As we become increasingly aware of protecting our environment, printers too are opting to go the green route. For many of them this is more than just lip service and affects every aspect of their business. Fortunately, technological advancements, such as digital printing that is eco friendly, has made this process of going green more possible and affordable. The offset press is excellent when it comes to long runs of high quality. However, digital printing comes into its own with small runs. It is not only cost effective but reduces the amount of volatile organic compounds emitted.
The offset press produces high quality prints and this is still the process of choice for materials needing long runs. However, it involves using chemicals to develop film, make plates as well as the use of wet inks, resulting in a great deal of toxic waste. Paper too, is often wasted in large quantities due to the nature of this process.
Digital print, on the other hand, involves use of non-toxic toner in a waterless process. Film does not need to be developed or plates made. It also eliminates the need for using all kinds of chemical solvents and cleaning agents. The machines used make it easy to do short runs of full color stationery or other work involving less than 1,000 sheets.
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.
The use of petroleum-based inks is also changing. They emit volatile organic compounds and so a number of printers are moving towards the use of vegetable-based inks containing a low amount of these compounds. These vegetable-based inks like soy, cottonseed and linseed are biodegradable, renewable resources.
More and more printers are developing environmentally conscious policies. They are not just offering lip service to going green by offering recycled paper but are implementing these policies in every aspect of their businesses. With the developments in technology, they are able to do so without affecting their bottom line too much. It is becoming an affordable option for clients to choose environmentally-friendly printers who are committed to reducing waste and choosing materials and processes that have as little impact as possible on the environment.
The offset press produces high quality prints and this is still the process of choice for materials needing long runs. However, it involves using chemicals to develop film, make plates as well as the use of wet inks, resulting in a great deal of toxic waste. Paper too, is often wasted in large quantities due to the nature of this process.
Digital print, on the other hand, involves use of non-toxic toner in a waterless process. Film does not need to be developed or plates made. It also eliminates the need for using all kinds of chemical solvents and cleaning agents. The machines used make it easy to do short runs of full color stationery or other work involving less than 1,000 sheets.
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.
The use of petroleum-based inks is also changing. They emit volatile organic compounds and so a number of printers are moving towards the use of vegetable-based inks containing a low amount of these compounds. These vegetable-based inks like soy, cottonseed and linseed are biodegradable, renewable resources.
More and more printers are developing environmentally conscious policies. They are not just offering lip service to going green by offering recycled paper but are implementing these policies in every aspect of their businesses. With the developments in technology, they are able to do so without affecting their bottom line too much. It is becoming an affordable option for clients to choose environmentally-friendly printers who are committed to reducing waste and choosing materials and processes that have as little impact as possible on the environment.
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