What Is Plastic-Free Print?

Plastic-free print is changing the game for environmentally conscious businesses. If you’re wondering what it means, let’s break it down clearly. Plastic-free print involves producing printed materials—like leaflets, posters, banners, and packaging—without using any plastic-based substances, coatings, or finishes.

That’s right, plastic-free print removes harmful laminates, polypropylene vinyl, and synthetic adhesives from the production process. Instead, it uses natural, compostable, or fully recyclable alternatives. This makes the final product kinder to the planet, easier to recycle, and safer for future generations. paper

At Ronset, we believe printing doesn’t have to cost the Earth. Literally. So we’ve invested in sustainable options that give you premium print without the plastic.

Let’s explore how it works and why it’s becoming essential for forward-thinking brands.

Why Go Plastic-Free in Print?

The UK throws away millions of tonnes of plastic every year. Much of it ends up in landfill, in our oceans, or incinerated—causing pollution and contributing to climate change. The printing industry is no exception.

Traditionally, many printed materials are laminated or coated with plastic to give a glossy finish or weatherproof protection. Sounds useful, right? Unfortunately, these plastic-coated items can’t be recycled through standard paper streams. They get binned. Worse still, they hang around in landfill for centuries.

Switching to plastic-free print helps businesses reduce their carbon footprint. It also supports wider sustainability goals and shows your customers that you care. That’s not just good for the environment—it’s great for your brand reputation too.

What’s Used Instead of Plastic?

You might be surprised at the alternatives now available. In the past, going plastic-free meant compromising on quality. Not anymore.

Plastic-free print uses:
• Compostable coatings made from natural starches or cellulose
• Recyclable materials like FSC-certified papers and water-based inks
• Biodegradable adhesives that don’t linger in the environment

Even waterproofing is possible with eco-friendly methods. For instance, we use barrier technology that protects your print from the elements—without needing a plastic film. The result? High-performance print that’s also planet-positive.

What Products Can Be Plastic-Free?

Pretty much everything! Advances in print technology now mean you can go green across your entire marketing mix. That includes:
• Flyers and leaflets
• Business cards
• Menus and table talkers
• Signage and banners
• Packaging and point-of-sale displays

Even outdoor prints can be produced without plastic. At Ronset, we work with eco-boards, fully recyclable display panels, and water-resistant paper-based substrates. Whether you’re showcasing your business at an event or mailing out direct marketing, plastic-free options are ready and waiting.

How Do You Know It’s Really Plastic-Free?

It’s a fair question. Greenwashing—where companies pretend to be eco-friendly—is a real concern. That’s why transparency matters.

At Ronset, we’re proud to explain exactly what goes into your print. We’ll show you which materials are used, how they’re sourced, and what happens at end-of-life. For example, if you choose a compostable menu, we’ll tell you whether it’s home-compostable or needs industrial processing.

We also prioritise suppliers with the right certifications. Look out for:

FSC® certification, which means the paper comes from responsibly managed forests
Vegan-friendly inks, free from animal products or harsh solvents
Recyclable packaging, even for the materials we deliver to your door

By keeping it honest and traceable, we help you stay compliant with your sustainability promises.

What About Laminating and Finishing?

This is often where things get tricky. Lamination is one of the biggest culprits in turning recyclable paper into waste. Once a glossy plastic film is applied, the whole piece becomes unrecyclable. And yet, so many printed menus, brochures, and covers still rely on this finish.

With plastic-free print, we use water-based coatings that offer similar protection and visual appeal. Want a matt look? Easy. Prefer a silky finish? No problem. You still get that premium feel—without the long-term environmental cost.

For outdoor items, we opt for eco-laminates or durable paper boards that resist moisture naturally. Again, it’s about performance and responsibility.

Is Plastic-Free Print More Expensive?

It depends. Like anything, cost is shaped by volume, finish, and complexity. But here’s the good news: plastic-free options have become much more affordable. As demand rises and technology improves, prices continue to fall.

And when you weigh up the bigger picture—like reducing landfill waste, improving customer perception, and meeting CSR targets—the investment pays off.

At Ronset, we always try to match eco solutions to your budget. We’ll offer guidance, sample options, and honest quotes. That way, you can make informed decisions that support both your brand and the environment.

How Do Plastic-Free Printing Processes Differ?

The biggest shift is in the mindset. From the design stage, we think about end-of-life as much as the finished product. Every choice matters—from the inks we load into the press, to how we trim, pack, and ship your order.

Our team receives ongoing training in sustainable practices. We also minimise waste across production and recycle wherever possible. For clients who want to go even further, we can help you design for circularity—so your print either biodegrades safely or gets reused again and again.

Plastic-Free Print and Your Business Goals

Choosing plastic-free print isn’t just a tick-box exercise. It’s a powerful part of your sustainability story. Today’s consumers are switched on. They expect brands to take real action, not just say the right words.

By going plastic-free, you align your marketing materials with your values. You also appeal to environmentally aware customers who reward ethical behaviour. Whether you’re a school, restaurant, retailer, or charity, eco print helps you stand out for all the right reasons.

And if you’re working towards ISO 14001 or other sustainability frameworks, using plastic-free print helps you tick important boxes there too.

At Ronset, Sustainability Isn’t a Trend—It’s a Commitment

We’ve been supporting greener print practices for years. From reducing emissions to offering carbon-balanced print, we don’t just follow trends—we set the standard. Plastic-free printing is one more step on that journey.

We work closely with local businesses across Lancashire and the UK to make eco-friendly print the default, not the exception. Our expert team will guide you through materials, explain the differences, and help you choose the right finish for your needs.

Whether you want an eco roll-up banner for your next expo, compostable packaging for your takeaway, or simply greener flyers, Ronset is here to help.

Ready to Make the Switch?

Plastic-free print is the future—and it’s available now. Don’t let outdated methods hold you back. Let’s create beautiful, responsible, recyclable print that reflects your values and speaks to your customers.

If you’d like to dive deeper into the details of how plastic-free printing compares to traditional methods, there’s a brilliant breakdown over on Two-sides blog. It explores the difference plastic-free choices make and why more businesses are making the switch.