Charles Jarrold · CEO · BPIF · Print Matters 2026
At Intergraf Print Matters in Budapest, Morten Reitoft speaks with Charles Jarrold, Chief Executive Officer of the BPIF (British Printing Industries Federation), following a panel discussion focused on sustainability, COâ‚‚ reduction, and the practical realities facing the printing industry.
While environmental responsibility remains a key topic across the industry, Charles explains why sustainability must be approached through the lens of business reality. Drawing on insights from a panel that included representatives from commercial printing, book manufacturing, and the ink supply chain, the discussion highlights the balance between environmental ambitions, economic viability, and customer expectations.
The conversation explores how sustainability initiatives have evolved over the past decade. While legislation and regulatory requirements continue to drive change, Charles points out that customer demand and a genuine commitment from businesses to “do the right thing” are increasingly important motivations. For many companies, sustainability is no longer simply a compliance exercise but an integral part of how they operate and compete.
Morten and Charles also discuss the complexities of packaging, books, and print-on-demand production. While reducing waste remains a common goal, the conversation highlights the importance of understanding the broader environmental picture. Packaging, for example, often plays a critical role in reducing food waste, while advances in just-in-time book production have helped reduce the number of unsold books that were historically pulped.
The interview touches on the challenges of sustainability legislation, recycling requirements, de-inking, digital printing technologies, and the role of manufacturers in supporting industry-wide environmental goals. Charles argues that meaningful progress requires collaboration across the entire value chain, from suppliers and manufacturers to printers and customers.
The discussion concludes with reflections on Brexit, European legislation, and the continuing importance of collaboration between the BPIF and Intergraf. Despite the UK’s departure from the European Union, Charles explains why close cooperation with European industry organizations remains essential, particularly in helping members understand and adapt to legislation that continues to influence cross-border trade and business operations.
A thoughtful conversation about sustainability, environmental responsibility, packaging, legislation, and the practical challenges of balancing commercial success with long-term environmental goals.
UK Trade Association · Charles Jarrold · CEO · BPIF
Every day is a new day in the life of CEO Charles Jarrold. BPIF was established in 1901 and has since focused on supporting its members consisting of Print Service Providers in the UK. The job is, according to Jarrold, to support the members with services that are beyond the work of the company itself. That goes from labor, legislation, future, events, environment, health and safety, and more. 55 employees enable BPIF to serve the UK industry and align activities with Intergraf - which BPIF is a member of. In the chat between Charles Jarrold and Editor Morten B. Reitoft, topics of all kinds are discussed, and an open and fruitful conversation. Enjoy!
Contact
BPIF - British Printing Industries Federation
CV5 9RN Coventry
United Kingdom
Email : hello@bpif.org.uk
Fri June 5th
Laetitia Reynaud · European Policy Advisor Â...
At Intergraf Print Matters in Budapest, Morten Reitoft speaks with Laetitia Reynaud, Policy Advisor at Intergraf, about one of the most important—and often most complex—topics facing the European printing industry: legislation. As one of Intergraf’s leading experts on sustainability, environmental policy, and regulatory affairs, Laetitia works at the intersection of industry and European policymaking. Her role involves helping printers understand new legislation, representing industry interests in Brussels, and ensuring that the voice of the printing sector is heard as new regulations are developed. The conversation explores several major legislative initiatives affecting printers, including packaging regulations, sustainability requirements, environmental reporting, and the long-term implementation timelines often associated with European legislation. Laetitia explains why rules that may not come fully into effect until 2040 still require attention today, as businesses need time to adapt, invest, and prepare for future compliance requirements. Morten and Laetitia also discuss the challenge of making complex legislation understandable and relevant for printers. Using examples from packaging regulations, they explore how legal definitions can sometimes appear surprising—or even confusing—and how political compromises often shape the final outcome of legislation. A key topic is the relationship between regulation and simplification. While many businesses feel burdened by increasing compliance requirements, Laetitia explains that much of the legislation currently being implemented originates from policy decisions made several years ago under the European Green Deal. At the same time, current political discussions within the European Union increasingly focus on reducing administrative burdens and simplifying compliance, particularly for smaller businesses. The interview also offers insight into how Intergraf works within the European legislative process. As a relatively small association representing a highly diverse industry, collaboration with suppliers, customers, and partner organizations is often essential to ensure that the printing industry's concerns are understood and considered by policymakers. A highly informative discussion about European legislation, sustainability, packaging regulations, regulatory simplification, and the critical role industry associations play in helping printers navigate an increasingly complex business environment.