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.
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.
Offset printing has the disadvantage of being too costly for smaller quantities. Great advances in imaging technology has improved the quality of digital prints significantly, meaning that it is no longer seen as an inferior option. Small quantities of quality full color prints can now be produced at a fraction of the setup time and cost.
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.
Many printers offer various types of recycled paper for use. The 100 percent recycled papers available today are comparable in quality and cost to virgin paper. There is no real reason for clients not to use them anymore. However, they are also offered the option of using papers with various percentages of recycled fiber should they prefer this.
A green printer will direct clients away from petroleum-based inks that contain volatile organic compounds. Vegetable-based inks are biodegradable and come from renewable resources like soy, linseed and cottonseed. These inks contain a very low amount of volatile organic compounds.
More and more printers are developing environmentally conscious policies. They are not just offering lip service to going green by offering recycled paper but are implementing these policies in every aspect of their businesses. With the developments in technology, they are able to do so without affecting their bottom line too much. It is becoming an affordable option for clients to choose environmentally-friendly printers who are committed to reducing waste and choosing materials and processes that have as little impact as possible on the environment.
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.
Offset printing has the disadvantage of being too costly for smaller quantities. Great advances in imaging technology has improved the quality of digital prints significantly, meaning that it is no longer seen as an inferior option. Small quantities of quality full color prints can now be produced at a fraction of the setup time and cost.
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.
Many printers offer various types of recycled paper for use. The 100 percent recycled papers available today are comparable in quality and cost to virgin paper. There is no real reason for clients not to use them anymore. However, they are also offered the option of using papers with various percentages of recycled fiber should they prefer this.
A green printer will direct clients away from petroleum-based inks that contain volatile organic compounds. Vegetable-based inks are biodegradable and come from renewable resources like soy, linseed and cottonseed. These inks contain a very low amount of volatile organic compounds.
More and more printers are developing environmentally conscious policies. They are not just offering lip service to going green by offering recycled paper but are implementing these policies in every aspect of their businesses. With the developments in technology, they are able to do so without affecting their bottom line too much. It is becoming an affordable option for clients to choose environmentally-friendly printers who are committed to reducing waste and choosing materials and processes that have as little impact as possible on the environment.
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