How Direct Edge Prints Sustainably with Less Waste

At Direct Edge, sustainability isn’t a trend — it’s the way we work. We’re constantly pushing to reduce our environmental impact while helping brands execute big ideas with precision. From materials to machinery, we’re building a smarter print process rooted in real action, real investment, and real results.

Our Impact, By the Numbers

We track what we reduce, reuse, and reclaim — and the results speak for themselves. Every year, we:

  • Recycle 466,170 lbs of paper products
  • Reclaim 220 gallons of ink
  • Recycle 1,800 lbs of plastic waste
  • Recycle over 12,000 aluminum press plates

That’s not theory — that’s real material diverted from landfills and put back into circulation.

Backed by Industry Certifications

We’re proud to carry FSC® Chain-of-Custody Certification, which guarantees our paper stock comes from responsibly managed forests. We keep sustainable materials clean and separate from non-certified sources — so you can print with confidence, knowing your project aligns with global standards. (Learn more about FSC Certification here.)

Investing in Sustainable Print That Performs

We’ve put over $9 million into technology and systems that eliminate waste and elevate efficiency. That investment gives our clients:

  • Access to a wide range of sustainable materials
  • The ability to print on demand, cutting down overproduction and energy use
  • Custom box-making tech that creates right-sized packaging, slashing the need for filler, excess corrugate, and oversized shipping
  • A commitment to staying on the front line of eco-innovation in every department

We don’t just follow green trends — we build the infrastructure to support them at scale.


Now Offering: PureFloat™ Labels for PET Packaging

We’ve added PureFloat™ pressure-sensitive labels to our sustainability lineup — a game-changing solution for PET packaging. Developed by Mactac and recognized by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), PureFloat uses a washable, floatable adhesive that cleanly separates from PET during recycling.

When paired with top-coated polypropylene facestocks, these labels meet the APR Critical Guidance standards — the highest bar for recyclability. They leave PET flakes uncontaminated and ready to be reused in high-value products like food-grade containers.

If your brand uses PET bottles, clamshells, or packaging, PureFloat is the move. It’s a smarter, cleaner way to label — and it helps close the loop on single-use plastic.


Smarter Packaging. Smaller Footprint.

Our custom packaging isn’t just beautiful — it’s built for efficiency. With our box-making technology, we create packaging that fits the product perfectly. That means less filler, less waste, and lower shipping costs — all without sacrificing shelf presence.


Built-In Sustainability, From Start to Finish

Sustainability isn’t a separate service — it’s baked into everything we do. From design to delivery, we build smarter workflows, offer greener materials, and help our clients hit their environmental goals without compromising impact.