In the print-on-demand (POD) market, sustainability is more than a buzzword — it’s a business imperative.

The second episode of Dscoop's "POD Playbook" series brought together leading voices to discuss the key drivers of sustainable practices in POD.

Hosted by Rusty Pepper, Head of New Markets & Partnerships at Taylor OnDemand, the conversation featured Isabelle de Wolf, Head of Sustainability for HelloPrint, and Jim Towle, Head of Print and Partnerships at Canva.

The session began with a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities faced by POD platforms as they work to embrace sustainability. One of the key points Isabelle emphasized was the importance of circular economy practices. “It’s not just about reducing waste — it’s about designing waste out of the system from the start," she said. By focusing on reducing waste at the source, companies can have a much greater impact on their overall environmental footprint.

Supply-chain transparency also played a critical role in the conversation. According to Jim, this is an area where POD platforms can lead the way. “What’s really interesting is the consumer today cares more about how the product got there than the product itself,” he said. By being upfront about the materials and processes used, businesses can build stronger relationships with eco-conscious consumers while simultaneously reducing their own environmental impact.

The panelists also discussed the risk of greenwashing and how POD platforms can avoid it. Isabelle emphasized the importance of integrity in sustainability efforts, noting, “You can’t just talk about sustainability — you have to do it. Consumers will quickly spot any gaps between your words and your actions.”

Looking ahead, the future of sustainability in POD is promising, with new trends emerging around supply-chain innovation and the adoption of circular models. As companies continue to refine their approaches, the focus will shift toward transparency, innovation and truly sustainable solutions, the group said.