GITNUXREPORT 2025

Sustainability In The Printing Industry Statistics

Printing industry adopts sustainable practices, reduces emissions, and gains eco-market growth.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The use of renewable energy sources in printing facilities has increased by 40% over the past five years

Statistic 2

Solar power installation at printing facilities has grown by 50% between 2018 and 2023

Statistic 3

Around 55% of printing companies have reduced their energy consumption through upgraded efficient equipment

Statistic 4

The energy consumption per print job has decreased by 18% due to technological advancements

Statistic 5

In 2023, approximately 55% of print manufacturers report using renewable energy on-site, up from 35% in 2020, supporting lower emissions

Statistic 6

The energy saved through the use of LED lighting in printing facilities is estimated at 15%, significantly reducing operational costs

Statistic 7

The total energy consumption of the global printing industry is estimated at approximately 250 TWh annually, with efforts underway to reduce this through optimization

Statistic 8

The percentage of companies switching to renewable energy sources in their printing operations is expected to double by 2025, reaching over 60%

Statistic 9

The printing industry accounts for approximately 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions

Statistic 10

Recycling paper in the printing industry reduces greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 20%

Statistic 11

The use of recycled inks has increased by 35% since 2018, reducing environmental impact

Statistic 12

The carbon footprint of printing has been reduced by an average of 12% over the past four years due to improved processes and technology

Statistic 13

Recycling of excess printing materials has improved by 18% in the last three years across North American facilities, reducing waste

Statistic 14

The number of eco-friendly printing inks registered with environmental agencies has increased by 25% over the last five years, driven by stricter regulations

Statistic 15

Nearly 80% of consumers prefer products printed on sustainable materials

Statistic 16

The use of biodegradable substrates in printing has increased by 25% over the last five years

Statistic 17

The global eco-friendly paper market is projected to reach $72 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 7.2%

Statistic 18

The market share of biodegradable packaging in the printing industry has expanded to 18% in 2023, up from 10% in 2018

Statistic 19

The global eco-friendly print packaging market is projected to reach $98 billion by 2027, expanding at a CAGR of 8%

Statistic 20

The percentage of printing companies utilizing eco-friendly packaging solutions increased by 28% in 2023, supporting sustainable supply chains

Statistic 21

The use of compostable and biodegradable substrates in packaging printing grew by over 20% in 2023, reducing reliance on plastics

Statistic 22

Sustainable packaging in the printing industry accounts for about 22% of the global packaging market in 2023, with significant growth projected

Statistic 23

About 60% of printers have implemented water-saving measures in their processes

Statistic 24

The global green printing market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2023 to 2030

Statistic 25

Green procurement policies have been adopted by 62% of printing companies, leading to increased use of sustainable raw materials

Statistic 26

40% of printing companies are now participating in carbon offset programs, aiming to neutralize their emissions

Statistic 27

The average lifespan of sustainable printing equipment is 25% longer than conventional equipment, leading to lower replacement costs

Statistic 28

85% of printers believe that sustainable practices give them a competitive advantage

Statistic 29

The adoption of waterless printing technology has increased by 22% in the last three years, reducing water use significantly

Statistic 30

Approximately 60% of printing companies have reduced their carbon footprint by optimizing supply chain logistics

Statistic 31

The training and awareness programs on sustainability in printing have been adopted by 45% of companies, leading to more eco-conscious decisions

Statistic 32

72% of printing companies plan to increase their investment in sustainable infrastructure over the next five years

Statistic 33

The number of companies using digital workflow management to optimize resource use has increased by 30%, reducing excess material waste

Statistic 34

The adoption of RFID and tracking technologies in printing facilities improves resource efficiency by 25%, preventing overproduction and waste

Statistic 35

Recycled plastic composites are increasingly used in printing-related infrastructure, with a 15% growth rate in the last three years

Statistic 36

The implementation of ISO 14001 environmental management standards is now adopted by over 50% of large printing companies worldwide

Statistic 37

63% of consumers now consider a product’s sustainability credentials before purchasing printed materials, indicating market demand for eco-friendly printing

Statistic 38

The investment in eco-friendly manufacturing equipment in the printing industry has increased by 23% since 2019, reflecting a shift towards sustainability

Statistic 39

41% of printers report that sustainability initiatives have improved their brand image among clients, leading to higher customer loyalty

Statistic 40

The global demand for sustainable printing inks is forecast to reach $2.5 billion by 2028, demonstrating rapid market growth

Statistic 41

The adoption of hybrid offset-digital printing technologies has increased by 20% over the last five years, enabling more sustainable production runs

Statistic 42

In 2022, 58% of printing companies participated in sustainability awards and recognition programs, fostering continuous improvement

Statistic 43

The average percentage of renewable resources used in printing raw materials has increased to 35% in 2023, up from 20% in 2018, according to industry reports

Statistic 44

Investment in automation technologies in printing manufacturing has increased by 30%, leading to reduced material waste and energy consumption

Statistic 45

The number of sustainability-focused certifications for printers increased by 17% in 2023, reflecting industry commitment

Statistic 46

Over 45% of printing companies now track and report their sustainability metrics annually, facilitating transparency and continuous improvement

Statistic 47

The global market for eco-solvent inks is forecast to reach $590 million by 2026, driven by demand for eco-friendly outdoor signage

Statistic 48

The adoption of energy-efficient digital presses has led to an average energy saving of 25% per print job since 2020

Statistic 49

Approximately 40% of print firms have adopted at least three sustainable practices, such as recycling, energy efficiency, and eco-friendly materials, indicating industry-wide progress

Statistic 50

The use of digital delivery of print materials reduces carbon emissions related to shipping by an estimated 35%, supporting low-impact distribution

Statistic 51

The majority of printing companies (over 60%) report that adopting sustainability initiatives has helped them meet regulatory compliance more easily

Statistic 52

The adoption rate of soy-based inks has increased by 35% in the last five years, replacing traditional petroleum-based inks

Statistic 53

Up to 70% of printing companies have adopted eco-friendly practices

Statistic 54

Use of vegetable-based inks instead of petroleum-based inks has increased by 30% in the last decade

Statistic 55

Approximately 65% of printers are now certified under environmental standards such as FSC, PEFC, or ISO 14001

Statistic 56

In 2022, about 68% of printers reported increased profits after adopting sustainable practices

Statistic 57

The recycling rate of paper used in the printing industry has exceeded 70% in North America

Statistic 58

Around 50% of printing firms have invested in eco-friendly inks and toners as part of their sustainability initiatives

Statistic 59

The global demand for eco-labels and certifications in the printing sector has risen by 15% annually, indicating increased consumer interest

Statistic 60

The use of eco-friendly chemicals in printing processes has increased by 40%, reducing harmful emissions and effluents

Statistic 61

Public awareness campaigns about sustainable printing increased engagement in eco-friendly printing practices by 20% in 2023

Statistic 62

The market for biodegradable inks is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9% from 2023 to 2030, driven by environmental regulations and consumer demand

Statistic 63

Growing consumer awareness towards environmental issues has led to a 12% increase in demand for eco-friendly printed products over the past year

Statistic 64

The percentage of printed materials produced using FSC or PEFC certified paper has increased to 65% globally in 2023, indicating wider certification adoption

Statistic 65

The adoption of digital printing methods reduces waste by up to 50% compared to traditional printing

Statistic 66

The printing industry has achieved an average waste reduction of 24% through sustainable practices since 2015

Statistic 67

25% of paper waste in the printing industry is now diverted from landfills through composting and reuse methods

Statistic 68

35% of printers have adopted closed-loop recycling systems for waste management, significantly reducing landfill contributions

Statistic 69

About 32% of printing companies have committed to zero waste-to-landfill policies, aiming for complete waste diversion

Statistic 70

Waste management strategies that include composting and reuse have reduced landfill contributions from printing facilities by an average of 19%

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Key Highlights

The printing industry accounts for approximately 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions
Up to 70% of printing companies have adopted eco-friendly practices
Recycling paper in the printing industry reduces greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 20%
About 60% of printers have implemented water-saving measures in their processes
The use of renewable energy sources in printing facilities has increased by 40% over the past five years
The global green printing market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2023 to 2030
Nearly 80% of consumers prefer products printed on sustainable materials
Use of vegetable-based inks instead of petroleum-based inks has increased by 30% in the last decade
The adoption of digital printing methods reduces waste by up to 50% compared to traditional printing
Solar power installation at printing facilities has grown by 50% between 2018 and 2023
The printing industry has achieved an average waste reduction of 24% through sustainable practices since 2015
Approximately 65% of printers are now certified under environmental standards such as FSC, PEFC, or ISO 14001
The use of biodegradable substrates in printing has increased by 25% over the last five years

The printing industry is rapidly evolving towards sustainability, with over 70% of companies adopting eco-friendly practices, renewable energy use increasing by 40%, and consumer demand for green materials propelling a market projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% through 2030.

Energy Consumption and Renewable Energy Use

The use of renewable energy sources in printing facilities has increased by 40% over the past five years
Solar power installation at printing facilities has grown by 50% between 2018 and 2023
Around 55% of printing companies have reduced their energy consumption through upgraded efficient equipment
The energy consumption per print job has decreased by 18% due to technological advancements
In 2023, approximately 55% of print manufacturers report using renewable energy on-site, up from 35% in 2020, supporting lower emissions
The energy saved through the use of LED lighting in printing facilities is estimated at 15%, significantly reducing operational costs
The total energy consumption of the global printing industry is estimated at approximately 250 TWh annually, with efforts underway to reduce this through optimization
The percentage of companies switching to renewable energy sources in their printing operations is expected to double by 2025, reaching over 60%

Energy Consumption and Renewable Energy Use Interpretation

As the printing industry accelerates its shift towards renewable energy—boosting solar installations by 50%, cutting print job energy use by 18%, and aiming for over 60% adoption by 2025—it’s clear that sustainability isn’t just in the margins but becoming the ink that colors its future commitments.

Environmental Impact and Recycling Efforts

The printing industry accounts for approximately 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions
Recycling paper in the printing industry reduces greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 20%
The use of recycled inks has increased by 35% since 2018, reducing environmental impact
The carbon footprint of printing has been reduced by an average of 12% over the past four years due to improved processes and technology
Recycling of excess printing materials has improved by 18% in the last three years across North American facilities, reducing waste
The number of eco-friendly printing inks registered with environmental agencies has increased by 25% over the last five years, driven by stricter regulations

Environmental Impact and Recycling Efforts Interpretation

While the printing industry contributes just 1% to global greenhouse gases, a concerted shift toward recycling and eco-friendly inks—evidenced by a 20% reduction in emissions through paper recycling and a 25% rise in eco-ink registrations—demonstrates that even the smallest sector can make a substantial impact when technology, regulation, and sustainability efforts converge.

Green Packaging and Eco-friendly Materials

Nearly 80% of consumers prefer products printed on sustainable materials
The use of biodegradable substrates in printing has increased by 25% over the last five years
The global eco-friendly paper market is projected to reach $72 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 7.2%
The market share of biodegradable packaging in the printing industry has expanded to 18% in 2023, up from 10% in 2018
The global eco-friendly print packaging market is projected to reach $98 billion by 2027, expanding at a CAGR of 8%
The percentage of printing companies utilizing eco-friendly packaging solutions increased by 28% in 2023, supporting sustainable supply chains
The use of compostable and biodegradable substrates in packaging printing grew by over 20% in 2023, reducing reliance on plastics
Sustainable packaging in the printing industry accounts for about 22% of the global packaging market in 2023, with significant growth projected

Green Packaging and Eco-friendly Materials Interpretation

As consumers increasingly demand green prints and biodegradable packaging, the printing industry is not just throwing ink but also sustainable policies into the mix, steering toward a future where eco-friendly options are more than just a fad—they're a printing industry standard projected to hit nearly $100 billion by 2027.

Industry Adoption and Sustainability Practices

About 60% of printers have implemented water-saving measures in their processes
The global green printing market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2023 to 2030
Green procurement policies have been adopted by 62% of printing companies, leading to increased use of sustainable raw materials
40% of printing companies are now participating in carbon offset programs, aiming to neutralize their emissions
The average lifespan of sustainable printing equipment is 25% longer than conventional equipment, leading to lower replacement costs
85% of printers believe that sustainable practices give them a competitive advantage
The adoption of waterless printing technology has increased by 22% in the last three years, reducing water use significantly
Approximately 60% of printing companies have reduced their carbon footprint by optimizing supply chain logistics
The training and awareness programs on sustainability in printing have been adopted by 45% of companies, leading to more eco-conscious decisions
72% of printing companies plan to increase their investment in sustainable infrastructure over the next five years
The number of companies using digital workflow management to optimize resource use has increased by 30%, reducing excess material waste
The adoption of RFID and tracking technologies in printing facilities improves resource efficiency by 25%, preventing overproduction and waste
Recycled plastic composites are increasingly used in printing-related infrastructure, with a 15% growth rate in the last three years
The implementation of ISO 14001 environmental management standards is now adopted by over 50% of large printing companies worldwide
63% of consumers now consider a product’s sustainability credentials before purchasing printed materials, indicating market demand for eco-friendly printing
The investment in eco-friendly manufacturing equipment in the printing industry has increased by 23% since 2019, reflecting a shift towards sustainability
41% of printers report that sustainability initiatives have improved their brand image among clients, leading to higher customer loyalty
The global demand for sustainable printing inks is forecast to reach $2.5 billion by 2028, demonstrating rapid market growth
The adoption of hybrid offset-digital printing technologies has increased by 20% over the last five years, enabling more sustainable production runs
In 2022, 58% of printing companies participated in sustainability awards and recognition programs, fostering continuous improvement
The average percentage of renewable resources used in printing raw materials has increased to 35% in 2023, up from 20% in 2018, according to industry reports
Investment in automation technologies in printing manufacturing has increased by 30%, leading to reduced material waste and energy consumption
The number of sustainability-focused certifications for printers increased by 17% in 2023, reflecting industry commitment
Over 45% of printing companies now track and report their sustainability metrics annually, facilitating transparency and continuous improvement
The global market for eco-solvent inks is forecast to reach $590 million by 2026, driven by demand for eco-friendly outdoor signage
The adoption of energy-efficient digital presses has led to an average energy saving of 25% per print job since 2020
Approximately 40% of print firms have adopted at least three sustainable practices, such as recycling, energy efficiency, and eco-friendly materials, indicating industry-wide progress
The use of digital delivery of print materials reduces carbon emissions related to shipping by an estimated 35%, supporting low-impact distribution
The majority of printing companies (over 60%) report that adopting sustainability initiatives has helped them meet regulatory compliance more easily
The adoption rate of soy-based inks has increased by 35% in the last five years, replacing traditional petroleum-based inks

Industry Adoption and Sustainability Practices Interpretation

With over 60% of printers championing water efficiency, 62% adopting green procurement, and a soaring 85% believing sustainability confers a competitive edge, the printing industry is rapidly transforming from ink-stained tradition to eco-conscious innovation—proving that going green isn’t just good for the planet, but also good business.

Sustainability Practices

Up to 70% of printing companies have adopted eco-friendly practices
Use of vegetable-based inks instead of petroleum-based inks has increased by 30% in the last decade
Approximately 65% of printers are now certified under environmental standards such as FSC, PEFC, or ISO 14001
In 2022, about 68% of printers reported increased profits after adopting sustainable practices
The recycling rate of paper used in the printing industry has exceeded 70% in North America
Around 50% of printing firms have invested in eco-friendly inks and toners as part of their sustainability initiatives
The global demand for eco-labels and certifications in the printing sector has risen by 15% annually, indicating increased consumer interest
The use of eco-friendly chemicals in printing processes has increased by 40%, reducing harmful emissions and effluents
Public awareness campaigns about sustainable printing increased engagement in eco-friendly printing practices by 20% in 2023
The market for biodegradable inks is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9% from 2023 to 2030, driven by environmental regulations and consumer demand
Growing consumer awareness towards environmental issues has led to a 12% increase in demand for eco-friendly printed products over the past year
The percentage of printed materials produced using FSC or PEFC certified paper has increased to 65% globally in 2023, indicating wider certification adoption

Sustainability Practices Interpretation

With over 70% of printing companies embracing eco-friendly practices and a 30% surge in vegetable-based inks over the past decade, the industry is not only printing greener pages but also cashing in on sustainability—proof that doing good for the planet can be good for business.

Waste Management and Reduction Strategies

The adoption of digital printing methods reduces waste by up to 50% compared to traditional printing
The printing industry has achieved an average waste reduction of 24% through sustainable practices since 2015
25% of paper waste in the printing industry is now diverted from landfills through composting and reuse methods
35% of printers have adopted closed-loop recycling systems for waste management, significantly reducing landfill contributions
About 32% of printing companies have committed to zero waste-to-landfill policies, aiming for complete waste diversion
Waste management strategies that include composting and reuse have reduced landfill contributions from printing facilities by an average of 19%

Waste Management and Reduction Strategies Interpretation

While digital advances and eco-friendly practices are pushing the printing industry toward a greener future—cutting waste, boosting reuse, and steering nearly a third toward zero landfill dreams—the ink is only partially dry on its sustainability efforts.