Print Buying Direct

Environmentally Aware Printing – Re-use and recycling of printing inks – 28th January 2010
A number of our customers now re-use excess product and press returns. Many do this with the assistance of a colour computer, which also helps to minimise waste. In certain circumstances, tank dispensing systems can be effective in reducing excess mixed ink.

There are a few specialist companies operating schemes for the recycling of the less complex types of printing inks. However, the extent of these operations is limited for the following:

a)    The vast majority of printing inks are complex chemical mixtures and it is not desirable to mix different types.
b)    Used in inks is often ‘uncertain composition’ as we have no control over additives, solvents or extraneous matter introduced during used.

Volatile Organic Compounds
A Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) is an organic material which participates in atmospheric photochemical reactions.

In practice, and for the purposes of this study, this means the organic solvents and diluents used in ink manufacture which can be emitted into the atmosphere. By this definition, heatset, flexo, gravure and screen printing inks, where the drying relies on evaporation, are all possible sources of VOCs.

The emissions of VOCs can be reduced by either using a control technique or changing technology.

Peter Harrison is Joint Managing Director of The Printing House Ltd,
and Print Buying Direct of Crewe, Cheshire, UK.

Print Buying Direct are UK market Leaders in Leaflet Printing | Brochure Printing.

For more free articles on Printing and Graphic Design see our Online Printing | Print Buying Direct
Website.

For more information on printing and graphic design please see some of our recent blog articles;

• Environmentally Aware Printing – Re-use and recycling of printing inks
• Environmentally Aware Printing – Bio-degradability of inks
• Environmentally Aware Printing – Solvents
• Environmentally Aware Printing – Inks
• Environmentally Aware Printing – Recycled Paper – Reproduction
• Recycled Paper – Print appearance

Print Buying Direct is the online division and a Trading Name of The Printing House Ltd. One of the UK’s leading quality printing companies for short run, long run and wide format colour printing. Based in Crewe, Cheshire, in the North West of England – delivering to customers across the UK and Ireland.

Also see our other websites

The Printing House, Print Buying Direct, Prospectus printing, Golf Club Centenary Books

Tags: brochure printing, environmentally aware printing, leaflet printing

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