Print-on-demand (POD) helps reduce waste and overproduction in a way that traditional manufacturing can’t. Instead of mass-producing items that may never sell, POD makes products only when someone orders them. It reduces landfill waste, offering a more sustainable approach to online product sales.
Here’s a breakdown of how POD compares to conventional production.
We only make what’s ordered
In traditional retail, products are made in bulk ahead of time to cut costs. But this often leads to overproduction—items that don’t sell are thrown away or even burned. In fact, the fashion industry alone discards about 92 million tons of textiles each year.
With POD, every item is made only after an order is placed. This means there’s no leftover stock, and nothing gets produced without a buyer.
Our stock is limited to items that have already sold, which helps reduce waste. The small amount of waste that does happen usually comes from printing errors or damaged items. But we keep those cases to a minimum with a 3-step quality check before shipping.
Our fulfillment methods are more eco-friendly
We use direct-to-garment (DTG) printing and direct-to-film (DTFlex) printing, which are more sustainable than older methods like screen printing. Screen printing is mainly used for bulk orders and relies heavily on water and plastisol inks, which don’t break down naturally. It also adds to overproduction and environmental harm.
In contrast, DTG printing is ideal for printing just one item at a time, using less water and creating less waste overall. It supports on-demand production and aligns better with sustainable practices.
Promote your sustainability values
We’ve made it easier for you to communicate your brand’s sustainability efforts. Store owners can use our free downloadable templates to share how POD and Printful’s methods support more responsible retail.
If you want to read more about this, check out our blog post What is Sustainable Fashion and Can I Dress Cool While the Earth is on Fire?