There is pressure from numerous quarters for business to use solutions friendlier to the environment. As a result, the printing industry is among those which are experiencing a major shift in the manner in which operations are conducted. There has been an increase in the use of raw materials and methods which fit into this new way of thinking. If you are a player in the industry, there are a number of things you can do to implement digital printing that is eco friendly.
One of the significant changes which are being made is to reduce the emission of volatile organic compounds (also known as VOCs). VOCs have traditionally form a major component of printing ink. One of the effects of these compounds is that they react with nitrogen oxides in the environment in the presence of sunlight to form ozone. The resultant ozone combines with dust particles to form smog which affects both plants and animals.
Recycled paper is a product which is increasingly being accepted as an alternative to fiber paper by many printing plants as well as customers. One of the benefits of using recycled paper is the fact that it requires less water to process compared to virgin paper. It also has less effluent. More importantly, however, recycled paper reduces the rate of deforestation and helps conserve the environment. New methods which do not use chlorine for bleaching now exist.
Recycling of other raw materials should also be optimized. Water, which is used in large quantities can be recycled and reused. In efficient printing firms, it has been shown that more than 65% of the water can be recycled. Other materials which should be collected and reused include aluminum plates, waste paper and ink. Of course, it is important that you make an effort to cut down on this waste as well.
Ensure you invest in energy efficiency systems. Reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and increase the use of renewable energy sources. If you are to buy new equipment, make sure it has a faster running speed which is likely to help you achieve more output for every kilowatt of electricity you consume. Subject all your printers and machines to regular servicing to ensure that they remain efficient.
There is a need to reduce the use of paper as relates to the handling of proofs. The increased use of emails is making this a reality in most printing presses. Through emails, customers can easily make changes and track their work as it goes through all the stages. Such changes have greatly helped in environmental conservation as well as increase efficiency of the process.
Changes are also being adopted in fabric printing. The pretreatment process involves the use of compounds which contain urea. When the urea is broken down during the steaming process, carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) is produced. Newer alternatives which involve the use of a special foam instead of the urea compounds have been developed.
As can be seen, there are many improvements which can be made at different stages. While it may not be possible to make all these changes at once, every small adjustment counts. Be willing to embrace modern technology which helps in increasing efficiency and minimizing the wastage of inputs.
One of the significant changes which are being made is to reduce the emission of volatile organic compounds (also known as VOCs). VOCs have traditionally form a major component of printing ink. One of the effects of these compounds is that they react with nitrogen oxides in the environment in the presence of sunlight to form ozone. The resultant ozone combines with dust particles to form smog which affects both plants and animals.
Recycled paper is a product which is increasingly being accepted as an alternative to fiber paper by many printing plants as well as customers. One of the benefits of using recycled paper is the fact that it requires less water to process compared to virgin paper. It also has less effluent. More importantly, however, recycled paper reduces the rate of deforestation and helps conserve the environment. New methods which do not use chlorine for bleaching now exist.
Recycling of other raw materials should also be optimized. Water, which is used in large quantities can be recycled and reused. In efficient printing firms, it has been shown that more than 65% of the water can be recycled. Other materials which should be collected and reused include aluminum plates, waste paper and ink. Of course, it is important that you make an effort to cut down on this waste as well.
Ensure you invest in energy efficiency systems. Reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and increase the use of renewable energy sources. If you are to buy new equipment, make sure it has a faster running speed which is likely to help you achieve more output for every kilowatt of electricity you consume. Subject all your printers and machines to regular servicing to ensure that they remain efficient.
There is a need to reduce the use of paper as relates to the handling of proofs. The increased use of emails is making this a reality in most printing presses. Through emails, customers can easily make changes and track their work as it goes through all the stages. Such changes have greatly helped in environmental conservation as well as increase efficiency of the process.
Changes are also being adopted in fabric printing. The pretreatment process involves the use of compounds which contain urea. When the urea is broken down during the steaming process, carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) is produced. Newer alternatives which involve the use of a special foam instead of the urea compounds have been developed.
As can be seen, there are many improvements which can be made at different stages. While it may not be possible to make all these changes at once, every small adjustment counts. Be willing to embrace modern technology which helps in increasing efficiency and minimizing the wastage of inputs.
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