The latest report from the United Nations shows that global surface temperatures are expected to increase until at least the middle of the century. The desire to “go green” has been in public conversation for many years as consumers want to see the companies they support embrace the environment. Printing companies can embrace the movement towards green printing while delivering the same high-quality results their customers have come to expect.
Expand your environmentally friendly practices with these tips below:
Sustainability Activities Everyone Can Follow
- Facilitate recycling efforts by creating a dedicated recycling area on your production floor. Be sure to reach out to your local recycling center to determine what products can be recycled. Non-recyclables must be disposed of in accordance with state and local laws.
- Reduce production waste. While production waste limits profits, it can also have a significant impact on the environment. Ensure production employees are appropriately trained and have the tools needed to get the job done right.
- Know your energy consumption, then work to reduce it. Technology has come a long way in just the past few years. For printing companies using aging manufacturing equipment, consider upgrading to more energy-efficient models. If that’s not an option, ensure your current equipment is properly maintained and repaired regularly. This holds for the often-overlooked air compressor as well. Avoid excessive energy bills by detecting and repairing air leaks. Finally, determine if LED lighting might be right for you. Switching from halogen or fluorescent lighting to LED reduces energy costs by up to 80% and is up to 90% more efficient.
- Use eco-friendly materials. Utilize inks with low or no VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) or HAP (Hazardous Air Pollutants) content. Discuss options with your ink provider for the best solution for your needs. If your customer approves, consider substrates that are recyclable or manufactured with recycled content. For label printers, consider linerless materials.
- Eliminate water and chemical usage for cleaning purposes. A typical catch tray used on flexo printing or laminating equipment takes an average of 5 gallons of water to clean. Parts washers, whether designed to clean using aqueous detergents or chemicals, require waste material to be captured and disposed of properly. They also involve long cycle times. Two options for water or chemical cleaning replacements are laser technology and ink pan liners and drip trays. The latest laser technology offers superior cleaning of metal parts and anilox rolls. A less expensive and highly innovative solution from DIPCO offers disposable ink pan fountains, liners, and catch trays which can be used with your current OEM set-up or as a stand-alone product. An added benefit to this option is all paper and plastic parts are recyclable.
Have a Sustainability Policy
Going green starts with the intention to implement sustainable printing practices. Step two involves creating a policy with attainable goals towards achieving sustainability on an ongoing basis. Complying with applicable environmental laws and taking action if any part of your policy is non-compliant with current regulations is paramount to your success. A well-rounded sustainability policy means you are committed to the long-term reuse and recycling of materials used in your operations. Finally, your team will commit to taking the necessary measures to improve your environmentally friendly printing process annually.
Need some help making sure you are practicing green printing? Contact our environmentally conscious team today!
Contact Us Now for More Information or to Request a Quote
Phone: 970-874-2852
