As the amount of consumer solid waste increases, the need to recycle is more evident. Recycling begins with collecting waste material and returning it to be reused. The cycle is only complete, however, when products are chosen that have been created from the recovered materials. The traditional printing process is notorious for producing waste that is harmful to the environment.
One way of doing this is by using soy-based inks instead of petroleum based inks. Printing inks made with soy based oils are renewable, offer the advantage of lower solvent emissions and lower VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). Soy based inks are also biodegradable.
Since printers have switched to alcohol-free printing, water became an important component in the printing process. Using reverse osmosis to purify the water eliminates bacterial growth by removing all micro biological organisms from the tap water. It also removes calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium and chlorine before it is recycled back into the environment.
Many printed products use a varnish finish to create a smooth surface. Aqueous coating is an overprint coating that can be used in place of a varnish. Aqueous coating has up to 98% lower VOCs than varnish and is biodegradable and recyclable. After completion of printing with coating, the remaining quantity is pumped back into the container and is considered non-hazardous waste by the EPA, compared to varnish, which is considered hazardous waste.
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