Collaborating with Green Technology Partners for a Sustainable Printing Industry

As the world undergoes a green revolution, businesses must actively contribute to reducing their environmental impact. The print and packaging industry is adapting to this change, but there's always room for improvement. By collaborating with green technology partners to create eco-friendly solutions, businesses can minimize their environmental footprint while offering innovative products that differentiate them from competitors.

Eco-friendly Composite Sleeves with Plant-based Resin

At Rotometal, we've developed eco-friendly composite sleeves using plant-based resin. Traditionally, resin is made from petroleum-based chemicals that have a negative environmental impact. By partnering with our suppliers, who are leaders in resin technology and production, we have successfully created an eco-friendly alternative that maintains the excellent benefits of traditional resin. This collaboration has resulted in composite sleeves that offer the same level of quality and performance while minimizing environmental impact.

Revolutionary rPET Honeycomb Volumetric Layer

Working closely with our suppliers, we've developed the rPET honeycomb volumetric layer, an innovative solution that uses recycled plastic bottles as a material source. Studies show that rPET can reduce overall CO2 emissions by up to 80% compared to virgin PET*. This breakthrough technology improves product quality and performance while reducing environmental impact and costs. 

*According to research funded by ALPLA.

Collaboration Strategies for Sustainable Innovation

As industry professionals, it's essential to recognize that waiting for the market to develop eco-friendly solutions may not always be the best approach. Instead, consider taking an active role by collaborating with your suppliers to develop innovative, eco-friendly products. This proactive mindset will not only differentiate you from your competitors but also enable you to take control of your environmental impact.

Businesses can take an active role in developing eco-friendly solutions by collaborating with their suppliers. To foster these relationships, focus on:

1. Developing a strong communication strategy
2. Building non-transactional relationships
3. Creating a learning and sharing culture

Developing a Strong Communication Strategy

Establishing effective communication with suppliers is crucial for successful collaboration. Sharing your vision, goals, and expectations while encouraging suppliers to do the same helps align interests and objectives. Providing both positive and constructive feedback fosters improvement and recognizes achievements. Keeping suppliers informed of changes in demand, specifications, or delivery schedules and maintaining flexibility when they face challenges promotes a strong foundation for collaboration.

Building Non-Transactional Relationships:

Investing time and resources to develop high-level, non-transactional support from suppliers creates transparent and collaborative relationships. Identify suppliers offering unique joint opportunities to create and retain significant value, and align strategically to define joint objectives. Adopt a methodical approach to define collaboration scope, roles, and responsibilities, and establish a governance structure that facilitates decision-making and problem-solving processes. Involving senior leaders from both sides ensures accountability and transparency.

Creating a Learning and Sharing Culture:

Fostering a continuous improvement and innovation mindset with suppliers leads to shared best practices and new ideas. Encourage suppliers to share their knowledge, expertise, and insights while seeking input and feedback. Provide opportunities for suppliers to learn from you, access resources and networks, and offer training, mentoring, or coaching. Collaborate on joint projects or initiatives that challenge and stimulate creativity, using tools and platforms to facilitate brainstorming, ideation, and prototyping processes. Embrace experimentation with new products, technologies, or markets, and validate assumptions and hypotheses together.

Remember, you have the power to make a difference and inspire change within your industry. By taking the initiative and focusing on sustainability, you'll contribute to a greener future while also gaining a competitive edge in the market. By building relationships with your suppliers, you can work together to create a greener, brighter future.