THE GREEN ISSUE It isn’t Easy Being Green!
The Case for UV
Green Business is Good Business
A way to lighten the load
A Greener Ink Technology?
Find out why!
www.fespaworld.com
THE MAGAZINE FOR SCREEN AND DIGITAL PRINTERS FEB 2009 NO.54
WORLD
Bookmark Environment
1985 Start of LIBRA family of products 1994 Total abandonment of heavy-metal pigments 1995 ISO 9001 certification with specific environmental tasks 1997 Total exclusion of NVP in standard UV inks 2003 ISO 14001 certification 2003 SONY Green Partner certification 2004 Environmental Achievement Award from SGIA
Decades of l a t n e m n o r i Env Philosophy Marabu since 1859
2007 Complete power supply from renewable sources 2008 Ultraglass UVGCC 2009 Librastar HF Go to www.marabu-inks.com
Editor’s Letter
W
hatever your personal stance on green
Contents
issues, one thing is certain– it is no longer possible to ignore the growing environmental movement, which is why we are dedicating this special issue of
FESPA World to all things green. As both local and EU green regulations become ever more
04
Green Business is Good Business Steve Lister explains the business advantages of being green
onerous, screen and digital printers of all denominations are having to examine every aspect of their day-to-day activities to ensure that they comply with these new and exacting standards. Of course, many companies have whole-heatedly embraced the whole concept of greenness and have discovered, in the process, that it offers numerous advantages. For example, the implementation of a proper waste management and recycling strategy reduces the fees charged for landfill, thus saving money, while also freeing up valuable space within a factory setting. Further, with so many customers now demanding greener products and operating procedures, any printer who can deliver them enjoys a useful competitive advantage and a greater degree of material success. Over the following pages you will be able to learn more about green products and practices, starting overleaf with
Green News
06 08 14
News updates and Planet Friendly Guide
Green Products Round-up of the latest green equipment and materials
It’s not easy being green! Mike McEvoy of Sawgrass puts the case for less aggressive inks
an overview by Steve Lister, Business Development Director of Robert Horne Sign & Display and a keen green exponent, who explains why green business is good business. On page six, you can learn more about FESPA’s latest revision to its Planet Friendly Guide, followed on pages eight-12 with news about the latest green products. On pages 14-15, Mike McEvoy of Sawgrass agrees that being green isn’t easy, but suggests how greater greenness can be achieved with the use of less aggressive inks. Green Showcase on pages 16 -17 highlights green projects and pages 18-20 are devoted to UV, with VUTeK and Mimaki eloquently making the case for its greater use in the future. Four print service providers reveal how being green has improved both their production and customer relations on pages 22-26 and on pages 28-34, you can discover how industry suppliers are adopting greener manufacturing methods to reduce their impact on the environment. Hopefully all of this information will inspire you to find new ways of making your own operation a little bit greener too and becoming even more successful as a result! Val Hirst Editor
WORLD Published by FESPA Ltd Editorial office FESPA Association House 7a West Street Reigate, Surrey RH2 9BL Tel: +44 1737 24 07 88 Fax: +44 1737 24 07 70 E-mail: info@fespa.com www.fespa.com Publisher Frazer Chesterman – Group Managing Director Tel: +44 1737 24 07 88
Green Showcase
16 18 22
Green projects under the spotlight
The Case for UV Why UV is set to be the ink technology of the future
Green Print Providers Four print companies reveal how being green has helped their businesses to succeed
The membership magazine of the Federation of European Screenprinting Associations Green Issue Feb 2009
Advertising Michael Ryan – Group Sales Manager James Ford – Sales Manager Tel: +44 1737 24 07 88 Fax: +44 1737 24 07 70 Editor Val Hirst Tel: +44 1623 88 23 98 E-mail: elford@ btconnect.com
Graphic design Kalligraphic Design Tel: +44 1293 77 64 68 www.kalligraphic.com Printing The MANSON Group Ltd Reynolds House, 8 Porters Wood Valley Road Industrial Estate St. Albans, AL3 6PZ Tel: +44 1727 848 440 www.manson-grp.co.uk
Green Credentials
28
Industry manufacturers and suppliers relate how they have adopted greener processes
FESPA World. Designed by Kalligraphic Design. Printed by the Manson Group Ltd. Editorial photos supplied courtesy of the companies they feature. The publishers accept no responsibility for any statement made in signed contributions or those reproduced from any other source, nor for any claims made in any advertisement. FESPA World is available to individuals who qualify within the terms of a controlled subscription and by subscription.
WORLD Green Issue Feb 2009
03
GREEN PRINCIPLES
Green Business is Good Business Steve Lister, Business Development Director, Robert Horne Sign & Display explains what it means to be a green business
ver the past two years I
O
hear customers saying: ‘Green is good,
taken of a product’s whole life cycle.
have been working with
but I am not going to pay any more for
Ideally, products should be lightweight,
our industry’s governing
it!’ Well in most cases that just isn’t viable,
made from recycled materials and
bodies, equipment and
as greener solutions cost more initially –
generate minimal waste during the
material manufacturers,
although often that cost is recouped further
manufacturing process. They should
signmakers and print providers, as well as
down the line – but my view is that these
also be easily disassembled at the end of
end-users, in order to understand how they
customers don’t really have a proper green
their life and disposed of in a closed-loop
can balance being green with running a
agenda if they are deflected at the first
recycling scheme. It sounds simple
profitable business.
mention of price!
because it is, and even if you can’t achieve
I have seen real commitment from companies who want to deliver what they fundamentally believe in: environmental
Let’s take a look at what it takes to become a greener business. For your company to compete in these
all of these principles, it makes sense to incorporate as many as reasonably possible. At this point perhaps we should think
best practice, supported by responsibly
challenging times, it must be efficient
sourced, quality products that have been
in all areas of its operation, but a good
about who is actually responsible for
developed with the environment in mind.
starting point is an environmental review.
ensuring that signs, displays and PoS are
In the first instance, it helps if you set a
eco friendly? The customers? The designers
where the environment is regarded as a
baseline from which you can measure
or architects? The product manufacturers?
‘passing trend’ and where the consensus of
improvements. Analyse the resources
Surely this is our chance to add value, by
opinion is that the economic downturn will
that you are currently using, your raw
building in a competitive differential and
make it easier to ignore green issues.
materials, packaging, waste, plus your
properly showcasing our skills?
However, I have also been in meetings
One thing I do understand is that your
utility costs. Once you have done this,
Once your product is designed, you
company’s environmental reputation is
you can set targets and measure your
should source the best and greenest
earned through its actions and attitudes,
environmental progress.
products possible. This is not as hard as you may think.
as well as the quality of the products or services you sell. Actively committing to minimising your
You can use your environmental credentials to win more business, as believe me, more and more customers are now committed to making their businesses greener businesses.
Challenge your suppliers to provide a greener alternative to the materials you’ve previously used. For
impact on the environment and implementing strong
In a way, it is probably easier to start
example, Robert Horne Sign & Display has
environmental strategies will give you a
at the end of the process than at the
an impressive collection of green products
competitive edge and can also help you
beginning, as by managing your waste
that are suitable for the broad gamut
to build better relationships with your
efficiently, you stand to realise immediate
of sign and display applications, as is
customers.
financial benefits. On average, waste
Europoint Display’s EnviroBox range. Many
disposal can easily cost sign and display
other manufacturers and suppliers also
credentials to win more business, as believe
companies of all sizes up to five percent
now offer excellent green materials, but do
me, more and more customers are now
of their turnover. Most of this cost is
your homework; challenge your suppliers’
committed to making their businesses
concealed within labour, storage, energy
environmental claims about their products
greener businesses. So, if you have not
and collection/transport overheads. If you
and find out what they are made from and
already done so, it makes good sense to
have not already done so, you will need
how easily they can be recycled. Do not
start implementing a robust environmental
to implement a three point plan to cut
mix product types, as once you have stuck
strategy that covers everything from your
waste out of your manufacturing processes;
‘something’ on top of another product, you
initial design process, to the materials you
to organise collection and to ensure it’s
may have inadvertently made it totally
purchase, the manufacturing processes
being recycled correctly. Landfill taxes
unrecyclable. If you have the ability to
you use and the way you dispose of your
will continue to rise by at least €8-10 and
print direct to a substrate then you will
waste.
higher per year from now, as landfill sites
increase the chances of recycling that
decrease. Waste collection charges will also
product successfully.
You can use your environmental
Of course, the ever increasing pressures to reduce costs will no
rise, so it actually makes good financial
doubt test companies’ environmental
sense to recycle wherever possible.
credentials, obligations and any corporate commitments that they have made. I often
04
Recyclability should be factored in at the design stage and proper account
WORLD Green Issue Feb 2009
No one said being green was going to be easy, but in the final analysis being a green business is actually just being a good business!
GREEN NEWS
Coldenhove papers The Planet Friendly FSC Certificated Guide gets bigger Digital dye sublimation is about to become an even greener process since Coldenhove Papier obtained the Certificate of
and better
the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for its entire range of Jetcol digital dye sublimation transfer papers. This certificate
First produced in 2004 and designed to provide
confirms that Coldenhove Papier promotes environmentally
screenprinters with a blueprint for environmentally
appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable
responsible production, FESPA’s original Planet Friendly
management of the world’s forests.
Guide was very well received, so much so, that it was later
The company, who is ISO14001certified, also takes an active
translated into a number of European languages.
role within the Energy Transition Project of the Dutch Paper and
However, with so much new legislation being introduced,
Board Industry, and is aiming for a 50 percent reduction of
the guide has now been updated and, for the first time, also
specific energy consumption in the chain by 2020, compared to
includes much useful information for digital printers, who
that in 2005. When it comes to the global digital dye sublimation
are facing similar problems with environmental issues. In
sector, Coldenhove has played a leading role right from the
fact, it will provide the most comprehensive and up-to-date
start, beginning with the introduction of Jetcol HTR, a sustainable
environmental information currently available to screen and
solution for digital dye sublimation transfer paper.
digital printers in one document.
It has also looked for and found environmentally friendly
Originally the brainchild of FESPA’s own Michel
packaging solutions and increased the number of rolls per pallet,
Caza, who has also had significant involvement in this
whilst also decreasing the number of transport movements to its
update, environmental specialist, consultant and printing
partners. This was further realised in 2008, when it invested in a 3.50
sector expert Paul Machin has ensured that all current
metre wide re-winder, so that all re-winding can be done in-house.
environmental legislation has been included and plain, easy
For further information visit: www.coldenhove.com www.fsc.com
to understand English has been used throughout this revision. In addition to sections dealing with pollution, waste and
Testing brings peace of mind
emissions, the updated Guide also includes a number of new sections covering: energy; environmental management; legislation; action plans to achieve environmental
Berger Textilwarenfabrik has carried out a comprehensive
improvements and suggestions as to the best available
testing programme on its pure polyester materials and
techniques.
finishings, such as FR and FR+w, as well as its coated block-out
The new Planet Friendly Guide, which will be launched at the FESPA Digital Exhibition in Amsterdam in May, will be
textiles. All products have been tested in respect of their contaminant
available in English only. It will be offered, exclusively and
content, their contaminant emissions when heated during the
free of charge, to members of FESPA National Associations
sublimation process and their ease of recycling and/or disposal.
who will be able to download it in PDF format, via a link to
The tests were carried out on Berger’s best-selling products,
the FESPA Community. Users will find that this facilitates easier
including Lightex FR + w; Mikro backlightex 270 FR +w; eco
access to information, as it will include active hotlinks to
Display 210 FR +w; eco Display 210 FR; crease free heavy satin
more detailed data. In addition, the Guide features a more
FR +w; art canvas 330; samba tent FR+s; blackout night FR
professional and easier to follow layout, with information for
and blackout cloth 335 FR. All achieved acceptable results and
small and large printers appearing in specially delineated
the company is now undertaking to provide accredited test
sectors. As an online document, it will also be much easier
certificates, free of charge, to customers upon request. It is also
to update as well as being a much more environmentally
prepared to carry out similar tests on further products in its range,
friendly product!
upon demand and upon payment of a fee.
For further information visit www.fespa.com
For further information visit: www.bergertextil.com
Is it really green? Many manufacturers label
characteristics of their products
their products as ‘green’
in order to obtain a certification
without really being
of compliance. The test bodies
able to substantiate their
that grant the certificate are
environmental credentials,
internationally recognised,
but Junkers & Müllers has
completely independent and
textiles carry the Oeko-Tex
environmentally friendly and
remedied this by testing all of
work to a uniform standard
‘Textile Trust’ logo, which signifies
harmless products, which are
its Mediatex textiles in line with
worldwide. In recent years,
responsible textile manufacture
free of odour and VOCs, as well
the Oeko-Tex Standard 100
the Oeko-Tex Standard has
and covers everything, from the
as phthalates, AZO compounds,
become the globally accepted
raw materials used, through to
formaldehyde or extractable
Standard 100 has enabled
guarantee of pollutant-tested
the finished product. Customers
heavy metals.
textile manufacturers to
textiles.
can thus be assured that they
For further information visit:
are purchasing high quality,
www.jm-textile.com
Since l992, The Oeko-Tex
voluntarily test the ecological
06
All of the tested Mediatex
WORLD Green Issue Feb 2009
GREEN PRODUCTS In line with the growing demand for greener products, manufacturers are striving to provide more environmentally friendly equipment, materials and inks as outlined below
3P offers backlit textile with green appeal 3P InkJet Textiles will be using the occasion of FESPA Digital
When used in conjunction with the Philips Affinium LED
2009 exhibition to showcase Value Real Backlit FR, its new
Posterbox-Module (ALPM) it provides eye-catching signs and
translucent polyester fabric, which facilitates the production
displays. LEDs deliver a bright, uniform source of illumination,
of completely uniform back-illuminated images, without
and save up to 53 percent of the energy used by traditional
revealing the lighting source.
fluorescent tubes and lamps, plus their longer life helps to
This latest member of the Value family is a smooth, wrinkleresistant fabric made from 100 percent polyester, which has a
significantly reduce on-going maintenance costs. When selecting a material to use with heat calendar units, 3P
dense structure and pleasing feel and, in common with other 3P
recommends that customers choose UV-Transfer Real Backlit FR,
Value products, environmentally friendly, water based coatings.
which can be printed with transfer sublimation or UV-curable ink.
Value Real Backlit FR is specially prepared for optimising
For further information visit: www.3P-inktextiles.com
output with dye sublimation inks for direct printing and can also be used for transfer sublimation or UV-curable ink. When printed, it offers deeply saturated and brilliant colours, as well as sharp and detailed image quality. It is coated with a flame retardant and meets all international standards for indoor advertising and point of sale applications.
Textile finishing equipment conserves resources Based in the Netherlands,
Porta-Wash line, for example,
cloth and the water, which
uses only a tenth of the energy
SETeMa B.V., which was
the vacuum slit system pre-
is recycled. In addition, the
of competing machines, due to
founded in 2002, designs
dries the fabric evenly to a wet-
separate modules in the
forced steam circulation and
and develops machinery for
pickup as low as 30 percent,
Porta-Wash line use recycled
its capability to regenerate it. It
the pre-coating/padding,
relative to fabric weight. This
and fresh, soft water with an
needs no paper and registers
fixation, washing, finishing
ensures cost-effective drying,
exactly calculated minimum
only 1.5 kWh of heat loss into
and drying of textiles.
without the need for a heavy
of 2.50 l/min of fresh water (at
the environment, due to the
and expensive squeezing
2.50 m width), based on the dye
isolated closed steam chamber.
regarded low energy and
roller system. When used in
pollution in the washer, thus
The built-in exhaust removes
water consumption as one
combination with the Portafix
providing optimal washing
hazardous solvents from the
of its highest priorities when
Universal steam-dryer, up to 80
with minimum water usage.
ink, which easily evaporate
developing new equipment
percent of the drying energy
and thus, recirculation and
will be reused for pre-heating
on from SETeMa’s 2003
thus keeping the working
heat exchangers are now a
the cold fresh water in the
introduction of the Portafix
environment clean.
standard part of each of its
Porta-Wash.
Universal, a steam/air fixation
SETeMa has always
designs, enabling users to
To obtain the highest
The Porta-Wash follows
at high fixation temperatures,
As one of the first producers
unit, featuring an integrated
of finishing equipment for
enjoy the lowest energy costs
level of energy efficiency,
steam generator for the fixation
the digital market, SETeMa
and reduce water usage and
each Porta-Wash module is
of all textile dyestuffs. Specially
produces all of its products in
waste.
additionally equipped with a
developed to offer the lowest
three cloth widths: 1.85 m, 2.50 m
counter-flow heat exchanger,
energy consumption in its
and 3.40 m.
introduced a range of finishing
located between the fresh
class, without compromising
For further Information:
equipment that features a
water and hot waste water; air
quality, the Portafix Universal
www.setema.com
modular design, combined
recirculation at the vacuum
with the best possible
system and thermally isolated
performance and low energy
walls. Further, as a part of the
and water consumption. The
washing process, the newly
modularity of the equipment
developed vacuum system also
enables customers to modify
removes polluted water from
their line-up as their production
the cloth, thus maintaining
and budgetary needs dictate.
the required concentration
The company has also
In the newly developed
08
differences between the
WORLD Green Issue Feb 2009
GREEN PRODUCTS
Eco-friendly display options Constructed primarily of bamboo, a
The ultimate eco friendly textile printer
renewable resource, Premium Panda banner stands from Drytac are an ecofriendly alternative to conventional display solutions for the exhibition, sign and display sectors. Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on earth and is increasingly being used as a versatile industrial material. Bamboo plants reach maturity in three to four years and it is envisaged that it will one day be used to replace wood and metal. In addition,
The Jeti 3324 Aquajet printer from Gandinnovations is the
it is providing a critical component in the
first three metre, direct–to-fabric, one process printer to use
balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in
water-based Dye Inks, thus making it the ideal solution for
the atmosphere.
all types of soft signage applications.
The Panda Stand is the world’s first environmentally friendly
Using 24 Spectra printheads to output six colours and 400 dpi
retractable banner stand and offers the same attributes as more
resolution, it produces highly saleable work even at production
conventional products. Completely portable and robustly built, its
speeds of 650 sq. ft/hr (60 sq. m/hr), outputting high quality
precision-engineered retraction system makes it quick and easy
graphics with an unrivalled colour gamut. In addition, it offers
to set up virtually anywhere. Users simply unwind the graphic
improved cost efficiency and is 100 percent eco friendly. The
stored in the bamboo base and insert the support pole. Designed
Jeti 3324 Aquajet prints directly onto a full range of knitted or
to maximise visual impact, the Panda Stand’s eco friendly styling
woven polyester and is the ideal machine to produce trade show
will underline any promotional message and is particularly
graphics, backlit displays, flags and banners. A paperless dye
appropriate when used to highlight other eco friendly products,
sublimation printer, it is fully equipped with an in-line infrared
services and events. When its job is done, the banner can be
fixation system, which ensures vivid colours and clean graphics
quickly rewound into the base and easily transported by one
without the need for extra curing equipment or extended drying
person.
times. The Aquajet comes complete with three high temperature
The Panda L-Stand is another eco friendly, versatile display unit which is, once again, largely made from bamboo. It features
slitting units attached on rewind rollers, thus enabling the operator to slit and seal the fabric to the required size.
a sturdy, L-shaped bamboo frame that supports base and top
The Aquajet uses a specially formulated non-toxic, VOC-free,
graphic-rails via a simple tension system. It snaps together in a
water-based dye that yields a wider range of vibrant colours, and
few minutes and quickly breaks down into a compact, lightweight
output is also fade and wash resistant. It includes a venting system
transportable unit. A cotton-cloth carrying bag is included.
and air filtration unit to eliminate emissions.
For further information visit: www.drytac.com
For further information visit: www.gandinnovations.com
Zünd G3 cutting systems are surprisingly green As a Swiss company operating worldwide, Zünd strives to
reducing overall
minimise the environmental impact of its products and
energy consumption. In
operations by using ecologically responsible production
addition, because of the
processes.
unique modularity of
To further enhance its eco friendly business practices, it
G3, the mass that needs
is currently in the process of constructing a new production
to be moved for each
facility. Even though the existing Zünd facility already uses
cutting operation can
geothermal energy to help reduce its carbon footprint, the new
be optimised for further
headquarters will be the first industrial building in Switzerland
energy savings. The G3
that is constructed to Minergie P standards, which represent a
MTS (Multi-Tool System)
building concept based on stringent requirements for minimal
makes it possible to combine tooling that precisely matches
energy consumption.
cutting requirements, while eliminating the unnecessary weight
Zund’s energy efficient G3 cutting system features an
of any tools not in use. Designed for 24/7 operation, G3’s quality,
integrated vacuum generator, variable from 1-9 kW (optional
design, and construction is such that the need for maintenance
up to 15kW), which delivers only as much vacuum as any
and service is held to a minimum.
given cutting/routing application requires, thus dramatically
For further information visit: www.zund.com
WORLD Green Issue Feb 2009
09
GREEN PRODUCTS
Water based inks offer a safe solution Since its inception, the
to the EEC directive 2003/53/
Italian ink manufacturer,
CE, is considered dangerous
J-Teck, has invested heavily
to both human health and
in the development of
the environment, especially
environmentally friendly
aquatic life.
ink formulations. Today, the
J-Teck’s research and
company produces only
development department
water-based digital inks and
has worked hard to produce
invests in constant research
inks that are both ecologically
to source raw materials,
responsible, and offer bright
chemical products and
and vibrant colours as well as
production processes with
enhanced performance. When
low environmental impact.
used in conjunction with piezo-
It offers a wide range of
head printers, they exhibit an
Technology, a production
to-fabric printing; J-Eco Print
inkjet water-based inks for
optimal degree of saturation,
process that facilitates optimal
Nano is the optimum choice
transfer and direct printing,
and facilitate excellent
pigment dispersion, due to
for direct-to-fabric printing and
which are essentially green,
printability, fast drying and
an innovative technique of
J-Eco Print HF Nano provides
their main characteristic
very high definition.
reduction in nanoparticles.
a high level of colour fastness
The company has also
J-Eco Subly Nano is designed
when used with direct-to-fabric
Alkylphenolethoxylate (APE).
launched a range of inks for
to be used in conjunction with
printing.
This chemical is classified as
use on polyester. Its J-Eco range
sublimation printing; J-Eco
For further information visit
an EDC (Endocrine Disrupting
is manufactured according
Flag Nano can be used for
www.j-teck3.com
Chemical) and, according
to its J-Teck3 Nanodot
both sublimation and direct-
being the absence of
Sustainable banners with Evolon
Madico’s Mother Green range hits the spot
Evolon is an innovative and environmentally friendly
Madico’s
media, which is designed for
environmentally
use in signs, graphics and
conscious ethos,
other printed output and is the
underscored
perfect ‘green’ alternative to
by its ISO14001
traditional banner materials.
accreditation
Evolon is PVC-free, produced
and ‘clean room’
without recourse to solvents
manufacturing
and is made from stable raw
process in accordance with this certification, has shaped its
materials, which are safe for
new Mother Green range – a new portfolio of environmentally
both the environment and
friendly, non-PVC, inkjet printable films for indoor and outdoor
human health. Furthermore, due to its light weight, raw
signage projects.
material consumption is greatly reduced. Compatible with
For outdoor applications in particular, the Mother Green range
both water-based and UV-curable inks, at the end of its useful
provides large format print businesses with the market’s broadest
life Evolon can be recycled, but if incinerated or sent to landfill
range of environmentally friendly substrates for virtually any
with standard waste, emits no toxic substances.
promotional graphics requirement, including advertising hoardings,
It is supplied in weights from 100 g/m up to 180 g/m, can be printed in widths of up to 2m and sewn or converted in the
promotional banners, backlits and vehicle liveries. The range currently comprises 20 films, all of which have been
same way as traditional textiles, without the need for a special
engineered to match the performance and functional benefits
machine.
typically offered by PVC substrates and which includes everything
Freudenberg Evolon is ISO 14001 accredited and fully
from clear and white polyester and polyolefin films for short-term
compliant with European regulations on chemical products.
indoor projects, to polyurethane and acrylic based products for long-
Its media also complies with industry agreements for flame
term outdoor durable requirements. The Mother Green range also
retardancy, namely: NFPA 701 in the USA, CA1237 for California,
complements Madico’s existing and successful stable of optically clear
M1 in France and DIN 4102 B1 in Germany.
window films, by extending the breadth of available opportunities to
For further information visit: www.evolon.com
printers and enabling increased consistency in creative projects. For further information visit: www.madico.com
10
WORLD Green Issue Feb 2009
GREEN PRODUCTS
Taking a green approach Hollanders Printing Systems (HPS), has a green approach to
Pröll’s Aqua-Jet rivals solvent inks
all of its solutions for digital textile print production and its decision to use only water-based disperse inks is part of its ‘go
Originally founded in 1938,
green’ philosophy.
Pröll KG, which was the first
All of HPS’ machines minimise the use of energy and water:
company to produce inks for
the ColorFix, a colour fixation machine, uses less energy than
screenprinting in Europe, now
traditional processes, whilst the ColorWash, an industrial textile
develops and produces ink
washing machine, uses the least amount of water possible.
systems for screen and pad
At the FESPA Digital Printing Exhibition to be held in Amsterdam
printing, as well as chemical
this May, HPS will introduce its newest range of production
products for coating and
hardware, including the 3.2 m ColorBooster XL and the 2.3 m
printing onto plastic and
on pigments containing toxic
ColorBooster, which has been designed for carpet printing, both of
other materials.
compounds.
which offer low running costs and high-quality output. The ColorBooster carpet printer includes a multi purpose
A member of the European
In the area of water-
Council’s Association of
based inks, the company has
heavy-duty winding system to facilitate loading of thick and heavy
Lacquer, Ink and Designer
a full range of ink systems
material. It also features an on-board brush and suction unit to
Paint Industries, EuPIA and
for industrial and graphic
remove loose threads and fibres that may interfere with perfect
CEPE, it has undertaken to
applications, which are
printing, thus lowering the possibility of material and energy
avoid the use of hazardous raw
suitable for nearly every
wastage.
materials.
substrate. Water-based
For further information visit: www.hollanders-ps.nl
Go green and save money!
The Pröll product range
screenprinting inks contain
includes solvent, water-
only three percent organic
based and UV curable inks
solvents.
as well as lacquers, none
The output quality of
of which contains pigments
Pröll Aqua-Jet inks can be
derived from heavy metals.
favourably compared with
Siasprint, who has more than
to the exhaust fans to adjust the
In addition, its range of
that of solvent ink, when
20 years of experience in the
ventilated air at the UV lamps
solvent-based ink systems
printing takes place in a
manufacture of Multicolor
to a minimum. Every lamp is
is free of cyclohexanone,
constant temperature of
lines with UV Drying Systems,
connected to a three-phase
isophorone and aromatic
between 20-25 °C (68-77 °F)
has introduced UVECO Plus, a
electricity supply that avoids
hydrocarbon and it has also
and a humidity of 50 percent.
new UV Line that offers some
the phase imbalance caused
replaced plasticisers based
They are odour free and can
novel features, such as the
by mono-phase transformers.
on phthalates with non-toxic
safely be used to decorate
UV Eco Plus Tunnel, a safer
Another notable feature is the
substances. Its UV inks are NVP
toys, garments and plastics.
drying cycle and a new lamp
continuous automatic reading
free and it guarantees that
For further information visit:
powering system.
of the UV quantity given out by
none of the colours are based
www.proell.de
The old transformer has
each lamp. This system, which
been replaced by an electronic
has already been applied
device that provides the
to SIAS UV tunnels, detects
necessary power, combined
any decrease in power and
with the added advantage
indicates when a lamp needs
Bedigital, the Spanish manufacturer and supplier of large
of constant voltage, which
to be replaced. This ensures
format printing products, provides printing and finishing
eliminates the need for extra
that specifications provided by
equipment, as well as consumables and displays, with the
power when the lamp is first
the ink manufacturer can be
emphasis firmly on green products.
switched on. The result is
properly adhered to and the
a longer lasting lamp and
quality of the finished output
Portugal, together with a distribution network covering more
a more constant drying
maintained.
than 31 countries throughout Europe, the Middle East and
cycle. The line can also be
The combination of the
MYMEDIA offers green choices
The company has its own sales offices in Spain and
Asia Pacific. Its MYMEDIA brand covers the broad spectrum of quality
completely switched off
new UV ECO PLUS and the
when screens are changed,
180° rotating refections system
print media for digital printing and includes everything from
or during set up. Since lamp
provides screenprinters
standard papers to high quality media, for use in conjunction
intensity is adjusted via a
with the best combination
with all leading brands of large format inkjet printers.
pre-programmed PLC, when
for multicolour and single
there is no printed material in
colour screenprinting lines.
suppliers and all of its polyester and PVC substrates are fully
the UV section it automatically
It is standard in all new
recyclable. Most of its products are packed in recyclable
switches to stand-by mode. The
SIAS Multiformula and SIAS
cartons and minimum purchase quantities ensure that
replacement of the transformer
Multigrafica machines and is
customers can order just as much as they need, thus
with the electronic control
also available as a retrofit for
minimising unnecessary transportation costs.
system saves 15 percent on the
existing SIAS and non-SIAS lines.
For further information visit: www bedigitalworld.com
usual energy expenditure.
For further information visit:
The PLC also sends a signal
12
www.siasprint.com
WORLD Green Issue Feb 2009
The company only uses raw materials from FSC accredited
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TALKING POINT
It’s Not Easy Being Green! Mike McEvoy, Director of Commercialisation, at ink manufacturer Sawgrass, looks at the complexities of selecting a truly green ink oing green. It’s a big deal
G
to describe solvent inks include soft, mild
these days and if you are
or eco. The most confusing of these terms
in any kind of business
may be ‘eco-solvent’ ink. To most people,
at all, green initiatives
‘eco’ is short for ecological: however,
are certain to be a hot
most eco-solvent inks are neither derived
topic. Tightening government regulations
from a renewable resource nor created
and consumer interest are pushing the
through an ecologically sound process.
development of bio-friendly alternatives
Before discussing the inks available in
and ‘going green’ as the natural way of
the wide format market, it is important to
doing things.
understand a few key terms and acronyms
Green initiatives may arise out of a
that are commonly used in the inks
genuine commitment to doing the right
industry:
things to sustainably steward our planet;
> HAP: Hazardous Air Pollutants > VOC: Volatile Organic Compounds > TAP: Toxic Air Pollutants > PEL: Personal Exposure Limit as set by
a desire to create a safe, pleasant work environment for employees; a mandate to achieve the lowest total cost of production, including minimising investments in
OSHA, a limit to protect the health of
Defining Green Ink
filtration equipment, scrubbers and toxic
printer operators.
As mentioned before, there are a number of ways in which to define green ink. One
waste disposal fees; local or government regulations and/or industry-driven green
Several common terms applied to the
angle is to look at green products, which
initiatives; or indeed, customer demand
various ink types in wide format printing
accomplish the job at hand (by providing
for cleaner, greener finished products.
and the health, safety and environmental
the appropriate level of vibrancy and
Whatever the motivation, green initiatives
issues associated with each include:
durability), while avoiding and/or
are here to stay and certainly hold true for
> Ultraviolet (UV) Curable Inks: These
minimising any or all adverse impacts on
the wide format printing industry. Worldwide, customers are making it
inks have no VOCs but they do exhibit low PELs and typically have poor
human health or the environment. Several organisations have
clear that they want to print super wide
health and environmental profiles. This
established standards for that, including
graphics without installing expensive
means that there are safety issues with
the Occupational Safety and Health
ventilation systems. These businesses
relatively low exposure levels.
Administration (OSHA), the Environmental
are looking for the same durability and
> Water Based Inks: These inks have
Protection Agency (EPA) (www.epa.
substrate selections that they get from
no VOCs, TAPs or HAPs. The dyes or
gov), as well as local standards, such
solvent printing, for the same cost. The rub
pigments are suspended in water and
as California’s Office of Environmental
is, that ‘going green’ within the printing
present little or no safety issues.
Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), which
industry can be a little confusing. With
> Eco-Solvent Inks: These inks are the
oversees compliance with California’s strict
numerous products on the market, a wide
same as light solvent inks. They are less
Proposition 65 legislation, which governs
range of standards that vary from country
aggressive, but they exhibit poor health
the use of chemicals in a wide variety of
to country and even within the industry
and environmental profiles. They
commercial applications.
itself, understanding exactly what green
contain HAPs and VOCs. inks use aggressive solvents with poor
The good news and the bad news
Wide Format Inks
health and environmental profiles.
The good news is not new – solvent based
By definition, a solvent is a liquid substance
They contain HAPs, TAPs, and VOCs and
inks provide rich, vibrant, durable colours
– any liquid, even water – capable of
have low PELs and in some cases can
that often offer UV stability, are quick
dissolving another substance. In the digital
be a fire hazard.
drying and adhere to a wide range of
> Full Solvent or Traditional Inks: These
means is not easy.
> Latex Inks: These inks are pigmented,
substrates. The bad news – solvent based
used to describe any ink that is not water
water based inks that contain no HAPs,
inks are the bad guys when going green.
based. Other industry related terms used
but do have low VOC emissions.
In addition to ozone issues, the emissions
printing world, however, the term solvent is
14
WORLD Green Issue Feb 2009
from conventional solvent based inks need
considering which alternative technologies
to be limited to avoid potential health and
to implement in your operation, compare
safety issues for the workers using these
data to see how each performs against
inks. Before the present awareness level of
a variety of criteria, as set out in the table
environmental issues had fully matured,
below.
the industry migrated to solvent based inks
Rapidly changing environmental and
because of the solid image quality they
health constraints are placing pressure
could achieve, in a business climate that
on the industry’s choices in today’s
was not fully aware of the worker health
market. There is now a myriad of high-
implications and environmental legacy
performance non-solvent ink options
that these substances bring with them. And
for balancing image quality, flexibility
the equipment side of the business quickly
and stability with a need for regulatory
developed printers that were specifically
compliance and environmental protection
designed to work with solvent-based inks.
– particularly in the wide format arena,
Solvent based inks generally fall into
where the print width is 100 inches or less.
one of three categories – traditional,
These water based ink solutions have
full solvent inks, mild/light eco-solvent
no hazardous material disposal costs,
inks, and bio-solvent inks. Although the
require no special equipment to capture
aggressiveness of different types of solvent
fumes – because there are no harmful
used varies greatly in each of these, the
fumes – and allow users to avoid costs
common denominator is…solvent.
associated with government compliance
When trying to determine the relative
with regard to occupational, safety, health
severity of the environmental and/or health
and environmental regulations. Recent
impact of the solvent ink you intend to use,
advances in eco friendly inks are aqueous
investigate the following:
pigment based inks, which offer good UV resistance. Among these is HP’s Latex ink,
1
Does the product contain chemicals
which contains low levels of VOCs, and
that are listed as hazardous air
Sawgrass’ M ink, which contains no VOCs.
pollutants (HAPs) or toxic air pollutants 2 3
4
Negating the widely held belief that
(TAPs)?
water based inks are less durable and not
Does the product contain volatile
as vibrant as solvent based inks, Mickael
organic compounds (VOCs)?
Mheidle, CEO of Sawgrass Europe, says
Does the product or any of its
“Water based inks such as sublimation inks
ingredients have a personal exposure
or M ink can achieve and even exceed
limit (PEL) established for it by OSHA or
the same colour vibrancy as solvent based
similar?
inks with rich, vibrant, durable colours
Ask for the MSDS fact sheets from the
and photo quality output.” He adds: “For
manufacturer, and verify whether
indoor applications where a polyester or
any of the chemicals identified are
poly-coated hard substrate or fabric is the
on well recognised ‘watch lists’ with
medium of choice, aqueous sublimation
organisations such as OSHA, the EPA, or
printing is a green option that is hard to
California’s Proposition 65.
beat.”
In most cases, there are alternative
an environmental standpoint, choosing
Beyond the business reasons, from approaches to achieving the quality and
solvent-free inks, whenever possible, is just
effect your customers are looking for. When
the right thing to do.
WORLD Green Issue Feb 2009
15
GREEN SHOWCASE
Here we highlight a novel solution for providing ‘greener’ point of sale material and also reveal how two printers have benefited from HP’s Latex Printing Technologies
Jointly we worked with an adhesive manufacturer to develop a specialist low tack, water based adhesive.” The concept is that the existing graphics are replaced with 100 percent
T
around the world to adopt more environmentally responsible business practices, and Nike has long been
recyclable polypropylene versions, which
committed to efforts in this area. This year, it
simply have new graphics positioned
began a multiyear process to ensure more
over the old ones. This system of layering,
sustainable practices at its events, including
rather than replacing, has lead to a
the prestigious Nike Women’s Marathon
£600k cost saving in print, collation and
in San Francisco. With tens of thousands
transport. In addition, there is a 30 percent
of square feet of marketing collateral
time reduction to market, 45 percent less
produced each year for the event, Nike
packaging and zero landfill on all non-
made reducing the environmental impact
paper related POS products.
of its printing a top priority.
Charterhouse trained all the fitting
In need of durable, but eco friendly
teams to ensure that they understood
signage, the race organisers turned
how the new process worked and then
to digital print company, Splash! San
conducted store trials and questionnaires.
Francisco, which has recently added a
Workshops were also held to demonstrate
HP Designjet L65500 printer to its extensive
how layering one graphic over another
equipment portfolio. Regan Mahoney,
worked. Every three months the
Splash! San Francisco’s General Manager
merchandising teams will take down
explained: “In order to produce more
the frames and make them ready for
sustainable printed products for this
recycling, and install fresh graphics for
event, we used HP’s Latex ink, rather than
that month.
the usual solvent inks used by most wide
“This project has had results above and beyond our expectations,” says
format inkjet printers.” Designed with the environment in
Sarah Smith, Head of Retail Campaigns
mind, the HP Designjet L65500 Printer, HP
at T-Mobile. “We are making significant
Latex Printing Technologies and HP’s new
savings on materials, collation and
recyclable substrates, have the ability
distribution costs. We are working towards
to reduce the environmental impact of
having a full closed-loop production cycle,
printing. With signage locations ranging
which means that all waste is tracked and
from retail stores to other sites along the
then reconciled in one central location. We
course, Splash! San Francisco used the HP
want to be a socially responsible retailer
Designjet L65500 to print onto an extensive
and recycle and reuse 100 percent of all
number of recyclable substrates, including
our POS material. Charterhouse has helped
HP HDPE Reinforced Banner, HP Dupont
us achieve this.”
Tyvek Banner and HP Photo-realistic Poster
ndependent print management
For more information visit:
Paper. And, the company produced it
company Charterhouse has
www.charterhouse.tv
all whilst also maintaining a healthy
I
changed the way telecoms giant, T-Mobile, produces, delivers, installs and disposes of its in-store
POS, replacing it with a system of selfadhesive graphics that are simply placed over the old ones. T-Mobile’s previous system was time consuming and the POS was bulky to produce and collate, and costly to transport. It also had to be collected from a central store, which in itself amounted to 3,000 trips. Although initially reluctant to change, T-Mobile was persuaded by Charterhouse to try another method, which has been trialled and now rolled out throughout the company. “We challenged three suppliers to help us find a low tack, water based solution which could be applied to a new large polypropylene graphic,” says Charterhouse Account Director Kingsley Holding. “Two said it could not be done and one, Robert Horne Group, agreed to work with us.
00 16
he race is on for companies
WORLD Green Issue Feb 2009
GREEN SHOWCASE luscolor is a printing
P
business that prides itself on being amongst the first to market, in terms of new applications and in adopting
technological innovation. Pedro and Cesar Augusto, Managers at Pluscolor in Barcelona, Spain, have transformed the traditional photo lab founded by their father, a photographer, into a thriving business with two production facilities and an outlet in the city centre. As technology has progressed, Pluscolor has transitioned to offer digital printing services to the Spanish market and beyond, exploring different technological solutions to produce a wide range of products for both indoor workplace for its employees. Odourless prints, produced with HP Latex Inks, which
and outdoor use. Describing the expanding business,
“Printing and output from the HP Designjet L65500 Printer is odourless, thus eliminating
are non-flammable and non-combustible,
Cesar Augusto says: “We started out by
the need for special ventilation systems,
emit extremely low levels of volatile
producing traditional photo enlargements,
plus we save time and money on waste
organic compounds (VOCs) and do not
then purchased a DURST Lambda
management, as there is no hazardous
require special ventilation. Further, they
to expand into larger professional
waste. There are also no messy, daily
are not considered to be hazardous waste.
photographic prints for galleries,
maintenance routines for operators, so they
advertising agencies and marketing
are happier and we are more productive!”
Regan Mahoney continues: “Our clients understand it’s not just about a green
departments. Over ten years ago we
product. It’s also about how you create
invested in our first plotter and Adobe
Designjet L65500 Printer for a short time but
that green product too. The safety of our
Photoshop 1.0! Today there’s a lot of variety
it has already been chosen for numerous
workers is the number one priority, and
in what we do and a high degree of
projects. One of the first was to wrap a
the HP L65500 certainly helps us achieve
customisation using different materials,
minivan for ONCE (Spanish National
a more pleasant and safer working
such as aluminium, wood, crystal, foam,
Organisation for the Blind), which will
environment.” Splash! San Francisco has
mesh, PVC, and carpets. For example, we
accompany cyclists during a major cycling
equally high standards for its finished
printed an image of the Earth seen from
event, the 889 km Vuelta de Catalunya.
products and Regan Mahoney adds: “The
space on 250 sq.m of carpet!”
This job demanded durability in direct
L65500 offers super-high-quality HP output
He continues: “Ten years ago we realised
Pluscolor have only had their HP
light in all environmental conditions. The
with an impressive colour gamut. It’s better
that digital was the future of the printing
lower half of the van was wrapped with HP
than any solvent machine I’ve worked on!”
business and we began printing bigger
Permanent Gloss Adhesive Vinyl and the
prints on a wider range of substrates,
upper half with perforated vinyl. Outdoor
system, including a HP Embedded
expanding our product offering in the
prints produced with HP Latex Inks achieve
Spectrophotometer, the Designjet L65500
process. In 2004, we bought a solvent-inkjet
display permanence for up to three
offers rich colour saturation, plus high-
printer and although it output decent
years unlaminated and up to five years
resolution indoor prints of up to 1200 dpi,
quality work, we were less impressed by the
laminated and are scratch, smudge, and
which achieve consistent colour thanks to
bad odour it produced, the complicated
water resistant on a range of media.
HP DreamColor Technologies.
maintenance routines and the need for
Equipped with a six-colour ink printing
Providing signage using a process
Cesar confirms that when Pluscolor’s
constant operator intervention, so we
customers are given the choice, they tend
that involved anything other than a
sold it and purchased a couple of UV
to select environmentally responsible print
solvent based system wasn’t always easy
printers instead. However, when the HP
production and output. For example,
for Splash! San Francisco, as until now,
Designjet L65500 printer was launched,
when producing printed material for the
technology that reduces the environmental
with its promise of producing durable
promotion of a pharmaceutical product
impact of printing was limited to
output coupled with cleaner printing and
at a hotel in Valencia, the client specified
specialised areas. This restricted the
high productivity even at high resolutions,
that whilst outdoor signage demanded
company’s ability to serve certain markets,
we were eager to try it, as there is now a
durability comparable to solvent ink
including superwide signage printing.
growing trend towards greener products
performance, the indoor signage for
and we knew that if we could offer an
the hall and dining area had to be
and years, we tried to stay away from
environmentally friendly printing solution,
odourless. By exploiting its HP Latex Printing
solvent based printing, but there were
we would be able to boost our price point
Technologies, Pluscolour was able to
certain categories of client that we couldn’t
in an extremely competitive market where
produce environmentally responsible, high
service because of that. Now, the Designjet
profit margins are under constant pressure.”
quality and colour consistent output for
L65500 Printer has opened up new markets
Cesar goes on to claim that HP Latex
Regan Mahoney concludes: “For years
both indoor and outdoor displays from a
to us, which is providing explosive growth
Printing Technologies has enabled
for the company.”
Pluscolor to stand out from the competition
delight.
For further information visit:
whilst also significantly improving its
For further information visit:
www.hp.com
production processes. He explains:
www.hp.com
single technology, much to the client’s great
WORLD Green Issue Feb 2009
00 17
THE CASE FOR UV
Manufacturers explain why they believe that UV is the printing technology of the future.
Making the Solvent-to-UV Transition Scott Schinlever, Vice President & General Manager EFI Ink Business urges print service providers to make the transition from solvent to UV inks n the world of superwide format,
> Do not contain heavy metals such as
The Evolution offers green benefits
antimony, arsenic, cadmium, chromium (VI), lead, mercury, and selenium;
ccording to Sun llc, UV
(October 2006) issued by the European
A
Printing Ink Association (EuPIA);
a forerunner of this technology. Sun’s
> Are not toxic, known to be carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction, and comply with the Exclusion List for Printing Inks and Related Products
LED technology is the future printing industry standard and the company claims that
its new NEO UV LED Evolution printer is
I
changing. Increasingly, sign and display
derived and organic substances in the ink
The printer uses an LED light source,
manufacturers are focusing their attention
increases the overall biodegradability of
which is heat-free and, because there
on UV curable inks, and for good reason.
the printed matter. UV curable printing has
are no toxic emissions, there is no need
According to IT Strategies and other
also opened up a new world of printing
for expensive ventilation systems. The
market research, the market for high-end
direct to rigid substrates, which has both
LEDs last for around 40,000 – 100,000
solvent printers is flat, while UV flatbed
economic and environmental benefits.
hours, or put more simply, about 14
and roll-to-roll printers are growing at
Printing to rigid substrates is not only
years of normal 24/7 operation! In
a CAGR in excess of 25 percent. By 2011,
faster, but it is more cost effective. Where it
addition, since LEDs use less power
IT Strategies predicts that there will be
might require five steps to produce a rigid
than traditional lamps, energy
more installed superwide format printers
display on a roll-to-roll printer, including
consumption is dramatically reduced,
using UV curable inks than solvent based
mounting and lamination, direct-to-rigid
with consequent environmental and
systems.
printing reduces the process to two steps,
cost benefits.
solvent based inks have dominated in the transition from analogue
> Are not considered as hazardous waste under the U.S. waste regulations (RCRA).
screenprinting to digital printing technologies, but that is quickly
The advantages of UV over solvent are clear. While solvent inks are less expensive, UV curable inks typically yield more media
focus is on the design and manufacture of green products, without sacrificing quality, and it believes that the NEO UV
What’s more, the use of naturally
with as much as a 40 percent reduction in time and cost. Printing directly to rigid substrates
LED Evolution satisfies on both counts.
The printer is designed to work in conjunction with Sun’s Sunflower ink, which provides high quality output
coverage per litre. Because solvent inks
is also better for the environment; more
on to glass, plastic, metal and wood,
penetrate the media and UV inks sit on top
likely to produce a recyclable product
ceramic tiles, banners and paper and
and bond to the media, coverage (square
by eliminating the need to use acrylic
the inherent versatility that comes with
feet per litre) can be as much as 30 percent
adhesives and polyester or PVC laminates,
being able to print directly onto a wide
to 50 percent higher than solvent.
which prevents even recyclable card stock
variety of flexible and rigid media. It
from being recycled.
also enhances Evolution users’ business
UV inks offer considerable environmental advantages over solvent
Still prefer to stay with solvent? EFI VUTEk’s
opportunities by opening up new
inks as well; one reason EFI, a leader in
BioVu solvent inks offer an environmentally
revenue streams.
the transition from solvent to UV curable
friendly alternative. In an entirely new
For further information visit:
printing with its VUTEk brand, has so
approach to solvent based inks, BioVu inks
www. sun-nsk.ru
aggressively pursued its development. Inks
are the first solvent based inks made from a
supporting VUTEk PV200, PV320, QS2000,
renewable resource, namely, corn. Although
QS3200, and QS3200r models:
more limited in terms of substrates than
> Contain up to 33 percent naturally
UV curable inks, BioVu inks deliver all the
derived monomers and oligomers from
benefits of traditional solvent inks without
renewable resources, such as plants or
the compromises inherent in eco-solvent
biomass;
and aqueous inks.
> Contain virtually no volatile organic compounds (VOCs);
18
For more information about EFI VUTEk inks, visit www.efi.com
WORLD Green Issue Feb 2009