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Industry federation FESPA has used funds from its 'Profit for Purpose' scheme to gain 'victories' for screen and digital printers in the EU Ecolabel discussions. Thanks to FESPA financing and via the federation's ties with Intergraf, print sustainability expert Paul Machin was able to participate in key debates on the label's definitions.

Machin, a long-time FESPA consultant, lobbied successfully to have screen printing processes accepted as suitable for the Ecolabel, while his 'expert technical insights' secured an exemption from restrictions on VOCs for screen and digital printing.

"There is strong demand from print buyers for products carrying an EU Ecolabel, so it's important for screen and digital printers to be able to respond," explains Chris Smith, responsible for FESPA's Planet Friendly Printing programme.

"For printers to comply, the EU Ecolabel specifications have to be realistic and achievable. Paul's technical, chemical, legal and environmental expertise has helped the EU Ecolabel board to understand the real-world requirements of these printing processes. The result is a significant victory for FESPA's European community of printers."