’s clear just how much the industry has evolved.

Smarter Production, Less Waste

Modern print manufacturing is far more efficient than it once was.

Advances in automation, digital workflows and production technology now allow businesses to reduce waste, improve accuracy and lower energy consumption throughout the manufacturing process.

At SF Taylor, investments in LED lighting, energy-efficient machinery and smarter workflow systems have helped significantly reduce our environmental impact. We’ve also committed to reducing emissions by 5% year-on-year as part of our wider goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040.

Responsible Sourcing Matters More Than Ever

Customer expectations have also evolved significantly.

Today, businesses want confidence that materials are responsibly sourced and environmentally conscious.

That’s why all paper used within our manufacturing processes is FSC or PEFC certified, ensuring it comes from responsibly managed forests. We also use vegetable-based inks, chemical-free printing plates and recyclable packaging materials wherever possible.

Sustainability Beyond the Product

Sustainability is no longer just about the finished product — it’s about the entire process.

Our “One Box Solution” helps consolidate deliveries and reduce unnecessary packaging, contributing to a 24% reduction in delivery-related emissions.

Across the business, we continue introducing more sustainable practices, including:

  • recyclable eco-packaging
  • biodegradable wraps
  • waste segregation and recycling
  • reusable display systems
  • employee sustainability initiatives

Currently, 0% of our general waste goes to landfill.

Continuing to Improve

The print industry has transformed enormously over the last century, and sustainability will continue to shape the way businesses operate.

At SF Taylor, our approach has always been about evolving, improving and finding better ways to support our customers.

As we celebrate 100 years of Print, People and Progress, we remain committed to reducing our environmental impact and continuing to build smarter, more responsible solutions for the future.

 

                 

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