Printful: On-Demand & Eco-Conscious at Every Step

Printful: On-Demand & Eco-Conscious at Every Step

Derek Mohr

Sustainability Woven into Every Print

As a proud partner of Printful for dropshipped apparel and goods, Grand Rapids Branding is thrilled to spotlight how this industry-leading platform prioritizes the planet—one custom creation at a time.

On-Demand Production Reduces Textile Waste

Printful's commitment to the environment starts with its core business model: on-demand printing. They only manufacture items once a customer places an order, effectively minimizing unsold inventory and landfill waste—an industry-wide issue where up to 21% of textiles go unused.

Eco-Friendly Products & Durable Quality

Printful’s eco collection includes apparel made from at least 70% organic or recycled materials, certified via GOTS, OCS, GRS, or RCS standards. Beauty items carry Ecocert COSMOS certification. Moreover, their focus on durability ensures longer product lifespans and fewer replacements.

Packaging with a Recycling-First Mindset

Their North American mailers transitioned to 90–100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic by 2023, with a global floor of 70%. Added QR codes educate customers on recycling.

Tracking & Reducing Carbon Footprint

Printful calculated an average carbon footprint of 12.52 lbs (5.68 kg) CO₂ per product in 2023. They are now working toward science-based emissions reduction targets.

Localized Fulfillment for Lower Emissions

Approximately 86% of orders are fulfilled and shipped within the same region, reducing transit distances and emissions. 

Ethical Standards & Community Engagement

Printful enforces an ethical Code of Conduct, conducts supplier audits via Sedex, and supports initiatives like Baltic Pride through community-focused sponsorships.

Sustainability Progress & Metrics

  • Emissions per product reduced by roughly 24% since 2021.
  • European facilities now derive 85% of their energy from renewables.
  • Eco-friendly products contributed 7% of revenue in 2024.

From ordering to fulfillment, Printful integrates sustainability at every stage—from ethical labor standards and recyclable materials to reduced emissions and responsible packaging. Grand Rapids Branding is proud to feature their products, knowing each purchase aligns with our shared environmental values.

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