Thursday 19 December 2013

Select Digital Printing That Is Eco Friendly

By Cornelia White


Not so long ago every print shop had offset presses, inks and reams of paper in storage waiting to be used. With the advent of digital presses, this has changed dramatically. Choosing digital printing that is eco friendly takes this to another level where the equipment, paper and inks used are all environmentally friendly.

The offset printing process uses the concept of oil and water repelling each other to produce a beautiful, high-quality print. The rollers distribute ink onto a plate which has been photo-engraved with text and images. The images on the plate are transferred to a rubber blanket, and then applied to paper. This process is a huge consumer of time, energy and resources. Chemicals are used for film and plate making and the whole process is accompanied by liquid and solid waste and fumes, some of which needs special treatment for disposal.

The new technology does not require plates, eliminating many problems. Chemical usage and hazardous waste are significantly reduced. More personalization is possible and turn around times are faster. The process is particularly suited for items like business cards, letterheads and promotional material requiring small runs. Some other advantages are that overprint is reduced and there are no storage costs.

The first digital presses made did not produce the same quality as offset presses but this is changing as technology improves. If you are looking for top quality, it is important to use a supplier with up-to-date equipment. This is often more expensive but the clarity produced is excellent and the colors vibrant.

It is difficult to choose between the many printers saying that they follow an environmentally friendly protocol. However, reading information given on their online websites gives some idea regarding this commitment. Some printers are more fully committed than others, using only 100% recycled paper, vegetable inks and even ensuring use of economically logistical shipping to reduce their carbon footprint.

With digital printing, the ink is sealed to the surface of the paper with oil or wax. Inks used vary from printer to printer. Some use dry toner and others more liquid inks. Some are also far less toxic than others. Petroleum oils are being replaced by less harmful vegetable oils and many suppliers recycle oils. As the demand for less harmful ingredients increases, so quality improves and costs decrease.

The type of paper used is usually classified by printers, according to recycled content. Some of the paper is 100% recycled content, ancient forest friendly and manufactured with wind generated electricity. It is also free of acid and processed chlorine. Other paper has less recycled content and it is up to the customers to decide what to use.

Selecting to use digital printing that is eco friendly shows commitment to the environment. However, with the advances in technology this does not mean sacrificing quality. There are presses, papers and inks being made today causing no environmental harm and offering vibrant color and clarity.




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