We’re incredibly proud to share that Tradeprint has won “Innovation of the Year – Business Strategy” at the Printweek Awards.
This recognition means a great deal to us. Not only because the Printweek Awards celebrate the very best in the print industry, but because this particular category recognises organisations that take bold strategic steps to reshape their businesses for the future.
For us, that future is clear: print must be more sustainable, more responsible, and more circular.
We were also shortlisted for Environmental Company of the Year – Large Enterprise and Customer Service Team of the Year – Large Enterprise.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Being shortlisted in the “Innovation of the Year – Business Strategy” category already felt like a huge achievement. The award recognises companies that have used strategic innovation to transform challenges into opportunities, driving growth while strengthening their position in the market.
Over the past year, we have taken significant steps to rethink how wide format materials are produced, used, and ultimately disposed of. The print industry faces increasing pressure to reduce environmental impact, particularly around materials like PVC, which are widely used in banners.
Rather than viewing this as a limitation, we saw it as an opportunity to lead meaningful change within the sector.
Our Transition to PVC-Free Materials
One of the biggest steps in our sustainability journey has been the transition towards PVC-free banner materials.
Traditional PVC banners are durable and versatile, but they present real challenges when it comes to recycling and environmental impact. By moving towards PVC-free alternatives, we are helping our customers reduce their footprint while maintaining the high-quality print results they expect.
This transition required careful sourcing, testing, and collaboration with suppliers to ensure that sustainability didn’t come at the expense of durability or print performance.
Launching the Banner Return Scheme
Alongside the shift to PVC-free materials, we also launched our Banner Return Scheme, designed to address what happens after a banner has served its purpose.
In partnership with Antalis and supported by FESPA UK, the scheme gives customers the opportunity to return used banners so they can be responsibly recycled and repurposed.
Instead of banners heading straight to landfill, they can now be collected and processed as part of a circular solution for wide format print.
Collaboration Across the Industry
Innovation rarely happens in isolation. The Banner Return Scheme is a great example of what can happen when different parts of the industry work together towards a shared goal.
Working with Antalis and with the support of FESPA UK has allowed us to build a programme that is practical, scalable, and accessible for our customers.
It’s a small but important step towards a more circular print economy.
Shaping the Future of Print
“Winning “Innovation of the Year – Business Strategy” reinforces something we strongly believe: sustainability and innovation go hand in hand.
By rethinking materials, introducing responsible return schemes, and collaborating across the industry, we can continue delivering high-quality print while reducing environmental impact.
We are honoured to stand alongside other visionary organisations recognised at the Printweek Awards, all of whom are helping shape the future of print.
And for us, this is just part of our sustainable journey.”
Anthony Rowell, Sales & Customer Success Director & Sustainability Lead