#printresponsibly

By Diana Mocanu, PRINTCO SRL, Romania

Sustainability is one of those words that gets tossed around a lot these days—so much so that, at times, it can feel like background noise. But for us at PRINTCO SRL, based in Romania, it’s not a trend or a checkbox. It’s a set of values that guide how we think, how we work, and how we grow.

That’s not to say we have it all figured out. We don’t. Sustainability isn’t a finish line. It’s an evolving journey—one with experiments, successes, and, occasionally, missteps. But we believe that print production, when done thoughtfully, can be both effective and responsible.

Let me share a bit about how we’re approaching that responsibility.

1. Smarter Material Choices

The first question we ask when starting any packaging or print project is: Can we use less? If the answer is yes, we do.

We’re constantly evaluating substrates—looking for options that offer durability, visual appeal, and lower environmental impact. That often means shifting toward FSC-certified paper, recycled content, or biodegradable alternatives. In some cases, we help clients transition away from plastic entirely.

It’s not just about what looks good—it’s about what lives responsibly after the product has been unboxed or used.

2. Minimal Waste Production

Waste is a quiet cost in print production. Off-cuts, overproduction, outdated inventory—all of it adds up. That’s why we’ve built a system around precision and planning.

We run smaller, more targeted batches. We optimize print layouts to reduce material scraps. And wherever possible, we repurpose or recycle the remnants of our production process.

One internal example: the offcuts from a premium folding box project were converted into sample cards for another client. Not glamorous, maybe—but practical. Responsible. And that’s how habits form.

3. Eco-Friendly Inks and Coatings

Sustainability isn’t only about paper. What goes on the paper matters, too.

We’ve transitioned to vegetable-based and water-based inks in much of our work—especially for food packaging and wellness products. These inks reduce the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making both our workplace and the end product safer.

We’re also more cautious about finishes. Glossy laminations and foil can make recycling difficult, so we explore alternatives like water-based varnishes or uncoated tactile textures that still deliver a premium feel.

Is it always the cheapest option? Not necessarily. But sustainability often isn’t about cost—it’s about value. And long-term thinking.

4. Energy-Conscious Production

Our production facility in Romania is steadily becoming more energy-efficient. We’ve invested in machines that consume less power, generate less heat, and produce more consistent results. We’ve also adjusted workflows to minimize idle time and unnecessary run cycles.

We’re not fully powered by renewables yet—but we’re actively exploring partnerships and future upgrades that will bring us closer.

Sometimes the improvements are small—a better lighting system, a smarter cooling unit—but they compound over time.

5. Sustainable Design Thinking

We try to educate our clients, too—not in a preachy way, but in a collaborative one.

Often, sustainability starts in the design phase. Can a box be resized to eliminate excess material? Can a label do double duty as a seal? Can a product’s message be printed inside the box instead of on an extra insert?

These aren’t just theoretical questions. They’re decisions that influence how much waste is generated, how the customer experiences the brand, and what happens when the packaging reaches the bin—or, ideally, the recycling bin.

6. Transparent Communication

We don’t claim to be perfect. But we do try to be honest.

When a client wants a finish or structure that isn’t eco-friendly, we talk about it. We explore alternatives. We weigh the trade-offs. Sometimes the final choice still leans toward aesthetics or functionality—but at least it’s a conscious one.

That kind of transparency builds better projects, better partnerships, and, I believe, better outcomes.

A Global Context

This year, PRINTCO SRL is honored to be nominated for the 2025 Go Global Awards, taking place this November in London. The event, hosted by the International Trade Council, isn’t just about recognition. It’s a space for meaningful conversation—about where industries are going, how businesses can do better, and what global cooperation really looks like.

We’re proud to be part of that community. Not because we have all the answers, but because we’re asking the right questions. Because we care. Because, in a world of fast decisions and throwaway culture, choosing the sustainable path still matters.

Looking Forward

We’re not here to claim that print will ever be zero impact. But we believe in better impact. Thoughtful choices. Smarter systems. Clearer values.

And when brands and printers work together with that shared mindset, real change becomes not just possible—but probable.

So, whether you're a startup planning your first packaging run or a seasoned company rethinking your materials, our message is simple: Sustainability doesn’t have to be complex. It just has to be intentional.

By Diana Mocanu, PRINTCO SRL, Romania

It’s tempting to chase the lowest price. Especially in today’s world, where it seems like everything—from manufacturing to printing—can be outsourced, shipped, and delivered at incredible speed and scale. But every decision has trade-offs, and when it comes to printing, choosing a local partner isn’t just about convenience. It’s about sustainability. It’s about agility. And, in many cases, it’s about strategy.

At PRINTCO SRL, based here in Romania, we’ve seen how the landscape has shifted. More brands—especially small and mid-sized ones—are rethinking their supply chains. They’re realizing that local printing doesn’t just feel good ethically. It is good. Practically and environmentally.

Let’s break down why that is.

1. Drastically Reduced Transportation Emissions

This is the most obvious, but it’s worth repeating. Printing locally means shorter delivery routes. That means fewer trucks, less fuel, lower emissions. It’s a simple change with an immediate environmental payoff.

We once worked with a client who had been printing their packaging overseas—only to ship it back to Romania for final assembly. When they switched to local printing with us, they not only reduced carbon output but shortened their production timeline by two weeks.

Every kilometer counts. Especially when multiplied over hundreds or thousands of units.

2. Faster Turnarounds and Greater Flexibility

Let’s be honest: the global supply chain isn’t what it used to be. Delays happen. Ships get stuck. Containers go missing. And when your packaging is stuck in transit, so is your product.

Local printing brings the process closer to home. Lead times are shorter. Communication is faster. If something needs to change last minute—say, a regulatory update or a design tweak—you’re not at the mercy of distant time zones or customs bottlenecks.

We had a food client recently who needed a rapid batch of new labels to meet a packaging compliance issue. Because they were printing locally, we were able to turn it around in under 48 hours. That agility would’ve been impossible with an offshore supplier.

3. Stronger Collaboration and Better Communication

Face-to-face meetings aren’t always necessary, but they do help. Being able to sit down with your printer, physically touch materials, review samples together—it changes the nature of the relationship.

Local printers become partners, not just vendors. You build trust. You develop shared language. You’re not just sending files and hoping for the best—you’re co-creating.

At PRINTCO SRL, we often host clients at our production site. They get to see the process, meet the people, even adjust things on the fly. That level of transparency is hard to replicate remotely.

4. Supporting the Local Economy

Sustainability isn’t only environmental. It’s social and economic, too. When you print locally, you’re reinvesting in your own community—supporting skilled workers, small businesses, and the broader regional economy.

In Romania, where the print and packaging industry is constantly evolving, every local partnership helps fuel innovation. It helps create jobs. It keeps expertise rooted where it's needed most.

And honestly, it feels good. There's something powerful about seeing your project come to life right here, not half a world away.

5. Smaller Batches, Less Waste

Many overseas suppliers require large minimum orders to make shipping cost-effective. That leads to overproduction, which leads to storage headaches—or worse, waste.

Local printing often allows for smaller, more frequent runs. That means you can adjust based on demand, avoid excess inventory, and test new ideas with less risk.

One cosmetics startup we worked with prints just 500 units per label design. That flexibility allows them to experiment, respond to customer feedback, and reduce unsold product waste.

More control, less guessing.

6. Better Oversight = Better Quality

When you print close to home, you’re more involved. That means issues get caught earlier. Quality checks are more consistent. Mistakes are easier to fix.

We believe the fewer steps between the design and the press, the better the outcome. You can touch the materials, approve the color proof in person, see the first samples as they come off the line. That directness reduces surprises—and supports better outcomes.

A Moment to Reflect

This year, PRINTCO SRL is honored to be nominated for the 2025 Go Global Awards, hosted by the International Trade Council in London this November. It’s not just about recognition—though of course we’re proud to be included. It’s also about sharing perspectives, learning from peers around the world, and exploring new ways to do business more consciously, more responsibly.

Sustainability is more than a buzzword. It’s a mindset. It’s a hundred small decisions, made day by day, that collectively shape how we move forward.

And choosing local printing—when it’s an option—is one of those small decisions that makes a big difference.

Is Local Printing Right for You?

It’s not the answer for everyone. Global production still plays a role. But for many brands—especially those prioritizing sustainability, speed, and meaningful partnerships—local printing just makes sense.

So, maybe ask yourself:

Could we cut emissions by printing closer to home?

Could we respond faster to change?

Could we build deeper relationships with our suppliers?

Could we reduce waste by printing only what we need?