Environmentally friendly businesses all over the globe are joining the trend of going green. Green printing inks are a very popular method for businesses to include with their efforts to help the planet.
But what are these substances and can they be ordered from any printer or are they more difficult to find?
With all of the concern about the environment, many people want to limit their environmental footprint on the earth, and this can include making eco-friendly choices and using businesses that minimize their environmental impact.
What Are Green Printing Inks?
Green printing inks are newer inks that are more environmentally friendly. They do not cause the same damage and pollution to the earth and the atmosphere. In the past inks used for printing were mainly petroleum based, and these substances were often very high in toxic metals and other harmful substances. Today there are inks made from soy or vegetable based materials that can also be chosen.
Will Every Printer Offer This Option?
Printers will determine for themselves which inks, paper stocks, finishes, coatings, and even printing techniques to offer. Some will offer more green options and choices, some will stick with more traditional materials, and some will have a blend of both ink types. You may have to evaluate several printers before you find the best one.
For example, some printers use conventional techniques for most customers, breaking out the recycled paper and soy-based inks only when a customer asks. But others go all-out as a matter of course.
Source: Grist.com
Will These Inks Work In Every Situation?
There are some circumstances and situations where green printing inks may not be the best pick. But these are not common. Discuss your printing order preferences and needs with the printing company to determine just how green you can go and still get the results that you want and expect. If eco-friendly inks won’t work according to the printing business then ask why not.
Are These Products the Most Environmentally Friendly Option?
Since each printer is different and unique, you may be surprised at all of the various options that you have when it comes to meeting your printing needs while protecting the environment. At times, you may cause less harm to the earth by choosing recycled paper or other green options instead. The company that you choose for your printing can help advise you.
How Much Will You Pay for These Options?
Some printing companies do not regularly use green printing inks. These printers sometimes charge more for using more environmentally friendly methods of printing. The cost of the ink can vary from one professional and ink brand to the next, and you could see a small price increase or you could face sticker shock. The final cost to go green will be up to you and the business that will be handling your order.
Using a printing company that routinely uses low volatile organic compounds and soy based inks is by far the best way to ensure green printing inks are used in your items.
Fact: Las Vegas Color Graphics uses soy based ink and all waste ink is recycled.
What Makes These Inks so Good for the Environment?
One of the advertising points for green printing inks is that they cause less environmental harm, but how do they do this? Unlike inks that are more traditional the greener versions are not petroleum based, and they do not contain heavy metals or other dangerous and toxic substances. When items end up in the landfill these inks will not damage the earth or cause excessive pollution.
Las Vegas Color Graphics is one of the few Las Vegas printers that offer the benefits of the SoySeal and biodegradable ink.
Sustainability in the Printing Industry
In recent years, the printing industry has been moving towards greater sustainability, and this trend is continuing. Professionals want to offer greener options to customers while staying competitive when it comes to pricing. New inks are based on sustainable materials like soy and other plant based origins, and these are far more sustainable than petroleum.
Sustainable: Defined by one source as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.”
Read more about green printing terms here.
When choosing a printing company that promotes environmental stewardship, look for a Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC®) certification.
How Much Harm Does the Printing Industry Cause to the Environment?
Every printer causes some environmental harm with the processes and substances used, but the best professionals make every possible effort to mitigate this damage and protect the environment. The printing industry has caused a lot of damage to the earth in the past with the use of toxic metals, solvents, and chemicals, but many businesses are attempting to change this pattern.
