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.
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.
It is the responsibility of every business to ensure that it conducts its operations in a sustainable manner. This should not only relate to the production of goods and services but to the entire supply chain as well. Sustainable options are beneficial to the environment, the business as well as to the consumer in the form of fairly priced products.
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.
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.
It is the responsibility of every business to ensure that it conducts its operations in a sustainable manner. This should not only relate to the production of goods and services but to the entire supply chain as well. Sustainable options are beneficial to the environment, the business as well as to the consumer in the form of fairly 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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