The printing industry is undergoing change. Energy prices, customer requirements and new legal rules are driving the shift towards more environmentally friendly processes. Which developments are currently shaping the industry? An overview.
Inks based on vegetable oils are increasingly replacing mineral oil-based inks. This is particularly important for food packaging, to avoid the migration of undesirable substances. More in our article Food packaging: LFGB, MOSH/MOAH. The share of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in inks, varnishes and cleaning agents is also being reduced continuously.
Modern printing plates for offset printing can be made with far less chemical processing, or none at all. This saves chemicals, water and energy. Many printers are also reducing the use of alcohol in the dampening solution of offset printing.
Energy is one of the biggest cost factors in print shops. More efficient presses, heat recovery, LED-UV curing and electricity from renewable sources reduce consumption and emissions. LED-UV systems need less energy than conventional UV lamps and generate less heat.
Waste sheets are those produced as spoilage during make-ready and printing. Digital ink control, inline measuring systems and standardised processes can reduce waste considerably. Colour management to ISO 12647 helps reach the right colour faster. More in our article What role does colour accuracy play in printing?.
Digital printing makes short runs economical. Instead of printing large quantities for stock, production follows demand. This means less obsolete leftover stock. More in our article Digital printing for small and medium runs.
FSC-certified paper is standard for many customers today. Eco-labels for printed products, such as Germany’s Blue Angel, are also gaining importance. Read more about FSC in our article FSC-certified paper.
More and more customers ask for environmental data on their printed products. They want to know which materials are used, where they come from and how large the carbon footprint is. Larger companies increasingly need this information for their own sustainability reporting. At the same time, new EU rules prohibit generic environmental claims without proof. More in our article Eco-friendly packaging as a competitive advantage.
With the EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR), the recyclability and material efficiency of packaging are coming more into focus. Printers therefore increasingly advise their customers at the design stage. They recommend mono-materials, well-fitting constructions and recycling-compatible finishes. More in our article Recyclable packaging.
We print in our own production with colour management to ISO 12647 and use FSC®-certified raw materials and up to 100% recyclable materials. We will be happy to advise you on sustainable solutions and send you a binding quote within 24 hours.
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