The trend in many industries all over the world is to switch to green technologies that not only conserve the environment but also contribute significantly to the reduction in operational costs. The printing industry is one of those that are undergoing radical changes. Traditionally, the methods that have been used in this process have had a detrimental effect on the environment and there have been sustained efforts to develop sustainable digital printing.
An area in which major changes are being made is the type of inks that are used in the process. The inks that have been used traditionally are known to result in byproducts known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are harmful to the environment. This occurs when the chemical that are found in these inks react with nitrogen oxide (in the atmosphere) in the presence of sunlight. New types of ink do not have these compounds.
The other area in which significant changes can be made is in the type of paper that is used. Increased use of virgin paper causes increased deforestation, a major contributing factor to global warming and climate change. Recycled paper, on the other hand, helps reduce wastage and hence the need to cut down more trees. During processing, there is production of less effluent when recycled paper is used as compared to virgin paper.
Proof reading of manuscripts is one of the areas that has been shown to significantly increase paper needs. Fortunately, the increased acceptance of email for this purpose is one of the changes that has helped a great deal in this area. Apart from reducing the amount of paper, this change has made it easy for writers to keep track of their work as it undergoes the various stages of the process.
Apart from paper, there are other raw materials that can also be recycled or reused. Water is perhaps the easiest to be put back into the process. One of the areas where recycled water can be put into good use is in the washing of printers. It has been shown that up to 65% of water that is used can be reused. The other materials that should be considered for reuse and recycling include waste paper, ink and aluminum plates.
Make sure that the printing machines that you use in your firm are energy efficient. While this may be a bit costly to implement in one phase, most people find it easier to do it progressively over time. They replace old, inefficient equipment with new equipment that gives higher input for each kilowatt of electricity used. Strive to use more renewable energy sources in the form of wind and solar power and cut down on fossil fuels.
The changes that are being undertaken in digital paper printing are also being replicated in fabric printing firms. One significant change that is being made with regard to the handling of fabrics is at the pretreatment stage. The conventional method employs the use of urea based compounds. When these compounds are broken down, they release urea as a byproduct. Urea is in turn broken down to release carbon dioxide. Alternatives to these compounds have been developed.
Adopting green based technologies in digital printing has numerous benefits to all that are involved. The savings that are made in the printing process are likely to be passed on to the writer as well as the consumer. Of greater significance, however, is the fact that everyone involved helps conserve the environment.
An area in which major changes are being made is the type of inks that are used in the process. The inks that have been used traditionally are known to result in byproducts known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are harmful to the environment. This occurs when the chemical that are found in these inks react with nitrogen oxide (in the atmosphere) in the presence of sunlight. New types of ink do not have these compounds.
The other area in which significant changes can be made is in the type of paper that is used. Increased use of virgin paper causes increased deforestation, a major contributing factor to global warming and climate change. Recycled paper, on the other hand, helps reduce wastage and hence the need to cut down more trees. During processing, there is production of less effluent when recycled paper is used as compared to virgin paper.
Proof reading of manuscripts is one of the areas that has been shown to significantly increase paper needs. Fortunately, the increased acceptance of email for this purpose is one of the changes that has helped a great deal in this area. Apart from reducing the amount of paper, this change has made it easy for writers to keep track of their work as it undergoes the various stages of the process.
Apart from paper, there are other raw materials that can also be recycled or reused. Water is perhaps the easiest to be put back into the process. One of the areas where recycled water can be put into good use is in the washing of printers. It has been shown that up to 65% of water that is used can be reused. The other materials that should be considered for reuse and recycling include waste paper, ink and aluminum plates.
Make sure that the printing machines that you use in your firm are energy efficient. While this may be a bit costly to implement in one phase, most people find it easier to do it progressively over time. They replace old, inefficient equipment with new equipment that gives higher input for each kilowatt of electricity used. Strive to use more renewable energy sources in the form of wind and solar power and cut down on fossil fuels.
The changes that are being undertaken in digital paper printing are also being replicated in fabric printing firms. One significant change that is being made with regard to the handling of fabrics is at the pretreatment stage. The conventional method employs the use of urea based compounds. When these compounds are broken down, they release urea as a byproduct. Urea is in turn broken down to release carbon dioxide. Alternatives to these compounds have been developed.
Adopting green based technologies in digital printing has numerous benefits to all that are involved. The savings that are made in the printing process are likely to be passed on to the writer as well as the consumer. Of greater significance, however, is the fact that everyone involved helps conserve the environment.
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