by Alayne Avila

When thinking about sustainability, one area of opportunity that is often missed is marketing. When it comes to the visual communications we use, whether it’s retail tags, store signage, or fabric graphics, we must put on our sustainability glasses to really make an impact. Until recently, finding sustainably printed fabric solutions seemed impossible. Some options contained small amounts of recycled content, but customers demanded more in order to truly reach their sustainability targets. That’s where Orora Visual’s expertise in printing and sustainability came into play.

The team at Orora Visual worked with its network of suppliers to create a new fabric made of 100% post-consumer recycled PET* bottles. The innovative fabric is created by grinding PET bottles into a pulp and then weaving it into a fabric to be printed on with dye sublimation & UV inkjet digital presses. This process can make beautiful, attention- grabbing retail displays up to 133 feet long, while being sustainable & promoting sustainable practices.

Often, printed fabric graphics have a short life span, as they are switched out frequently with seasons & trends. Now, companies can feel better about using these solutions, knowing they are made from 100% recycled materials. This innovative fabric offering reduces the need for new raw materials in production & offers a smaller environmental impact when shipped due to its ability to fit into smaller boxes & ship more efficiently.

Orora Visual’s new fabric solution is a perfect example of how important it is to look at your entire business through a sustainability lens. Creating sustainable visual communications doesn’t have to be a sacrifice. Sometimes great opportunities are hidden in the details that we often overlook.

*PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is a form of polyester (just like clothing fabric). It is extruded or molded into plastic bottles and containers for packaging foods and beverages, personal care products, and many other consumer products.