Opting For Digital Printing That Is Eco Friendly

By Cornelia White


The whole process of printing has undergone a major transformation in a relatively short period of time. With the invention of digital presses, there is the option of using a computerized process instead of an industrial one. This has eliminated much wastage of resources, time and energy. Choosing to use digital printing that is eco friendly takes this a step further.

Chemicals are used to engrave plates with images and text for offset presses. Ink and water are applied to the plate which is mounted on a roller. The plate cylinder offsets the design onto a rubber blanket roller, which in turn transfers it onto the paper. The entire process involves much wastage of resources and hazardous solid and liquid waste and fumes are produced as a by product.

The new plate-free technology means less chemicals are used and less pollutants or hazardous waste is produced as a byproduct. Pleasing color prints are produced. This process is generally better for smaller print runs and offers fast turn around times. It works well for full color business cards, stationery, promotional material and other personalized print work involving fewer than a thousand sheets.

The savings in labor and the ever-increasing capability of digital machines means the quality of this type of print is improving all the time. However, not every press offers the same quality so customers must do some research. For example, some of the older presses may not have the same quality as the newer ones. Newer ones may be designed for specific types of applications and may not be the most cost effective option for a particular project.

Customers need to be discerning when looking for printers like this. Going green is so popular that many businesses use it as a catch phrase without much substance behind it. Some printers go the whole way, using only 100% recycled paper, vegetable inks and so on while others allow the client to choose the extent to which they want to go green.

This toner-based technology uses oils or waxes to seal the ink to the surface of the paper. There is a growing trend towards ingredients based on vegetable oils as against the conventional petroleum oils. Some toner manufacturers even boast that their inks are edible. The prices of this type of ink is coming down as demand increases and the quality is improving all the time.

With regard to paper used, there are various categories identifying which products meet expectations with regard to environmental responsibility. The use of alternative energy, such as wind generated electricity is one of these. Another is whether the paper is free of processed chlorine. Some printers use only 100% recycled paper while others use a variety of different papers, leaving it up to the customer to choose. Other printers use only paper made with electricity that is wind generated. Most printers use recycled paper to some extent thus reducing the use of virgin wood fibers.

Opting to use digital printing that is eco friendly is just one of the ways in which one can show commitment to protecting the environment. This does not mean one has to settle for inferior quality in any way as great strides have been made with this technology. The best printers with the latest equipment offer quality just as good as offset printers if not better.




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