The printing process using ink can be an essential component in today’s technology world. When you run a business, it will require the need for printing at some point. It is for this point that many consumers are also looking for a way to find alternative printers that are friendlier to the environment.
Eventually, many business owners around the world are beginning to improve their habits with printers that use eco-solvent inks. With this greener printing, there have been many more companies starting to have an understanding of the printing industries environmental impact.
By swapping out one type of printer ink for another that is eco-friendly will be able to make a significant positive environmental impact.
Inks that are Petroleum-Based
When we think about the environmental impact our printer has, we need to keep in mind the ink they use. The ink used in the past was petroleum-based and was popular because of the short amount of drying time and being highly cost-effective. Despite this, it has only been recently that we have recognized their impacts.
The ink that is petroleum-based is a conventional type that is mixed with an alcohol solvent along with color pigment and includes cadmium or another heavy metal that can have an adverse effect on human health and the environment.
Normally, the ink for a printer stems from crude oil that is refined and costs a considerable amount to extract and refine.
During the evaporation of the petroleum and alcohol, an emission of volatile organic compounds occurs and plays a part in pollution. This pollution will then have a direct effect on individual health and may result in bronchitis or asthma.
3 Reasons Why It Is Important To Use Eco-Solvent Printers
They Stem from Sources that are Renewable
The use of inks that are vegetable-based were first incorporated into the printer in the 1970s and became a great alternative to the crude oil ink. Not only are these inks good, but they are highly renewable, which is a great advantage to have.
Inks that are made with vegetable oil are considered superior because of the wide variety and an unrestricted process that uses the best parts of the plant so that it is sustainable and is able to create a high performing product.
A Reduction in the Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds
Having a reduced amount of emissions is a great advantage to use inks that are vegetable or soy oil. The amount of emissions that the petroleum oil ink produces is at least 25% of the VOC once drying occurs. By comparison, the inks with vegetable oil have at least 2% and many may not even release any.
The Ink Is Easily Recyclable
Being a vegetable-based oil makes the ink a lot easier to recycle. Besides the ink printing capability being beyond expectations, the ink can be printed easily on recycled paper as well as being removed easily during the entire paper recycling process.