Like many other industries, the printing industry has been forced to make radical changes in a bid to adopt processes promoting environmental sustainability. Apart from conserving natural resources, these processes have also been shown to significantly reduce operating costs resulting in better returns. There are a number of ways through which businesses in these industry can adopt digital printing that is eco friendly.
Ink is among the most important inputs of this process. The type of ink used has traditionally been derived from fossil fuels meaning it has possessed a potential harmful effect to the environment. When the ink is broken down in the environment, it results in the production of volatile organic compounds, VOCs, which in turn react with environmental gases to form a low lying ozone layer. The ozone is harmful because it contributes to smog formation.
Another vital raw material of this process is printing paper. The use of virgin paper is a direct cause of deforestation and depletion of forest resources. Recycled paper, in contrast, helps in reducing environmental degradation. Another benefit of using recycled paper is the fact that it uses less water during processing and produces less effluent compared to virgin paper. Apart from helping with conservation, the recycled paper contributes to huge savings for the firm.
There are a number of other materials which can be recycled and reused in similar fashion. These include, among others, the ink, water and aluminum printing plates. Water is by far the easiest of them to reuse. Research shows that as much as two thirds of water passing through the first cycle can be re-utilized in subsequent cycles. Not only does this help in environmental conservation but is also an important cost cutting measure.
Energy conservation needs to be prioritized. Minimize on wastage of energy by going for efficient equipment which gives you the greatest output possible for every unit of electricity used. One of the biggest changes being seen in this respect is the increased adoption of non-renewable sources of energy and an accompanying reduction in the use of fossil based fuels. The latter are associated with environmental degradation.
Fabric printing just like paper based printing is also undergoing some radical changes in a bid to ensure that they are sustainable. Among the changes taking place is a change in the pre-treatment of fabrics before they are printed on. The traditional approach involves the use of urea based chemicals which yield carbon dioxide during the steaming process. Newer methods use a special kind of form which has no urea.
Digital engraving is a technique that is now being widely adopted as an alternative to the traditional printing methods. This method uses direct laser as opposed to other method that use ink or wax. One of the major advantages of this option is that it has an extremely short turnaround time that is a markedly shortened. There is no longer a need for water when developing the screens which was the case previously.
Every business has a responsibility towards the environment. Processes used should promote environmental sustainability and the same should be applied to the entire supply chain. Sustainable solutions are not only beneficial to the environment but also helps the business by reducing the operating costs in the long term. The consumer may also benefit through fair priced products.
Ink is among the most important inputs of this process. The type of ink used has traditionally been derived from fossil fuels meaning it has possessed a potential harmful effect to the environment. When the ink is broken down in the environment, it results in the production of volatile organic compounds, VOCs, which in turn react with environmental gases to form a low lying ozone layer. The ozone is harmful because it contributes to smog formation.
Another vital raw material of this process is printing paper. The use of virgin paper is a direct cause of deforestation and depletion of forest resources. Recycled paper, in contrast, helps in reducing environmental degradation. Another benefit of using recycled paper is the fact that it uses less water during processing and produces less effluent compared to virgin paper. Apart from helping with conservation, the recycled paper contributes to huge savings for the firm.
There are a number of other materials which can be recycled and reused in similar fashion. These include, among others, the ink, water and aluminum printing plates. Water is by far the easiest of them to reuse. Research shows that as much as two thirds of water passing through the first cycle can be re-utilized in subsequent cycles. Not only does this help in environmental conservation but is also an important cost cutting measure.
Energy conservation needs to be prioritized. Minimize on wastage of energy by going for efficient equipment which gives you the greatest output possible for every unit of electricity used. One of the biggest changes being seen in this respect is the increased adoption of non-renewable sources of energy and an accompanying reduction in the use of fossil based fuels. The latter are associated with environmental degradation.
Fabric printing just like paper based printing is also undergoing some radical changes in a bid to ensure that they are sustainable. Among the changes taking place is a change in the pre-treatment of fabrics before they are printed on. The traditional approach involves the use of urea based chemicals which yield carbon dioxide during the steaming process. Newer methods use a special kind of form which has no urea.
Digital engraving is a technique that is now being widely adopted as an alternative to the traditional printing methods. This method uses direct laser as opposed to other method that use ink or wax. One of the major advantages of this option is that it has an extremely short turnaround time that is a markedly shortened. There is no longer a need for water when developing the screens which was the case previously.
Every business has a responsibility towards the environment. Processes used should promote environmental sustainability and the same should be applied to the entire supply chain. Sustainable solutions are not only beneficial to the environment but also helps the business by reducing the operating costs in the long term. The consumer may also benefit through fair priced products.
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You can get details about digital printing that is eco friendly and more info about a reliable printing company at http://www.rollingpress.com now.
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