As more brands continue to put more environmentally responsible business models and operational processes in their systems, operators in the printing industry need to also align in a collaborative way by adopting more automated workflows to meet the increasing demands of sustainability in the ever-changing market. This SPECIAL FEATURE ARTICLE by Somesh Adukia shows how print service providers can sustainably align with profit in view:
The drive for environmental accountability in the printing industry has increasingly taken centre stage for African industry players over the past decade. The need for sustainable and responsible growth, while still realising profits, has led to several new business practices, with a focus on meeting customers’ rising sustainability demands.
Embracing circularity and technological innovations
At the heart of these developments are two key factors: circularity and innovative technologies.
- Circularity: Many companies are making the transition to leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing production equipment in a bid to both reduce costs and minimise the company’s environmental footprint. This extends to waste management as well, with the industry working hard to recycle or dispose of by-products and printed materials in a more responsible way.
- Advanced modern technologies: The use of advanced technology leads to improved production processes, resulting in enhanced speed, productivity, and output quality. It also helps to save resources, and lower energy consumption and raw material use.
With the global printing market expected to grow to $350.2 billion in 2026 at a Cumulative Average Growth Rate (CAGR) of 2.1%, and the African print market expected to reach US$235.3 million by the end of 2031, it’s clear that the printing industry globally as well as in Africa is embracing current trends and technologies.
Sustainability is being recognised as a business imperative
At the same time, recent global surveys of consumers and business executives from PwC and Deloitte highlight the fact that interest and active participation in sustainability is increasing and, by extension, businesses that are seen to be more sustainable are those that are primed for growth. Seventy-five percent of respondents, including from Africa and the Middle East, have increased their investments in sustainability over the past 12 months.
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting is increasingly becoming a requirement for smaller African businesses as well as large corporations. In South Africa, for example, JSE-listed companies are required to comply with the King Report on Corporate Governance, which recommends that companies produce sustainability reports.
African print service providers who understand these requirements and have actioned change are in the perfect position to offer customers sustainable solutions. This could include alternative print materials that offer greater options for repurposing and recycling at the end of their lifespans, or options with a lower carbon footprint at various stages of the process.
Contributing to social and economic development
The African landscape also offers unique economic realities. Job creation and community development are key focus areas, and incorporating sustainable business practices into printing processes has the potential to give rise to opportunities for employment, along with developing local solutions for recycling print materials.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) also have relevance in a discussion about sustainability in the printing industry. While Africa has seen some progress against the SDGs, the continent is lagging in making substantial progress. The printing industry has the potential to accelerate this progress and contribute to these global targets through local actions.
Unique solutions to Africa’s challenges
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for businesses operating in Africa. Understanding the available technological, operational, and material choices and how they respond to diverse customer needs; however, is an investment that print businesses could turn to their commercial advantage, not just from a sales perspective, but as an exercise in futureproofing too.
The growing importance of sustainability in Africa’s printing industry cannot be overstated. Businesses on the continent are rising to the occasion, incorporating sustainable business practices and ensuring they are operating in a way that protects the continent’s resources and empowers its citizens.
© Picture credit – Canon
About Somesh Adukia & Canon Central and North Africa
Customer Focus is No°1 Priority for Somesh Adukia – the Managing Director of Canon Central and North Africa – CCNA. He is also a firm believer in having open channels of communication with respect and autonomy to all regardless of culture, customs, language or race, which amongst others stand as one of the core values of Canon.
Canon Central and North Africa – CCNA (Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step aimed at enhancing Canon’s business within the Africa region. Specifically, the creation strengthens Canon’s in-country presence and focus demonstrating Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.
Having represents Canon in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region, CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. Today, CCNA has over 100 employees that manage sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa. Not only that, with Canon’s corporate philosophy: Kyosei meaning ‘living and working together for the common good’, CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services.
This is because Canon, as pioneer, is constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good of all. Through its technology and spirit of innovation, the company continues to push the boundary of what is possible. As it states: ‘Helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.’
