Environmental conservation in business is a subject that has to be addressed by all industries including the printing industry. It is increasingly becoming clear that businesses that are not environmental conscious may lose out to their competitors that are in the near future. There are many ways in which individual firms can adopt sustainable digital printing without necessarily compromising on the quality of their work. We will look at some of the options available.
One of the areas in which changes can be made is in the choice of ink used. The conventional types of ink are usually made from petroleum products. They contain volatile organic compounds, VOCs that have the potential to pollute the environment. This happens when the compounds react with nitrogenous gases to form smog. A number of vegetable based inks that are free of VOCs have been introduced to the market.
Petroleum based inks are also known to have a significantly high amount of heavy metals. Examples include cadmium, nickel, chromium, mercury and selenium among others. These metals are known contaminants of soil and water when released through effluents. This is likely to occur if they are released in large quantities or there is prolonged use. Most vegetable based inks have very little of these metals if at all.
Using recycled paper is beneficial to the environment as well as the business. Whereas virgin paper has to be produced directly from trees, recycled paper is the product of waste paper. This means that the need to cut trees is reduced. The cost of purchasing and processing recycled paper is lower than what is seen with virgin paper. Another advantage is that the effluent that is produced by waste paper is less.
Apart from paper, other raw materials can be recycled as well. Water is one of the inputs that are used in large quantities. Without recycling or reusing, at least 60% of it goes to waste. If it was to be reused the savings realized by the firm would be tremendous. Examples of other raw materials that may be recycled and reused include ink and aluminum plates.
The type of energy that is used in your firm needs to be scrutinized. Work progressively to reduce your reliance on hydropower and fossil-based fossils in favor of renewable sources of energy such as wind and power. As you do this, develop mechanisms to cut down on your consumption. Gradually replace inefficient printers with those that give you higher output for every unit of power used.
The printing of fabrics is another area that has been under pressure to develop sustainable solutions. The pre-treatment process is one area in which changes have been made. Traditionally, the chemicals used for the process have included urea. When urea is released into the environment, it is broken down to yield carbon-dioxide as a byproduct which is one of the major greenhouse gases. A special type of form that has no urea has been formed and is now being used.
When you choose to use sustainable solutions, you will be helping to preserve natural resources. The main benefit to your firm is the fact that your operating costs will be significantly reduced. This can be passed on to the consumer through reduced prices of products. As can be seen, it becomes a win-win situations for all that are involved.
One of the areas in which changes can be made is in the choice of ink used. The conventional types of ink are usually made from petroleum products. They contain volatile organic compounds, VOCs that have the potential to pollute the environment. This happens when the compounds react with nitrogenous gases to form smog. A number of vegetable based inks that are free of VOCs have been introduced to the market.
Petroleum based inks are also known to have a significantly high amount of heavy metals. Examples include cadmium, nickel, chromium, mercury and selenium among others. These metals are known contaminants of soil and water when released through effluents. This is likely to occur if they are released in large quantities or there is prolonged use. Most vegetable based inks have very little of these metals if at all.
Using recycled paper is beneficial to the environment as well as the business. Whereas virgin paper has to be produced directly from trees, recycled paper is the product of waste paper. This means that the need to cut trees is reduced. The cost of purchasing and processing recycled paper is lower than what is seen with virgin paper. Another advantage is that the effluent that is produced by waste paper is less.
Apart from paper, other raw materials can be recycled as well. Water is one of the inputs that are used in large quantities. Without recycling or reusing, at least 60% of it goes to waste. If it was to be reused the savings realized by the firm would be tremendous. Examples of other raw materials that may be recycled and reused include ink and aluminum plates.
The type of energy that is used in your firm needs to be scrutinized. Work progressively to reduce your reliance on hydropower and fossil-based fossils in favor of renewable sources of energy such as wind and power. As you do this, develop mechanisms to cut down on your consumption. Gradually replace inefficient printers with those that give you higher output for every unit of power used.
The printing of fabrics is another area that has been under pressure to develop sustainable solutions. The pre-treatment process is one area in which changes have been made. Traditionally, the chemicals used for the process have included urea. When urea is released into the environment, it is broken down to yield carbon-dioxide as a byproduct which is one of the major greenhouse gases. A special type of form that has no urea has been formed and is now being used.
When you choose to use sustainable solutions, you will be helping to preserve natural resources. The main benefit to your firm is the fact that your operating costs will be significantly reduced. This can be passed on to the consumer through reduced prices of products. As can be seen, it becomes a win-win situations for all that are involved.
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