As we become increasingly aware of protecting our environment, printers too are opting to go the green route. For many of them this is more than just lip service and affects every aspect of their business. Fortunately, technological advancements, such as digital printing that is eco friendly, has made this process of going green more possible and affordable. The offset press is excellent when it comes to long runs of high quality. However, digital printing comes into its own with small runs. It is not only cost effective but reduces the amount of volatile organic compounds emitted.
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.
Using a digital printer eliminates many mechanical steps needed for using the offset press. Making films and making plates is no longer necessary. A non-toxic toner is used and without having to use chemicals to develop film, make plates and clean the press, a huge quantity of toxic waste can be eliminated. Short runs of business cards, letterheads and other stationery can easily be performed on order without wastage.
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.
E-mail has become a useful tool for submitting proofs to customers. They are kept informed throughout the process electronically, thus reducing driving time and saving gas while making less of an impact on the environment. Efficiency is increased, redundant prints and overruns are reduced and once again, costs are reduced as well as impact on the environment.
One of the changes that has taken place is a move towards using of recycled paper. Recycling paper offers reduced water consumption and produces less effluents. At first, recycled papers did not offer the same quality but today this has improved to the extent that most clients are happy to use 100 percent recycled paper. The costs have also gone down, so there is no significant reason for not using it.
The use of petroleum-based inks is also changing. They emit volatile organic compounds and so a number of printers are moving towards the use of vegetable-based inks containing a low amount of these compounds. These vegetable-based inks like soy, cottonseed and linseed are biodegradable, renewable resources.
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.
Using a digital printer eliminates many mechanical steps needed for using the offset press. Making films and making plates is no longer necessary. A non-toxic toner is used and without having to use chemicals to develop film, make plates and clean the press, a huge quantity of toxic waste can be eliminated. Short runs of business cards, letterheads and other stationery can easily be performed on order without wastage.
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.
E-mail has become a useful tool for submitting proofs to customers. They are kept informed throughout the process electronically, thus reducing driving time and saving gas while making less of an impact on the environment. Efficiency is increased, redundant prints and overruns are reduced and once again, costs are reduced as well as impact on the environment.
One of the changes that has taken place is a move towards using of recycled paper. Recycling paper offers reduced water consumption and produces less effluents. At first, recycled papers did not offer the same quality but today this has improved to the extent that most clients are happy to use 100 percent recycled paper. The costs have also gone down, so there is no significant reason for not using it.
The use of petroleum-based inks is also changing. They emit volatile organic compounds and so a number of printers are moving towards the use of vegetable-based inks containing a low amount of these compounds. These vegetable-based inks like soy, cottonseed and linseed are biodegradable, renewable resources.
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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