We've have been using bio-inks at Maslands for 10 years now, but what are the benefits?Some of the pigments used in ink contain metallic substances which are harmful to human health and the environment - such as cadmium, chromium, lead and mercury. Conventional printing inks are petroleum-based and used with alcohol-based solvents. As alcohol and petroleum evaporate Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are emitted. VOCs represent environmental pollution and a health hazard to pressroom workers. In terms of atmospheric pollution, VOCs react with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight to create ozone pollution or photochemical smog.
One solution to VOCs is the use of soya or vegetable-based inks which have lower rates of VOC emissions. Petroleum inks emit 25 to 40 percent VOCs when they dry, while rates for soya and vegetable-based inks are as low as two to four percent. Vegetable oils used in printing inks are essentially non-hazardous.
In sustainability terms, mineral oils are typically refined from crude oil which is a valuable resource and logic tells us this will run dry at some point, also the energy requirements for extraction, refining and treatment are high. In contrast vegetable oils, which can be made from a variety of sources including soy-bean, corn and linseed oils, are derived from renewable and readily available resources. Another extra benefit of vege-based inks is their ease of removal from wastepaper during de-inking for recycling.
To us it's a 'no-brainer', we are committed to ensuring we prevent any avoidable pollution, reducing our environmental impact and becoming more energy efficient - keep an eye on our blog for further info on our environmental policies...
Printing Business Cards | Postcards | Flyers | Leaflets | Letterheads | Compliment Slips | Stationery Sets | Posters | Brochures | Folders | Greetings Cards | Wrapping Paper...
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