Inking a Greener Future: Sustainability Trends in the Packaging and Print Industry

As global industries grapple with rising environmental expectations, the packaging and print sector finds itself at a crossroads. Long associated with high volumes, short product lifecycles, and resource-intensive production, the industry is undergoing a significant shift toward sustainable innovation. One area undergoing rapid transformation—though often overlooked—is ink.

The Hidden Impact of Inks

While packaging materials such as plastic, paper, and aluminum often dominate sustainability conversations, printing inks represent a crucial yet complex piece of the puzzle. Conventional petroleum-based inks, especially those containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), contribute to air pollution, health risks for workers, and challenges in recycling printed materials.

Bio-Based and Water-Based Inks: The Sustainable Shift

In response to regulatory pressure and consumer demand, many packaging and print manufacturers are embracing bio-based inks, derived from renewable resources like soy, algae, and even food waste. These inks offer several benefits:

• Reduced VOC emissions

• Improved recyclability and compostability of printed materials

• Renewable sourcing compared to petroleum-based alternatives

Similarly, water-based inks have gained traction, particularly in flexible packaging and corrugated applications. They offer lower environmental impact, better worker safety, and increasingly competitive performance characteristics.

The Role of Innovation and Leadership

At Athena Executive Search, we observe that sustainability is no longer just an operational issue—it’s a strategic imperative. Leadership roles in R&D, procurement, and operations are now tasked with embedding environmental thinking into the heart of innovation. This includes:

• Collaborating with suppliers to co-develop eco-friendly ink formulations

• Investing in digital printing technologies that reduce waste and energy usage

• Integrating sustainability KPIs into product development and marketing strategies

Challenges to Overcome

Despite encouraging progress, barriers remain. Bio-based inks can be more expensive, have limitations in color vibrancy or drying times, and may require new curing equipment. Regulatory standards are also evolving, creating uncertainty in long-term investment decisions.

Moreover, genuine sustainability requires systems-level thinking—from sourcing and production through to end-of-life disposal. Ink innovation must align with broader circular packaging goals, including compostability, recyclability, and minimal contaminant profiles.

Attracting the Right Talent for a Sustainable Future

As the industry evolves, so does the demand for talent. Organizations need professionals who combine technical know-how with a sustainability mindset—leaders who can navigate complex trade-offs between performance, cost, and environmental impact.

At Athena Executive Search, we specialize in identifying and placing executives and senior professionals who are ready to lead this transformation. Whether it’s a packaging technologist developing biodegradable inks or a sustainability director redefining the company’s material strategy, the right leadership is essential for turning sustainability from aspiration into action.

Conclusion

The ink may be on the packaging, but the writing is on the wall: sustainability is reshaping the print and packaging sector in profound ways. Inks, often overlooked, are central to this green revolution. With innovation, investment, and inspired leadership, the industry can ink a future that is not only brighter—but greener.

Athena Executive Search — Placing People Who Build a Sustainable World.