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 one of the most important raw materials used in the printing process. Unfortunately, the types of ink which have been used in the past are derived from fossil fuels and thus are a major environmental pollutant. The inks contain volatile organic compounds which react with gases in the atmosphere to form a layer of ozone. Unlike the normal ozone layer, the layer formed in this instance contributes to formation of smog.
Another vital raw material of this process is printing paper. The use of virgin paper is a direct cause of deforestation and depletion of forest resources. Recycled paper, in contrast, helps in reducing environmental degradation. Another benefit of using recycled paper is the fact that it uses less water during processing and produces less effluent compared to virgin paper. Apart from helping with conservation, the recycled paper contributes to huge savings for the firm.
There are a number of other materials which can be recycled and reused in similar fashion. These include, among others, the ink, water and aluminum printing plates. Water is by far the easiest of them to reuse. Research shows that as much as two thirds of water passing through the first cycle can be re-utilized in subsequent cycles. Not only does this help in environmental conservation but is also an important cost cutting measure.
Make an effort to reduce on your energy consumption. This may require you to conduct regular evaluation to determine whether your printers are functioning optimally. The printers should give you the highest output possible for a single kilowatt of electricity consumed. Another measure which needs to be undertaken is a shift from total reliance on fossil based fuels. Both solar and wind energy are now being considered effective alternatives.
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 being developed as an alternative to conventional printing techniques. These include digital wax and ink. During digital engraving laser is used directly on the material to create the desired print. A major advantage of this option is the short turnaround time due to the fewer processes involved. Water conservation is another possible benefit since screen development using water is not needed here.
There is a need for every business to be responsible as regards environmental sustainability. The entire supply chain should adopt processes which reduce wastage on natural wastage and prevent environmental degradation. If this is applied at every level, the savings realized in running costs are tremendous. The same benefits can be passed to the end consumer in the form of affordable prices.
Ink is one of the most important raw materials used in the printing process. Unfortunately, the types of ink which have been used in the past are derived from fossil fuels and thus are a major environmental pollutant. The inks contain volatile organic compounds which react with gases in the atmosphere to form a layer of ozone. Unlike the normal ozone layer, the layer formed in this instance contributes to formation of smog.
Another vital raw material of this process is printing paper. The use of virgin paper is a direct cause of deforestation and depletion of forest resources. Recycled paper, in contrast, helps in reducing environmental degradation. Another benefit of using recycled paper is the fact that it uses less water during processing and produces less effluent compared to virgin paper. Apart from helping with conservation, the recycled paper contributes to huge savings for the firm.
There are a number of other materials which can be recycled and reused in similar fashion. These include, among others, the ink, water and aluminum printing plates. Water is by far the easiest of them to reuse. Research shows that as much as two thirds of water passing through the first cycle can be re-utilized in subsequent cycles. Not only does this help in environmental conservation but is also an important cost cutting measure.
Make an effort to reduce on your energy consumption. This may require you to conduct regular evaluation to determine whether your printers are functioning optimally. The printers should give you the highest output possible for a single kilowatt of electricity consumed. Another measure which needs to be undertaken is a shift from total reliance on fossil based fuels. Both solar and wind energy are now being considered effective alternatives.
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 being developed as an alternative to conventional printing techniques. These include digital wax and ink. During digital engraving laser is used directly on the material to create the desired print. A major advantage of this option is the short turnaround time due to the fewer processes involved. Water conservation is another possible benefit since screen development using water is not needed here.
There is a need for every business to be responsible as regards environmental sustainability. The entire supply chain should adopt processes which reduce wastage on natural wastage and prevent environmental degradation. If this is applied at every level, the savings realized in running costs are tremendous. The same benefits can be passed to the end consumer in the form of affordable prices.
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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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