The Difference of Environmentally Friendly Printing
Recently I posted an article about Shaver Design and how they now offer environmentally friendly printing. Since then, I have been receiving comments asking what the difference is between traditional printing methods and “green” methods. In this article I will explain some of the major advantages to “green” printing.
Eco-friendly printing uses soy and other vegetable inks instead of petroleum based inks. Soy ink is created using soybean oil that is slightly refined and combined with pigment, resins, and waxes. Soybean oil is naturally clearer than their petroleum based counterparts and in turn requires less pigment to create more brightly colored inks. This reduces the amount of chemicals put into the ink.
Soy ink can also be more easily removed from paper which reduces the amount of damage done to paper fibers during recycling and increases the yield of reusable product. Furthermore, the waste produced by recycling soy and vegetable inks is not hazardous and can be treated much more easily.
The paper used is 100% recycled and is processed chlorine-free which has obvious effects on the environment. The recycling process will always require some amount of virgin pulp, which is pulp that has never been used in the production of products before. Eco-friendly printers use sustainable tree farms to collect virgin pulp unlike other printers who rely on old-growth forests.
There are even more benefits regarding how “green” printing facilities are operated including being run on 100% wind power and investments in renewable energy credits. This dramatically reduces their impact on the environment.
By combining the advantages of soy inks, recycled paper, and environmentally friendly facilities you can make a big difference on how you’re impacting the Earth. “Green” printing is also very affordable when compared to traditional printing and the products produced have a very ethereal and professional look and feel. There is really no downside to involving yourself in eco-friendly printing practices.
Thoughts, Comments, Questions...
7 COMMENTS, ADD YOURS HERE:
Hello,
After reading your article you inspired me to research eco-friendly printing companies.
I was concerned about the quality of 'green' printing, so I found a company that offered free products called Pixxlz. (http://www.pixxlz.com). I ordered some free products, which turned out great. Sense then I’ve ordered more business cards, note cards, and I’m building a calendar for next year.
If you’re looking to go green with your printing I would recommend them. Hope this helps others out there like me :-)
Hi! This is actually pretty inspiring to see the possibilities for going green in the most unexpected places. I'm actually creating a comedic action web series on the topic of going green. Anyway I can convince you to sponsor it or at least post it here? Anyway, super cool posts!
Another great way to help make your office green is to use environmentally friendly office products. Pendaflex has file folders called "Earthwise" that are made from 100% recycled fibers with a minimum of 50% post consumer material.
I use them because I have to have a filing system in my office and I can't avoid using paper. Hope this helps someone else!
To be truly green, make sure your printer is certified and uses a chemical free ctp workflow and Processless plates.
They should also recycle all offcut and waste stock in addition to recycling ink, toner, plates etc...
Green printing is key! It takes 9 times a plastic item's weight in petroleum to make a new one. It is critical that we not only make the switch to green printing, but re-use cartridges that are already out there.
Recycle for a Cause will take old cartridges and remaufacture them for free, plus all of the proceeds go to benefit non-profit organizations like Easter Seals and the Mary Kay Ash Foundation. You can actually choose the organization you would like the proceeds to benefit. Recycle to help non-profits, now there's a double good deed!
Another eco-friendly printing company suggestion is PrintPlace.com. They have been promoting their green products and what they've been doing to contribute and be more environmentally responsible as a business. Read this for more details: PrintPlace Green Printing
Hello
This really heped with my.....
Project
Design
Josh
Really Interesting
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