The way printed materials are manufactured has undergone significant changes over the last century. Digital printing that is eco friendly offers an excellent alternative to offset printing when it comes to small print runs of materials used by most businesses. The quality of such prints is improving all the time and prices have become very affordable. This process also offers advantages over offset printing when it comes to emission of volatile organic compounds and production of toxic waste.
The offset press uses the concept of oil and water repelling each other to produce high-quality prints. The process involves darkroom chemicals, plate making (using more chemicals) and of course using the offset press itself for long runs. The press needs cleaning and maintaining with chemical cleaners and this along generates plenty of toxic waste. There is usually a great deal of paper wastage involved in this process too.
Digital print works very well for shorter runs of full color business cards, stationery, and any other work that involves fewer than 1,000 sheets. The toner used is non-toxic and by eliminating printing plates and wet inks, many other cleaning agents and solvents are also eliminated.
The time taken to setup is significantly reduced and this saving in time can be passed on to the client. Producing a full color business card or letterhead has become far more simple than it was in the past. The quality of the print no longer has to be sacrificed either due to improvements in imaging technology.
The use of the internet for emailing customers has also helped to reduce costs. It is easy to send off a proof for approval and keep the customer in the loop throughout the process without wasting time and gas. This also means less chance of errors. With increased efficiency, costs come down and the impact on the environment is also reduced due to less wastage.
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.
Studies have shown that petroleum-based inks emit a high level of volatile organic compounds. This is why vegetable-based inks are becoming popular as they contain a low level of these compounds. Inks like soy and linseed are being used as they are not only biodegradable but are also a renewable resource.
An environmentally minded printer should be conscious about changing all the detrimental aspects of the process such as reducing the amount of toxic chemicals, waste ink and paper use whenever possible. It is not enough just to offer the client the option of using recycled paper. Their environmentally conscious policies should affect every aspect of their business. Fortunately, it is no longer too expensive for clients to opt for the green option. It is becoming more and more affordable all the time and the materials and processes used are also constantly improving.
The offset press uses the concept of oil and water repelling each other to produce high-quality prints. The process involves darkroom chemicals, plate making (using more chemicals) and of course using the offset press itself for long runs. The press needs cleaning and maintaining with chemical cleaners and this along generates plenty of toxic waste. There is usually a great deal of paper wastage involved in this process too.
Digital print works very well for shorter runs of full color business cards, stationery, and any other work that involves fewer than 1,000 sheets. The toner used is non-toxic and by eliminating printing plates and wet inks, many other cleaning agents and solvents are also eliminated.
The time taken to setup is significantly reduced and this saving in time can be passed on to the client. Producing a full color business card or letterhead has become far more simple than it was in the past. The quality of the print no longer has to be sacrificed either due to improvements in imaging technology.
The use of the internet for emailing customers has also helped to reduce costs. It is easy to send off a proof for approval and keep the customer in the loop throughout the process without wasting time and gas. This also means less chance of errors. With increased efficiency, costs come down and the impact on the environment is also reduced due to less wastage.
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.
Studies have shown that petroleum-based inks emit a high level of volatile organic compounds. This is why vegetable-based inks are becoming popular as they contain a low level of these compounds. Inks like soy and linseed are being used as they are not only biodegradable but are also a renewable resource.
An environmentally minded printer should be conscious about changing all the detrimental aspects of the process such as reducing the amount of toxic chemicals, waste ink and paper use whenever possible. It is not enough just to offer the client the option of using recycled paper. Their environmentally conscious policies should affect every aspect of their business. Fortunately, it is no longer too expensive for clients to opt for the green option. It is becoming more and more affordable all the time and the materials and processes used are also constantly improving.
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You can visit www.rollingpress.com for more helpful information about Finding Digital Printing That Is Eco Friendly.
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