Sustainability & Materials

Sustainable Practices in Custom Printed Products

Environmental responsibility is integral to how Orangepiel operates. From the materials we source to our manufacturing processes to the longevity of our finished products, sustainability influences every decision. We believe beautiful, functional custom products and environmental stewardship aren't competing priorities—they're complementary aspects of quality.

The custom printing industry has historically relied on materials and processes with significant environmental impact. Solvent-based inks released volatile organic compounds. PVC-based substrates contributed to pollution during manufacturing and disposal. Short-lived products ended up in landfills. We've systematically addressed each of these issues, developing alternatives that reduce environmental impact without compromising product quality.

Our Environmental Commitment

Sustainability isn't just a marketing message for us—it's an operational priority. We've invested significantly in UV-curable printing technology that eliminates VOC emissions. We've sourced and tested PVC-free substrates that meet our quality standards. We've designed products for durability, reducing the replacement frequency that multiplies environmental impact over time.

We also recognize that sustainability is a journey, not a destination. We continually evaluate new materials, processes, and practices that could further reduce our environmental footprint. We're transparent about where we are and where we're heading, because we believe honest communication builds trust and drives industry-wide improvement.

UV-Curable Printing: Environmental Advantages

The transition from solvent-based to UV-curable inks represents perhaps the most significant environmental advancement in digital printing. Traditional solvent inks release volatile organic compounds—chemicals that contribute to air pollution and pose health risks for workers and building occupants.

UV-curable inks contain no VOCs. They cure instantly under UV light through a chemical process that produces no emissions. Finished products can be installed immediately without waiting for off-gassing. Workers in our facility benefit from cleaner air, and building occupants receive products that contribute to better indoor air quality.

The UV curing process itself has become more sustainable with LED technology. Traditional mercury UV lamps consume significant energy and require regular replacement of hazardous materials. LED UV lamps use less energy, last longer, and contain no mercury. The reduced heat output also allows us to print on heat-sensitive substrates that might otherwise require more environmentally impactful materials.

Sustainable Substrate Options

We offer a growing selection of environmentally responsible substrates. PVC-free fabrics eliminate concerns about chlorine-based plastics. Recycled-content materials give new life to post-consumer and post-industrial waste. Rapidly renewable materials reduce pressure on limited natural resources.

For acoustic panels, we offer options made with recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) from post-consumer bottles. These materials perform comparably to virgin materials while diverting plastic waste from landfills and oceans. The recycling process itself consumes less energy than virgin plastic production.

Window shade fabrics are available in options produced using sustainable forestry practices and responsible manufacturing. Some fabrics incorporate natural fibers like linen or bamboo that grow quickly with minimal inputs. We can recommend substrates that meet specific green building certification requirements.

Green Building Certifications

Our products can contribute to green building certification programs including LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), WELL Building Standard, and others. We understand the documentation requirements for these programs and can provide the information you need for certification submissions.

LEED Contribution

For LEED projects, our products can contribute to credits in several categories. Materials with recycled content support the Recycled Content credit. Low-emitting products contribute to Low-Emitting Materials requirements. Regionally sourced products may qualify for Regional Materials credits. We provide product documentation in formats compatible with LEED submittal requirements.

WELL Building Standard

The WELL Building Standard focuses on occupant health and wellness. Our VOC-free printing process and low-emitting products support WELL Air quality requirements. Acoustic panels contribute to Sound (acoustic comfort) requirements. We can help you select products that align with your WELL certification strategy.

Indoor Air Quality

Beyond certification programs, our products support better indoor air quality in any environment. Zero VOC emissions mean no contribution to indoor pollution. This matters in schools where children spend their days, healthcare facilities treating vulnerable patients, offices where workers spend long hours, and homes where families live.

We test our products for emissions using standardized protocols. Products carrying certifications like GREENGUARD Gold have been independently verified to meet strict chemical emissions limits. We can recommend products appropriate for sensitive environments like schools and healthcare facilities.