Brunner calls for green drupa

Print environmentalist Laurel Brunner is calling on drupa to show its green colours during the 11 days of the mega show next April.

 

Brunner says drupa could provide leadership to the industry in regard to the environment, just as it does in a host of other areas.

She says, “We would like to see the organisers taking up this role, setting out a framework to support the exhibitors, visitors, local supply chains and local businesses who want to keep investing print.

“Sustainability and environmental impact mitigation will naturally be part of exhibitor messaging at drupa 2021. But amplifying that messaging takes leadership from the organisers. We all have to be aware of our ecological responsibilities, so we would like to see coordinated policies at the show for waste reduction, catering and waste management.”

Brunner says there are opportunities to support local print users by working to put press manufacturers in touch with local libraries, schools, businesses and governments. She says, “As part of showing off their presses’ capabilities, manufacturers could provide printed samples that people will actually use instead of junking them. This means a bit of logistical creativity, but it could reduce waste to nothing, because the prints are sent off to where they are required.”

According to Brunner, such an effort would be consistent with Messe Düsseldorf’s commitment to the local Climate-Neutral Düsseldorf 2050 programme. Brunner is hoping the programme will be more fully developed by next April.

Messe Düsseldorf has implemented ISO 50001, for energy management and has policies in place to support recycling as well. Brunner says, “There is a chance for Messe Düsseldorf to take a real lead here by extending these actions to the shows the organisation hosts, especially drupa 2021.”

Brunner says that sustainability and environmental impact mitigation should be part of all sessions. She says, “They are keen themes for all modern business, and printing companies and their customers are interested to have more hands on education. They can benefit considerably from informative sessions that help answer fundamental sustainability questions, such as why choose print over digital media.

"Ideally, drupa 2021 will include workshops addressing the basics of how to improve environmental impacts, along with information about the role of process control. Leadership and support for the industry is vital, especially in times of uncertainty. Let’s hope the organisers take advantage of the opportunity postponement offers.”

This article was produced by the Verdigris Project, an industry initiative intended to raise awareness of print’s positive environmental impact. This weekly commentary helps printing companies keep up to date with environmental standards, and how environmentally friendly business management can help improve their bottom lines. Verdigris is supported by the following companies: Agfa Graphics, EFI, Fespa, Fujifilm, HP, Kodak, Miraclon, Ricoh, Spindrift, Splash PR, Unity Publishing and Xeikon.