Like many other industries, the printing industry has been forced to make radical changes in a bid to adopt processes promoting environmental sustainability. Apart from conserving natural resources, these processes have also been shown to significantly reduce operating costs resulting in better returns. There are a number of ways through which businesses in these industry can adopt digital printing that is eco friendly.
Ink is among the most important inputs of this process. The type of ink used has traditionally been derived from fossil fuels meaning it has possessed a potential harmful effect to the environment. When the ink is broken down in the environment, it results in the production of volatile organic compounds, VOCs, which in turn react with environmental gases to form a low lying ozone layer. The ozone is harmful because it contributes to smog formation.
Paper is an important raw material which has the potential to degrade the environment. The two options of paper available for use are virgin and recycled paper. Virgin paper is obtained from trees directly while recycled paper comprises paper which is being re-utilized. The former is more harmful to the environment as it leads to more deforestation. The latter option should be the obvious choice for environmental conscious firms as it helps conserve forests as an important natural resource.
A number of other materials can also be recycled in the same way as the paper. Ink and water are among those easiest to reuse. Firms may recycle as much as 60% of their water if they install efficient systems. This will go a long way not only in preserving this important resource but also in reducing the cost of operation. The greater focus should be on reducing wastage as much as possible.
Energy conservation is another area which one may need to address. This should start with the selection of printers used. Choose equipment which will give you the greatest output possible for every unit of electric energy used. The source of energy is another important consideration. One should aim for renewable sources as opposed to fossil fuels that are well known environmental pollutants.
Similar measures can be undertaken in fabric printing. One of the most impactful is the elimination of urea from the pre-treatment of fabrics before they are printed on. When the urea is exposed to steam, it is broken down into carbon dioxide which is released into the environment. Modern pre-treatment techniques utilize a special kind of foam which does not require urea. This has greatly minimized environmental pollution.
Digital engraving is a technique that is now being widely adopted as an alternative to the traditional printing methods. This method uses direct laser as opposed to other method that use ink or wax. One of the major advantages of this option is that it has an extremely short turnaround time that is a markedly shortened. There is no longer a need for water when developing the screens which was the case previously.
Every business has a responsibility towards the environment. Processes used should promote environmental sustainability and the same should be applied to the entire supply chain. Sustainable solutions are not only beneficial to the environment but also helps the business by reducing the operating costs in the long term. The consumer may also benefit through fair priced products.
Ink is among the most important inputs of this process. The type of ink used has traditionally been derived from fossil fuels meaning it has possessed a potential harmful effect to the environment. When the ink is broken down in the environment, it results in the production of volatile organic compounds, VOCs, which in turn react with environmental gases to form a low lying ozone layer. The ozone is harmful because it contributes to smog formation.
Paper is an important raw material which has the potential to degrade the environment. The two options of paper available for use are virgin and recycled paper. Virgin paper is obtained from trees directly while recycled paper comprises paper which is being re-utilized. The former is more harmful to the environment as it leads to more deforestation. The latter option should be the obvious choice for environmental conscious firms as it helps conserve forests as an important natural resource.
A number of other materials can also be recycled in the same way as the paper. Ink and water are among those easiest to reuse. Firms may recycle as much as 60% of their water if they install efficient systems. This will go a long way not only in preserving this important resource but also in reducing the cost of operation. The greater focus should be on reducing wastage as much as possible.
Energy conservation is another area which one may need to address. This should start with the selection of printers used. Choose equipment which will give you the greatest output possible for every unit of electric energy used. The source of energy is another important consideration. One should aim for renewable sources as opposed to fossil fuels that are well known environmental pollutants.
Similar measures can be undertaken in fabric printing. One of the most impactful is the elimination of urea from the pre-treatment of fabrics before they are printed on. When the urea is exposed to steam, it is broken down into carbon dioxide which is released into the environment. Modern pre-treatment techniques utilize a special kind of foam which does not require urea. This has greatly minimized environmental pollution.
Digital engraving is a technique that is now being widely adopted as an alternative to the traditional printing methods. This method uses direct laser as opposed to other method that use ink or wax. One of the major advantages of this option is that it has an extremely short turnaround time that is a markedly shortened. There is no longer a need for water when developing the screens which was the case previously.
Every business has a responsibility towards the environment. Processes used should promote environmental sustainability and the same should be applied to the entire supply chain. Sustainable solutions are not only beneficial to the environment but also helps the business by reducing the operating costs in the long term. The consumer may also benefit through fair priced products.
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You can get details about digital printing that is eco friendly and more info about a reliable printing company at http://www.rollingpress.com now.
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