Green Printing with Disposable Drip Trays

Green printing continues to be a hot topic among printing companies as they work to find ways to save time and money while also helping to improve the environment.  By definition, the concept of green printing involves the practice of using renewable energy resources, reducing the use of energy and greenhouse emissions, and using recycled materials.  Some green initiatives revolve around large-scale ventures like installing solar panels or wind turbines to create renewable energy for a company.  Or upgrading press equipment to more technologically advanced models designed to run more efficiently.  All great ideas, albeit expensive with potentially long ROI’s.  But not all green initiatives have to break the bank. 

 There are several low-cost and easily attainable goals to make your printing operations more eco-friendly.  For instance, move from printing on chlorine-based substrates, which release toxic chemicals when thrown away, to substrates that are biodegradable, recyclable, or made from recyclable materials.  Another consideration is to research the inks you use. For example, solvent inks are extremely high in VOC (volatile organic compounds).  Alternatives like soy, water-based, and UV inks are much better for the environment and still provide the desired results you’re looking for.

 Decrease Wastewater and Chemical Detergent Usage

 One universal fact about the printing process is that you will always need to stop your printing press to change colors from one job to the next.  In doing so, you will always have to clean ink pans and trays.  There are several solutions for performing this task, from hand-washing to parts washers to laser cleaning machines.  The key to green printing success is finding a solution that does not waste significant amounts of water or result in chemical waste.  In general, a typical ink or coating pan flexo printing equipment requires around five gallons of water to effectively clean it. In addition, parts washers, which clean through chemicals or aqueous detergents, require waste material to be captured and disposed of properly.

 If the idea of generating wastewater or paying for chemical waste hauling isn’t an option, consider disposable ink pan liners and catch trays.  Manufactured of repurposed USDA paperboard, liners completely eliminate the pan cleaning process.  Most importantly, pan and tray liners are entirely recyclable and prevent ink contamination, making for a truly environmentally friendly addition to your green printing practices.

 Contact us today about increasing your green printing efforts as well as enjoying a more effective print process.

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Phone: 970-874-2852

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