Transforming Wide-Format Printing with Sustainable Innovation and Collaboration

Credit: Monadnock Paper Mills

In the competitive and ever-evolving print industry, two companies embarked on a journey united by a common goal: to champion sustainability and innovation. SunDance, Florida’s first certified Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP) printer, and Monadnock Paper Mills, the oldest continuously operating paper mill in the United States, joined forces to navigate the challenges of sustainable printing. Monadnock is a member of PRINTING United Alliance.

The partnership between SunDance and Monadnock began with a mutual recognition of each other's dedication to sustainability and a shared desire to equip brands with an environmentally friendly wide-format solution. SunDance, known for its solvent recyclers and vegetable-based inks, found a kindred spirit in Monadnock, whose advanced eco-friendly materials, like their 100% PCW recycled fine printing, packaging board, and wide-format fiber-based products, exemplify sustainable innovation.

Widely used in retail environments, displays, signage, and trade shows, these larger print formats have historically not been recyclable or made from environmentally friendly substrates. Monadnock’s products address this issue, offering sustainable options without compromising print quality or durability—an important advantage for SunDance and its customers. Monadnock offers tangible metrics, such as their Environmental Impact Certificate, which allows PSPs to demonstrate their sustainability efforts to clients. Monadnock’s commitment to sustainability extends to its operational efficiency, ensuring reliable and timely delivery of materials and mitigating supply chain disruptions that can affect production schedules. This alliance was cemented by a shared belief that sustainability should be more than a sales driver—it should be a fundamental way of conducting business. This transparency builds trust and reinforces the value of eco-friendly practices.

Chloe Jones, Director of Marketing & Communications, Monadnock Paper Mills

Challenges and Innovations

As the partnership deepened, SunDance and Monadnock worked together to tackle various challenges, including the need to educate the market about sustainable wide-format printing options. Many in the industry are unaware that most wide-format products are not sustainably made or recyclable and that there are alternatives to styrene and corrugated plastic. This was particularly crucial for SunDance, which frequently provides recyclable substrates for trade show solutions at the Orange County Convention Center. In a crowded market, sustainability can be a key differentiator, and eco-friendly materials enable print service providers like SunDance to offer unique, sustainable print solutions that attract environmentally conscious clients.

One of the first major challenges the duo faced was creating a sales toolkit to promote Monadnock’s Wide Format line and relaunch their display graphics and signage product lines. This toolkit was not merely a collection of samples but a testament to both companies’ commitment to sustainability. The design process involved extensive prototyping and internal testing to ensure the kit was eco-friendly, innovative, and engaging. The result was a compact, flower-shaped envelope that opened up to display sample cards, emphasizing the versatility and environmental responsibility of the products within. By highlighting the recyclable and eco-friendly nature of Monadnock’s wide-format products, the sales toolkit serves as an educational tool to demonstrate the benefits of sustainable alternatives to traditional materials. This effort has been instrumental in raising awareness and driving interest in environmentally responsible wide-format solutions.

Learning and Growth

Both companies learned and grew through their collaboration. SunDance, with its robust recycling programs and commitment to local vendors, benefited from Monadnock’s expertise in sustainable materials and tailored solutions to meet specific client needs. Conversely, Monadnock gained valuable insights into the needs of print service providers, designers, and other industry stakeholders, enhancing their understanding and approach. This partnership enabled SunDance to expand its offerings and provide clients with top-tier, eco-friendly print solutions. Meanwhile, Monadnock’s advanced sustainable materials continued to perform to the highest standards, enhancing the quality and appeal of the final products.

Their efforts culminated in the successful launch of the wide-format sales kit, which has received positive feedback for its innovative design and environmental metrics. This achievement validates their shared values and relentless pursuit of sustainability. The kit’s impact on customer engagement was profound, sparking increased interest in wide-format solutions and reinforcing both companies' reputations as leaders in sustainable printing.

A Legacy of Sustainability

With the success of the sales kit, SunDance and Monadnock are now poised to explore new frontiers. They are looking to expand their partnership into new market segments where sustainable packaging and print solutions are increasingly in demand. Their journey continues, guided by the shared principles of sustainability and innovation that brought them together.