The Sustainable Benefits of Print-On-Demand
April is Earth Month, and there’s no better time to celebrate our planet—and reflect on the role your business plays in protecting it.
As more consumers shop with sustainability in mind, brands are under growing pressure to operate responsibly without compromising on quality, style, or values. That’s where print-on-demand (POD) steps in. It’s a smarter, more sustainable way to create and sell products and at Inkthreadable, it’s at the heart of everything we do.
Rethinking Fashion’s Footprint 👣
The traditional fashion industry has a bit of a reputation… and not in a good way. Overproduction, fast fashion and outdated supply chains have led to staggering amounts of waste, pollution, and carbon emissions. Huge volumes of clothing are produced, never sold, and end up in landfill which are costing the planet dearly.
But here’s the good news: print-on-demand is turning that around.
With POD, products are made to order. No excess stock, no wasted materials, and no guesswork. You only create what your customer actually wants which minimises environmental impact while keeping your shelves (and conscience) clear.
In this article:
- Why Print-On-Demand is the Greener Choice 🌱
- Why Sustainability Matters for Your Brand 🌎
- Don’t Forget the Packaging 📦
- Ready to Go Greener? Here’s How 🌿
- The Future is Green and Print-On-Demand is Leading the Way 🌍
Keep reading to learn more!
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Why Print-On-Demand is the Greener Choice 🌱
1. Waste? What Waste?
POD slashes waste by only producing items once they’re ordered. That means no overstock, no unsold products, and a serious reduction in textile waste. It also helps cut back on storage needs and resources used in warehousing.
2. Smaller Carbon Footprint
Inkthreadable prints locally in the UK to reduce transport emissions. Plus, our direct-to-garment printers use less water and energy than traditional methods, meaning you get vibrant, lasting prints without draining the planet’s resources.
3. Eco-Friendly Materials & Inks
Our product range includes organic cotton and recycled fabrics. Everything we print uses water-based, vegan-friendly inks which are free from harmful chemicals. Even a selection of our embroidery threads, which are made from 100% recycled PET, sourced from post-consumer plastic bottles.
4. Ethical Supply Chains
It’s not just about the materials, it’s about the people too. We work with partners who prioritise fair wages, safe working conditions, and responsible sourcing. So when you choose Inkthreadable, you’re backing ethical production every step of the way.
Why Sustainability Matters for Your Brand 🌎
It’s not just good for the environment, it’s good for business too.
✨ Meet Growing Demand
Consumers are actively seeking sustainable products. Offering eco-friendly merch puts you ahead of the curve and appeals to a growing conscious audience.
💚 Build Brand Loyalty
When your values align with your customers’, it creates deeper connections. Ethical brands attract passionate supporters who love to share what they’ve found.
🚀 Stand Out from the Crowd
Let’s face it—there are a lot of POD stores out there. Sustainability is a powerful differentiator that helps you shine in a crowded market.
🫶 Strengthen Trust
People want to buy from brands they believe in. Transparency and action around sustainability help build credibility and spark positive reviews.
Don’t Forget the Packaging 📦
Sustainability doesn’t stop at the product. At Inkthreadable, we’ve been proudly plastic-free since 2019.
We use paper or cardboard packaging to reduce waste and we’re always encouraging customers to reuse or recycle too.
Less packaging. Less plastic. Less impact.
Ready to Go Greener? Here’s How 🌿
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, transitioning to a more sustainable POD model is easier than you think:
✅ Choose suppliers who put sustainability first (hello, is it us you’re looking for!)
✅ Select organic or recycled garments
✅ Opt for water-based printing and ethical sourcing
✅ Share your journey - educating your audience is a powerful tool
The Future is Green and Print-On-Demand is Leading the Way 🌍
As e-commerce continues to evolve, sustainability is no longer a ‘nice to have’, it’s essential. From consumer preferences to future regulations, the world is shifting, and businesses that adapt will thrive.
By utilising sustainable POD, you’re not only future-proofing your brand - you’re helping protect the planet too.
Let’s Make a Difference Together 💪
Ready to take your Print-On-Demand business to the next level?
At Inkthreadable, we’re here to help you create beautiful, responsibly made products that reflect your values and inspire your customers.
Switch to sustainable print-on-demand today and join a growing movement for change. 👉 Explore Our Eco-Friendly Range
MEET INKTHREADABLE
We're a family-run business, but we pack a lot of punch! Our team is made up of expert printers, graphic designers and the most friendly customer support team you'll ever meet (we are from Lancashire, after all). Founded in 2013 by co-founders Alex & Amy, Inkthreadable has been built from the ground up. We've already fulfilled over 1.8 million orders, and we're ready to fulfil yours too!