Environmental impacts of printing
The problems ... and some solutions
Paper
Most people are aware of recycled paper, and rates of paper recycling are rising all the time. When compared with virgin paper, the use of recycled paper substantially reduces water consumption, energy use, air pollution and water pollution.
However, often papers labeled as 'recycled' in fact contain only a percentage of true post-consumer waste. So where does the rest come from? Sometimes it is paper which is of an unverified source.
We are committed to using paper stocks which are 100% recycled, or where recycled is a percentage, the remainder is from sustainably managed sources e.g. paper from a supplier certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Waterless printing (see below) also saves the amount of paper used.
Another environmental impact of paper production is the use of chlorine to bleach the pulp to give a white colour. The use of chlorine creates effluent which is highly toxic to aquatic life. We recommend the use of TCF (totally chlorine free) or ECF (elemental chlorine free) papers.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Conventional printing processes usually result in the release of large quantities of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). VOCs are hazardous to humans and the environment, they are soil and groundwater contaminants and they also contribute to air pollution. When released into the air, VOCs act as a greenhouse gas. Petroleum based inks, dampening solutions (see below) and many varnishes, finishes and cleaning agents are all widely used in the print industry - these usually also contain solvents which release VOCs.
Therefore, wherever possible we use suppliers who have worked to reduce, or eliminate VOC emissions.
Computer-to-plate (CTP)
One important improvement we look for in sourcing 'greener print' is the use of Computer-to-plate (CTP) technology which eliminates a chemically intensive stage in the printing process, thereby reducing the use of toxic chemicals and the production of pollutants such as VOCs. Another key improvement in reducing VOCs emissions is waterless printing, more of which below.
Inks
Conventional petroleum-based inks contain high levels of solvent which, when sent to landfill, can leach into the water table. Some also contain toxic heavy metals.
Vegetable-based inks have far better biodegradability and are renewable. An added benefit is that vegetable based inks are easier to de-ink in the recycling process. Similarly, we recommend the use of aqueous varnishes, which, like vegetable-based inks, are more biodegradable, contain far fewer VOCs, and are more recyclable.
Metallic and fluorescent inks can contain pigments which are damaging to the environment. We recommend that these inks are not used.
Alcohol and water
In conventional lithographic printing, isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is used with water – known as a dampening solution – to help repel ink from areas where it is not needed on the page. Large amounts of water are used, producing large amounts of toxic liquid waste which must then be treated. Furthermore, isopropyl alcohol contributes to VOC emissions, therefore at the very least we recommend printers who use low content or IPA-free dampening solutions. An even better alternative is waterless printing ...
Waterless printing ...
Where possible, we recommend the use of waterless printing, which eliminates the need for dampening solutions all together. Printers who have switched to waterless printing significantly reduce VOCs emissions as isopropyl alcohol is not required, and save huge quantities of water – often tens of thousands of litres per month.
Waterless printing also reduces the large amounts of paper wasted when setting up each print job. Also, since water is eliminated the ink sits on top of the paper, giving a more vibrant and crisp image.
So, waterless printing gives a better print job and is better for the environment.
In short, our 'greener print' involves...
- Printers who have implemented an environmental management system (e.g. ISO14001, EMAS), demonstrating a commitment to continually improving their environmental performance.
- Waterless or reduced-water printing – no chemicals, far less water, reduction in VOCs emissions
- Vegetable-based inks
- Recycled paper, virgin fibre from a sustainably managed source, or a mixture of both
- ECF (Elemental Chlorine Free) or TCF (Totally Chlorine Free) paper
Contact us to learn more about environmentally responsible solutions to your printing needs.
