Tradeprint’s Banner Return Scheme: Driving a Circular Economy in Print
Tradeprint’s Banner Return Scheme: Driving a Circular Economy in Print
Tradeprint has launched a pilot Banner Return Scheme to support the responsible disposal of used banners. This initiative provides customers with a practical way to recycle both PVC and PVC-free banners, supporting responsible disposal and encouraging more sustainable approaches to print.
Why is this important?
Traditional PVC banners present well-documented environmental challenges. They are difficult to recycle, rely on fossil-based inputs, and can release harmful substances at end-of-life.
PVC-free alternatives offer a more sustainable option. They are lighter, easier to recycle, and are phthalate-free. However, material changes alone are not enough. To support a circular approach, we’re working to make it easier for customers to manage banners at the end of their lifecycle.
How the scheme works
In partnership with Antalis, we’ve set up drop-off hubs at selected locations across the UK. Customers can return used PVC and PVC-free banners for responsible recycling. You can find your nearest drop-off point here.
To take part:
- Order a PVC Free or PVC banner from Tradeprint
- Use your banner as intended
- Once finished, locate a participating drop-off hub
- Deposit your banner and share a post tagging Tradeprint
- Enjoy a 15% discount off your next PVC Free banner order
Participants will receive a discount on future PVC-free banner orders, providing a direct incentive to engage with the scheme and support more sustainable choices.
The scheme is designed to reduce the environmental impact of printed banners by diverting waste from landfill and supporting customers in making more informed, sustainable choices. It also forms part of Tradeprint’s wider effort to build credibility through transparent action and measurable progress. Importantly, it supports our commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards and aligns with our roadmap to reach Net Zero by 2040.
Future goals
Industry examples like HP’s print cartridge returns or fashion retail recycling show that with the right incentives, customers will act. We’re aiming for a 10–15% take-up in the pilot, with the long-term goal of scaling nationwide and exploring options like courier collection and co-branded schemes with FESPA UK.
Why now?
Recent figures show a growing appetite for PVC-Free options among our customers. Between March and May 2025 alone, PVC-Free orders nearly doubled, thanks to clearer messaging and better product positioning. This shift gives us confidence that by combining a recycling scheme with economic incentives, we can spark a much larger transition.
