Latest news and updates from Substrate Bank and it's partners.
Eco-conscious building materials are no longer a niche market. With green design at the forefront of modern architecture and interior design, industry professionals are increasingly seeking materials that are not only visually stunning but also safe.
Discover the Art of Luxury with DESARDI® Textile.
Packaging isn’t just about protection anymore — it’s about presence, personalization, and purpose. In a world of e-commerce, short product cycles, and increasingly eco-conscious consumers, digital packaging printing has stepped into the spotlight.
In digital printing, technology gets a lot of attention — the machines, the software, the speed. But behind every sharp graphic and vibrant color is a crucial component that too often gets overlooked: the material it’s printed on.
Digital label printing has revolutionized the packaging and branding world. Fast, flexible, and cost-effective, it enables brands of all sizes to print short runs, variable data, and personalized designs.
With the European Union introducing the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), the print industry is about to feel the ripple effects, especially when it comes to substrates, supply chains, and sourcing transparency.
In digital printing, confidence is everything. Whether you’re running a rush job for a global retailer or testing a new material for high-impact graphics, you want to know one thing: will it work the way it should? That’s where certifications come in.
In the world of digital printing, much of the spotlight tends to fall on the technology — the speed of the printer, for example. But there’s one element that quietly carries every job from concept to completion: the print substrate.
The digital print industry is entering a new phase of environmental responsibility — and TPO-free inks are quickly becoming part of that story.
In the evolving world of visual branding, the materials we print on are just as important as the message itself. And right now, one material group is taking center stage for its versatility, impact, and sensory appeal: printable textiles.
As sustainability shifts from aspiration to regulation, the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is poised to make a significant impact on the global pulp and paper supply chain — and by extension, the digital print industry.
Digital print has come a long way from its early days of short-run jobs and basic personalization. Today, it’s a powerhouse of creativity, efficiency, and innovation — touching everything from retail and packaging to décor, and industrial applications.
Plastic substrates are widely used in digital printing. There's a large choice of materials for different applications. Plastics — more formally known as polymers — are some of the most versatile materials used in manufacturing today.
Digital Magnetics® is the first printable magnetic film supplier to complete a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of its magnetic product range.
Meet Substrate Bank at Europe’s leading event for the digital printing industry! We’ll be showcasing our newly launched, industry-specific B2B platform designed to revolutionize how PSP's, designers, and material buyers discover print substrates online.
Packaging is no longer just a container. It’s your first physical touchpoint, your silent storyteller, and in many cases, your brand’s first impression.
In digital print, precision matters — not just in color or resolution, but in sourcing. And over the past few years, global supply chains have gotten a lot less predictable. At the center of this storm? Tariffs.
In large-format commercial printing, substrates are the print materials onto which the ink is printed by various digital print technologies.
In digital printing, design is only half the story. The other half — and often the one that determines whether your vision lands or falls flat — is the substrate.
We’re living in the age of personal spaces. From cozy reading nooks to bold feature walls, today’s interiors are more expressive, layered, and customizable than ever before — and printable wallpapers and textiles are playing a starring role.
Let’s break down the most common types of printable wallcoverings, and how each one serves a unique purpose.
The world of printable materials isn’t just about textures, coatings, and ink compatibility anymore. In today’s market, it’s also about logistics, legislation, and sourcing.
In the world of visual communication, not everything bends or rolls. Sometimes, your message needs to stand tall, hold its shape, and make a statement — physically and visually. That’s where rigid substrates come into play.
Environmental responsibility is no longer optional for global brands. With access to recyclable, PVC-free, or low-impact substrate options, you can align your campaigns with your ESG commitments.
Sustainability isn’t just a trend in the digital printing industry — it’s a transformation. As more brands, agencies, and print buyers commit to greener practices, eco-friendly print substrates are moving from niche to norm.
The digital printing industry is known for speed, flexibility, and customization — but the next competitive advantage is here: intelligent automation.
In today’s competitive print environment, clients want more than quality and speed — they want proof of responsibility. That’s where certifications come in.
As digital printing technology evolves, so too does the surface it’s printed on. In an industry that thrives on innovation, a new class of materials is emerging — smart substrates.
Large-format graphics have always been about impact — filling space, capturing attention, and turning surfaces into storytelling tools. But today, this space isn’t just growing in size — it’s growing in scope.
Sustainability in digital printing isn’t just a selling point — it’s a strategic priority. From print buyers and brands to procurement departments and public institutions, more clients are asking the same question: How sustainable is this print project?
For decades, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) was the go-to material in wide-format and digital print — from banners and self-adhesive vinyls to wall graphics and floor signage.
Recycling is one of the most talked-about sustainability goals in the printing industry — but also one of the most confusing. Can you recycle that banner? What about laminated materials? And what actually happens to substrates after a campaign ends?
When your print goes outdoors, the pressure’s on. Sun, wind, rain, temperature swings — they all work overtime to fade colors, peel edges, and wear down even the best-looking graphics.
Backlit graphics are where print meets light — and when done right, they deliver bold color, rich contrast, and unmatched impact.
Interior spaces are no longer static. Today, they’re branded, personalized, adaptable — and increasingly shaped by digital printing. Printed surfaces are transforming the look and feel of interiors from the ground up.
In the evolving world of digital printing, few materials offer as much versatility and visual impact as digitally printable magnetic media.
When it comes to digital printing, not all ink technologies are created equal — especially when you factor in the substrate. Choosing the right ink isn't just about color vibrancy or cure speed.
The digital printing industry is moving fast — and it's not slowing down. What started as a tool for short-run flexibility is now a full-scale production powerhouse, transforming how businesses approach everything from packaging to interior design.
Trade shows are all about visibility — and in the race for attention, print graphics do the heavy lifting. From backdrops and banners to floor graphics and wayfinding, printed elements define the atmosphere, guide attendees, and bring brands to life.
In digital printing, every wasted meter of material is money — and margin — lost. Whether you’re printing on banners, vinyl, textiles, or rigid boards, substrate waste adds up fast.
In digital printing, it doesn’t matter how sharp your image is or how fast your press runs — if your ink doesn’t stick, the job fails.
Digitally printable wallcoverings are transforming interior spaces — in retail, hospitality, office design, real estate, healthcare, and even residential settings.
Looking to bring softness, sophistication, and subtle texture to interior spaces — without sacrificing vibrant, high-quality imagery? That’s where printable textile wallcoverings shine.
In an age of conscious design, more brands, architects, and designers are asking not just what does it look like? — but what is it made of? That’s where printable natural wallcoverings step in.
If you're looking to make a wall graphic pop — with light, luxury, and bold contrast — printable mylar wallcoverings are a powerful tool in your substrate portfolio.
Roll-to-roll printers are designed for speed, efficiency, and long runs — but even the best system can be thrown off by media skew.
When a self-adhesive vinyl or film fails to stick — peels, wrinkles, or falls off — the blame often lands on the material or the installer. But in reality, adhesion failure is usually the result of a mismatch between substrate, surface, and environment.
Few things slow down a print job faster than ink that won’t cure. Whether you're running UV-curable or latex ink systems, curing issues can lead to smudging, poor adhesion, cracked prints, or complete job failure.
Static electricity is one of the most frustrating issues in digital print environments. It causes misfeeds, poor ink laydown, image distortion, and dust attraction — especially when working with plastic-based print substrates like PP, PET, or PVC.
Digitally printed textiles are booming — from soft signage and backdrops to retail displays, home décor, and trade show systems. But printing on fabric substrates is not the same as printing on vinyl or paper.
You’ve nailed the design, loaded the right substrate, and hit print — only to discover a faint echo of your image just behind the original. Welcome to the world of ghosting and double imaging, one of the most annoying and hard-to-catch print defects.
Digitally printable roll media — from vinyls and films to textiles and banner materials — is the lifeblood of many large-format print operations.
Digitally printable magnetic media has become a favorite in retail, signage, education, and vehicle graphics — thanks to its easy application, reusability, and clean removability.
In digital printing, ink gets a lot of attention. So do speed, resolution, and finishing. But none of it matters without the right substrate — the surface you’re printing on.
Whether you operate on a print-on-demand (POD) model or focus on high-volume bulk jobs, the type of print substrates you use plays a surprisingly big role in cost, speed, flexibility, and profit margin.
Offering premium print substrates — from textured wallcoverings and PVC-free films to metallics, magnetic sheets, and eco-certified boards — can elevate your value proposition and attract high-end clients.
You know the difference between standard vinyl and a premium, fire-rated, PVC-free wallcovering. You know why a durable polyester textile or a recyclable board costs more — and why it performs better. But do your clients?
In an industry where speed, quality, and price often level the playing field, the real opportunity for growth lies in what others aren’t printing on.
Digital printing makes it possible to bring artwork to life on virtually any surface — not just paper or vinyl, but woodgrain panels, brushed metals, textiles, leather, magnetics, and more.
In fast-moving environments where graphics change often — think retail displays, wayfinding, pop-up events, or menu boards — flexibility is everything. That’s where printable ferrous film steps in.
Some messages are meant to shine — literally. Whether it’s a retail lightbox, airport signage, menu board, or poster, backlit graphics demand crisp colors, high contrast, and flawless illumination. That’s exactly where printable backlit film delivers.
As brands, events, and environments move toward more sustainable, elegant, and reusable display solutions, printable textile substrates are leading the charge.
Windows are more than architectural features — they’re creative opportunities. Whether used to add branding, privacy, decoration, or wayfinding, printable window films let you transform glass surfaces into fully functional design elements.
When you want to transform a window into a messaging space — without blocking the view — perforated film is your go-to solution.
In a world of rigid signs and wall-bound graphics, there’s something undeniably dynamic about a flag. It catches the wind, it draws the eye, and it quite literally brings movement to your message.
When your wall graphics need to withstand more than just admiration — think high-traffic hallways, hospitals, schools, kitchens, or stairwells — printable glassfibre wallcoverings are the material of choice.
When it comes to flexibility, durability, and sheer application variety, printable vinyl is one of the most widely used substrates in the digital print world. From signage and wall graphics to vehicle wraps and floor decals, vinyl is everywhere.
We’ve all seen floor graphics used to guide foot traffic, deliver brand messages, or create immersive environments. Traditionally, these have been produced using adhesive-backed vinyl — a practical choice, no doubt, but not without its drawbacks.
In a world moving away from plastic-heavy materials, the printable textile banner has become a standout alternative — combining elegant presentation with lightweight performance and sustainable appeal.
From windows and vehicles to floors, packaging, and illuminated displays — printable films are the unsung heroes of wide-format and specialty printing.
There’s something unmistakably timeless about canvas. Its texture, its weight, its natural weave — it instantly evokes quality and craftsmanship. But canvas isn’t just for painters anymore.
In the race to win consumer attention, packaging has evolved from mere protection to a vital extension of the brand experience.
Some graphics are meant to stay up forever. Others? Not so much. When your signage needs to be flexible, reusable, and easy to swap without a trace, printable magnetic film becomes a powerful tool in your substrate lineup.
Floor graphics don’t just guide — they grab attention. Whether it's for directional signage, promotional branding, or safety messages, printable floor film turns every step into a marketing opportunity.
In large-format printing, sometimes you need your message to stand tall — literally. That’s where printable rigid substrates and boards come in. Built for strength, visibility, and long-lasting performance.
When you need signage that’s strong enough to stand, clean enough to display, and green enough to recycle — printable display board checks every box.
As brands and print buyers move toward greener solutions, printable paper board has taken its place as a go-to substrate for eco-conscious signage.
For fast-moving campaigns, eye-catching presentations, and portable signage, printable foam board remains a go-to material. It’s lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to use, making it a staple for everything from retail promotions to indoor wayfinding.
When your signage needs to say premium, permanent, and precise — printable aluminium panels are the go-to choice. With their smooth surface, professional finish, and long-term durability, they’re ideal for both indoor elegance and outdoor performance.
When your signage needs to be tough but not heavy, cost-effective but not cheap-looking, and flexible enough to cut, bend, or thermoform — printable polystyrene board (often referred to as HIPS: High-Impact Polystyrene) offers the perfect balance.
From luxury packaging and signage to fashion, furniture, and retail displays, printable leather and faux leather materials add elegance, depth, and dimension to your visual storytelling.
When visibility, durability, and affordability are key, frontlit banners are the go-to substrate in large-format digital printing.
When it comes to portable signage, few formats are as familiar — or as effective — as the roll-up banner. Easy to carry, quick to install, and sized for maximum impact.
When your banner is going outside — and staying there — you need more than bold graphics. You need a material that can handle the elements, especially wind. That’s where printable mesh banner material steps in.
When your message needs to be seen from both sides — without anything bleeding through — blockout banner material is the answer.
In today’s world of bold graphics and brand storytelling, not every banner needs to be plastic. For a modern, elegant look with lightweight performance and easy handling.
While the world of digital print continues to evolve with high-tech films, textiles, and hybrid substrates, printable paper remains a timeless staple.
When you think of large-scale, cost-effective outdoor advertising — billboards, city posters, and transit stops — you’re thinking of blueback paper.
In a market where texture, tone, and longevity matter as much as resolution, printable fine art paper delivers a premium foundation for true artistic expression.
n a world where clarity, color, and finish matter most, printable photo paper remains the undisputed choice for high-impact visual storytelling.
You don’t see it in the final product. It’s not framed, displayed, or hung. But sublimation paper plays a critical role in one of the most transformative printing processes in the industry: dye-sublimation.
There’s nothing worse than delivering a stunning print — only to see it fade a few weeks or months later. Fading isn’t just an aesthetic problem; it affects perceived quality, brand trust, and the longevity of your product.
Rigid media printing offers crisp detail, rich color, and bold presence — but it also comes with challenges. From banding and smudging to poor adhesion and surface blemishes, print defects on rigid substrates can cost valuable time and material.
Sustainability is no longer a side conversation in digital print — it’s a central force shaping the way we source, produce, and deliver. And while attention often goes to energy-efficient presses or low-VOC inks, there’s another factor making a huge impact behind the scenes: the substrate.
Trade isn’t what it used to be. For the digital printing industry, where precision, speed, and consistency are key, the ripple effects of international tariffs have been hard to ignore. In particular, tariffs introduced on goods from China.
For many print service providers, the real cost of production isn’t just in ink and substrates — it’s in time. Between surface prep, test runs, and mounting or laminating, even simple jobs can eat up valuable hours (and profit).
In museum and exhibition spaces, printed visuals serve a deeper purpose than marketing — they educate, guide, and immers
In the world of exhibitions, visuals are everything. With just seconds to catch attention and communicate value, brands depend on bold graphics — and equally capable prints that can be transported, set up, and broken down without breaking a sweat.
In retail, space is everything. Walls, windows, floors, ceilings — they’re all potential touchpoints. And with the right print materials, you can turn any surface into a branded moment.
In hotels, spas, gyms, and wellness areas, the printed environment must do more. Whether you're designing wayfinding, décor, or branding for a hospitality group or a boutique wellness studio, the right print substrates for digital printing are essential.
Substrate Bank® is the largest independent material library of substrates for digital printing.
Our material library streamlines your search, allowing you to connect with the leading industry brands effortlessly.