Thursday, June 25, 2015

Finding Digital Printing That Is Eco Friendly

Finding Digital Printing That Is Eco Friendly

By Grace Soto


The print industry has been revolutionized over the past century as new ways have been developed to manufacture printed materials. Digital printing that is eco friendly has become an effective way of printing short runs of the types of materials so necessary for business such as business cards and letterheads. It offers a cost effective way of producing these small runs with the added benefit of significantly reducing the emission of volatile organic compounds.

The offset press produces high quality prints and this is still the process of choice for materials needing long runs. However, it involves using chemicals to develop film, make plates as well as the use of wet inks, resulting in a great deal of toxic waste. Paper too, is often wasted in large quantities due to the nature of this process.

Using a digital printer eliminates many mechanical steps needed for using the offset press. Making films and making plates is no longer necessary. A non-toxic toner is used and without having to use chemicals to develop film, make plates and clean the press, a huge quantity of toxic waste can be eliminated. Short runs of business cards, letterheads and other stationery can easily be performed on order without wastage.

The fact that the process is so efficient offers great advantages cost wise. Setup time is significantly reduced and any overruns are avoided. Customers can get exactly what they need when they need it. The technology is constantly improving too, so the quality of this kind of print is improving all the time.

E-mail has become a useful tool for submitting proofs to customers. They are kept informed throughout the process electronically, thus reducing driving time and saving gas while making less of an impact on the environment. Efficiency is increased, redundant prints and overruns are reduced and once again, costs are reduced as well as impact on the environment.

Many printers offer various types of recycled paper for use. The 100 percent recycled papers available today are comparable in quality and cost to virgin paper. There is no real reason for clients not to use them anymore. However, they are also offered the option of using papers with various percentages of recycled fiber should they prefer this.

The use of petroleum-based inks is also changing. They emit volatile organic compounds and so a number of printers are moving towards the use of vegetable-based inks containing a low amount of these compounds. These vegetable-based inks like soy, cottonseed and linseed are biodegradable, renewable resources.

More and more printers are developing environmentally conscious policies. They are not just offering lip service to going green by offering recycled paper but are implementing these policies in every aspect of their businesses. With the developments in technology, they are able to do so without affecting their bottom line too much. It is becoming an affordable option for clients to choose environmentally-friendly printers who are committed to reducing waste and choosing materials and processes that have as little impact as possible on the environment.




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