Neil Benbow, the Chief Technology Officer of Nazdar, has a unique career trajectory that began in chemistry and energy storage before transitioning to the printing industry. His early work in battery technology, particularly in casting carbon films for capacitors and batteries, provided a foundation for his later work in ink formulation. Benbow notes that ink manufacturing and electrode production share many similarities, such as the need to disperse pigments, work with binders, and control fluid behavior on surfaces. This understanding of complex chemistry and flow dynamics helped him transition into the print industry in 2015, a field he admits is often overlooked until one is deeply involved.
At Nazdar, Benbow has taken on the challenge of balancing the company’s broad product portfolio with the increasing demands of regulatory compliance and environmental responsibility. One of his key initiatives has been the “Nazdar Cares” program, which integrates sustainability into the company’s operations. This initiative is not just a corporate social responsibility campaign but a comprehensive approach that includes environmental stewardship, employee well-being, and corporate responsibility. It is driven by data and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Benbow’s first step in this journey was to conduct an internal audit to understand the company’s environmental impact. He asked fundamental questions about waste management, energy use, and water consumption. This audit revealed that Nazdar was already doing many things right, but it also highlighted opportunities for improvement. The company’s strong culture of doing the right thing, combined with access to the right information, made it easier to implement changes.
One of the early successes of the Nazdar Cares initiative was the upgrade of the company’s irrigation system. By replacing an outdated controller with a smart system that adjusts for rainfall, Nazdar saved over 200,000 gallons of water annually at a cost of less than $500. This seemingly small change had a significant impact and inspired other departments to look for similar opportunities.
Another area of improvement was pallet recycling. By identifying that usable pallets were being discarded due to their odd sizes, Nazdar found a more flexible recycler, diverting an additional 25 tons of wood from landfills. This not only reduced waste but also minimized methane emissions and kept resources in circulation.
Benbow also focused on solvent reclamation, a technical but impactful change. By adjusting the solvent wash formulation to reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and retain more solvent within a closed-loop system, Nazdar improved environmental and employee health outcomes while also saving money.
To structure and benchmark these efforts, Nazdar adopted the EcoVadis sustainability rating platform. This rigorous system evaluates environmental, social, and ethical practices, providing external validation and a framework for internal progress. The company submitted nearly 100 documents and earned a silver medal, which now guides its ongoing efforts. EcoVadis also helped strengthen commercial relationships by providing a common language for discussing sustainability.
Looking ahead, Benbow emphasizes the importance of addressing Scope 3 emissions, which include upstream supply, product distribution, employee travel, and end-of-life impact. These emissions represent the largest portion of a company’s environmental footprint but are often the most challenging to measure and manage. Nazdar is exploring tools to bring visibility to this “hidden” carbon cost and model the effects of sourcing and logistics decisions.
Benbow sees sustainability and innovation as deeply linked. Many of Nazdar’s research and development efforts now focus on reformulating inks to be safer and more compliant, particularly as UV-curable materials face reclassification due to health concerns. These new formulations must meet a complex set of demands, including low toxicity, high performance, regulatory compliance, and cost efficiency. While the process can be challenging, Benbow believes that this is where true innovation happens.
Nazdar’s approach to sustainability is rooted in chemistry, curiosity, and cultural alignment. The company’s goal is not just to keep up with regulatory changes but to lead with science and set a practical example of responsible manufacturing. By focusing on small, measurable changes and building a culture that values long-term impact, Nazdar is helping to redefine the boundaries of what is possible in the printing industry. Benbow’s pragmatic approach—starting small, getting curious, and building from there—offers a credible blueprint for the future of sustainable print. Through these efforts, Nazdar is making a meaningful contribution to a more sustainable future, one small intervention at a time.
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