The way printed materials are manufactured has undergone significant changes over the last century. Digital printing that is eco friendly offers an excellent alternative to offset printing when it comes to small print runs of materials used by most businesses. The quality of such prints is improving all the time and prices have become very affordable. This process also offers advantages over offset printing when it comes to emission of volatile organic compounds and production of toxic waste.
The offset press uses the concept of oil and water repelling each other to produce high-quality prints. The process involves darkroom chemicals, plate making (using more chemicals) and of course using the offset press itself for long runs. The press needs cleaning and maintaining with chemical cleaners and this along generates plenty of toxic waste. There is usually a great deal of paper wastage involved in this process too.
Digital print works very well for shorter runs of full color business cards, stationery, and any other work that involves fewer than 1,000 sheets. The toner used is non-toxic and by eliminating printing plates and wet inks, many other cleaning agents and solvents are also eliminated.
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.
The use of the internet has also had an impact on both costs and environmental footprint. With the ability to email clients proofs and keep them involved at each stage of the process, much time and cost can be saved. More efficiency in this way also means less wastage and less likelihood of errors creeping in.
Use of recycled paper stocks is common. Recycled stocks should use a chlorine free bleaching process as this process can be harmful to the environment. Manufacturing paper from recycled content uses less water and fewer effluents. Over the years, the quality of recycled papers has improved and the costs have gone down. Today, with so many choices available in 100-percent recycled paper, there is seldom a good reason to settle for less, although some customers still prefer to use paper with about 50 percent of recycled fiber.
Studies have shown that petroleum-based inks emit a high level of volatile organic compounds. This is why vegetable-based inks are becoming popular as they contain a low level of these compounds. Inks like soy and linseed are being used as they are not only biodegradable but are also a renewable resource.
An environmentally minded printer should be conscious about changing all the detrimental aspects of the process such as reducing the amount of toxic chemicals, waste ink and paper use whenever possible. It is not enough just to offer the client the option of using recycled paper. Their environmentally conscious policies should affect every aspect of their business. Fortunately, it is no longer too expensive for clients to opt for the green option. It is becoming more and more affordable all the time and the materials and processes used are also constantly improving.
The offset press uses the concept of oil and water repelling each other to produce high-quality prints. The process involves darkroom chemicals, plate making (using more chemicals) and of course using the offset press itself for long runs. The press needs cleaning and maintaining with chemical cleaners and this along generates plenty of toxic waste. There is usually a great deal of paper wastage involved in this process too.
Digital print works very well for shorter runs of full color business cards, stationery, and any other work that involves fewer than 1,000 sheets. The toner used is non-toxic and by eliminating printing plates and wet inks, many other cleaning agents and solvents are also eliminated.
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.
The use of the internet has also had an impact on both costs and environmental footprint. With the ability to email clients proofs and keep them involved at each stage of the process, much time and cost can be saved. More efficiency in this way also means less wastage and less likelihood of errors creeping in.
Use of recycled paper stocks is common. Recycled stocks should use a chlorine free bleaching process as this process can be harmful to the environment. Manufacturing paper from recycled content uses less water and fewer effluents. Over the years, the quality of recycled papers has improved and the costs have gone down. Today, with so many choices available in 100-percent recycled paper, there is seldom a good reason to settle for less, although some customers still prefer to use paper with about 50 percent of recycled fiber.
Studies have shown that petroleum-based inks emit a high level of volatile organic compounds. This is why vegetable-based inks are becoming popular as they contain a low level of these compounds. Inks like soy and linseed are being used as they are not only biodegradable but are also a renewable resource.
An environmentally minded printer should be conscious about changing all the detrimental aspects of the process such as reducing the amount of toxic chemicals, waste ink and paper use whenever possible. It is not enough just to offer the client the option of using recycled paper. Their environmentally conscious policies should affect every aspect of their business. Fortunately, it is no longer too expensive for clients to opt for the green option. It is becoming more and more affordable all the time and the materials and processes used are also constantly improving.
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