Environment

With the environment and a low-carbon footprint high on many business agendas, Sihl Direct UK has announced the availability of an established eco-friendly alternative to self adhesive vinyl films. Called TriSolv, the paper can be used in the same way as self adhesive vinyl films but is much less harmful to dispose of.

Businesses often use free standing or suspended panels for product advertising, generally made of plastic laminate materials in combination with films.  These compositions have to be disposed of after advertising campaigns have finished. This material is potentially harmful to the environment because it does not decompose, and instead has to be burnt at a waste incineration plant, at temperatures greater than 1500°C in order to avoid dioxin formation.

The more environmentally friendly TriSolv PrimeArt Paper SA 275 glossy 3685 and TriSolv PrimeArt Paper blueback SA 210 glossy 3682, are now available for all those who work with solvent ink systems and are ideal for cardboard or pulp board uses. Signs made in this way can be recycled in small quantities along with waste paper and card from packaging. Generally larger quantities can be incinerated because theyhave a good thermal value and are more eco friendly. Also very little additional CO2 is produced during this procedure because both the boards and the TriSolv media consist primarily of renewable materials.

Ian Turnbull, Operations Director at Sihl Direct UK, explains “As a business Sihl is always looking for a greenalternative. TriSolv is a good example of an environmentally friendly product, but one which also works. It gives maximum impact for poster advertising because it is a multi-layer coated, water and outdoor resistant, high white paper, which is specially developed for solvent as well as UV curing inks. The construction enables brilliant posters that can help the user to save up to 30% ink. The range is tried and tested and proven to exceed the demands of the market.”

TriSolv is available immediately from Sihl Direct UK and authorised resellers.

• For drupa 2012 BioMedia is demonstrated by market leaders including EFI, Epson, Ricoh and Roland
• ILFORD adds biodegradable Glossy and Matt laminates to BioMedia substrate range
• ILFORD joins Green Printing Park at dip (drupa innovation park), dedicated to innovative products
• Additions to the ILFORD OMNIJET range announced

ILFORD, a leading developer and manufacturer of professional quality media, takes advantage of drupa 2012 to demonstrate the universal compatibility of its BioMedia sustainable substrate range with printing on the stands of EFI, Epson, Ricoh and Roland. ILFORD also contributes to the choice of sustainable materials available to the commercial marketplace with new introductions to its BioMedia and OMNIJET ranges.

At drupa 2012 ILFORD introduces new BioMedia laminates in gloss and matt finishes, which are fully biodegradable. The 75 micron laminates offer an environmentally responsible solution to improving the longevity and scratch resistance of graphic display products and are suitable for a wide range of indoor and outdoor applications including banner stands and in-store retail display boards.

drupa 2012 also provides ILFORD with the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the universal compatibility of the BioMedia range, with live printing taking place using a wide range of the latest printing equipment at the stands of industry leaders including EFI, Epson, Ricoh and Roland.

EFI (Hall 05/C01) will print on the BioMedia Display Film UV sheets, whilst Epson (Hall 05/A01) will print on the universally compatible BioMedia Display Film using the Epson Stylus Pro 11880 and the Epson SureColor SC-30600. Ricoh (Hall 08A/B46) will demonstrate the latest printing technology with a selection of ILFORD BioMedia and OMNIJET products, including the responsibly sourced ILFORD Photo Realistic range. Roland (Hall 09/E04 & E07) will demonstrate the compatibility of their printing equipment with BioMedia Display Film UV and the universally compatible Display Film. Finally, visitors interested in ILFORD OMNIJET products will be able to see display material from the range on show at Canon Hall 08A/C06.

Paul Willems, CEO at ILFORD Imaging says “ILFORD BioMedia has been developed as an environmentally-responsible alternative to PVC-based display materials traditionally favoured in commercial printing. We are delighted to use drupa 2012 as an opportunity to demonstrate the success of the product range in terms of the demand and ease of adoption we’re experiencing from the industry. Through our widespread presence at the event, ILFORD is saying to the graphic communications industry that when it comes to product viability and application potential, environmentally responsible substrates promise to match their traditional forbearers like for like.”

The focal point of ILFORD activity at drupa 2012 will be at Hall 07/E15 in the Green Printing section of drupa innovation park, an area which is dedicated to innovation within sustainable printing. ILFORD takes this opportunity to present its sustainable substrate solutions offered for environmentally responsible commercial printing. This includes the recyclable paper-based Photo Realistic range, which has been certified as responsibly sourced in compliance with the requirements of the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC® C107238).

New to the OMNIJET range at drupa 2012 is the recyclable Screen Print Separation Film, which, thanks to ILFORD coating technology developed in Switzerland, offers an exceptionally high Dmax of up to 4.5 (UV) and 3.1 (Visual). ILFORD is also pleased to introduce 3-inch core rolls across the OMNIJET range on products OMNIJET Glossy Portable Display Film 400gsm, Self-Adhesive Vinyl 180gsm and Glossy 255gsm, Satin 200gsm/255gsm and Pearl Photo 250gsm RC Paper. The thicker roll cores bring the additional benefits of increased productivity and reduced memory curl.

About BioMedia

The ILFORD BioMedia range includes display films which employ ILFORD renowned coating technologies to create a universally compatible layer, as well paper-based products, boards and laminates. ILFORD BioMedia products are recyclable in the stream for Resin Code 6, applying to products such as cups, utensils and compact disc cases, and is of course compliant with the EU REACH Regulation. BioMedia breaks down under anaerobic (no oxygen) landfill conditions thanks to a unique additive that accelerates the biodegradation process. The products have been tested and found to biodegrade by an independent laboratory according to ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standard D5511, which determines the anaerobic biodegradation of plastic materials. ILFORD BioMedia products also require less energy during printing, as the media is optimised for low-temperature printing processes.

The ILFORD BioMedia range was launched in the USA at SGIA in October 2011 and in Europe at FESPA Digital 2012. Awards and nominations attributed to the BioMedia range include the 2011 SGIA* Product of the Year Award in the Media - Vinyl category and a nomination for the prestigious 2012 Wide Format-Imaging Magazine Readers' Choice Top Products Awards, which recognises products that have caused the most excitement in the wide format printing industry.

The ILFORD BioMedia range includes:

• BioMedia Display Film: A flexible printing substrate available in standard roll sizes and in 300, 400 and 550 micron. Using a microporous imaging front layer, BioMedia Display Film is compatible with aqueous, eco-solvent, solvent and latex technology. It is suitable for indoor applications as a direct replacement for coated vinyl or polyester media and can be used in a variety of applications from pop-ups and point of sale displays to posters and exhibition panels.
• BioMedia Display Film UV: Compatible with UV printers, the range is suitable for outdoor display applications including poster displays or banners. The product range is available in a range of weights and roll sizes to meet the different application requirements.
• BioMedia Rigid Display Board: These direct-to-print boards are suitable for all UV print platforms and, at 750 microns, 1.5mm and 2.7mm thicknesses, offer durable replacements for traditional mounting boards. They are perfect for heavy-duty signage, internal cladding or displays.
• BioMedia Laminates: For a biodegradable glossy, matt or satin finish, the BioMedia line in 75micron thickness. These have similar properties to traditional polyester laminates yet are fully biodegradable and can be used with a variety of substrates for indoor or limited short term outdoor applications

The ILFORD BioMedia range is available internationally and can be ordered immediately. Commercial printers can contact their distributors for pricing. For more detail on the ILFORD BioMedia range please visit: www.ilford.com

About OMNIJET

With the OMNIJET range ILFORD has created the leading solution for the commercial marketplace looking for quick and efficient production, minimum waste and maximum impact. The range is suitable for a diverse range of applications and consists of Photo RC Paper, Photo Realistic responsibly sourced products; Portable Display Films; Backlit Display Films; Self-Adhesive Vinyl; Canvas; Graphic Matt Paper products and the new Screen Print Separation Film.

Perfect Colours, a London-based value added reseller of large format digital printing solutions, has announced that it is now able to offer its customers a new range of environmentally-friendly print media.

NatureWoven™ media is biodegradable and compostable and offers an environmentally-friendly alternative to the widely-used oil-based materials such as PVC.  It can be used for numerous applications within the advertising and retail industries including billboard and large-scale graphic displays.

NatureWoven media is made from predominantly sustainable plant fibres such as natural latex and cotton from the rubber tree.  It is 100% biodegradable and fully compostable - thereby reducing landfill waste – and is compatible with all industry-standard printers.

Jason Burroughs, managing director of Perfect Colours, comments, “As well as being a green alternative to PVC-based media, NatureWoven is priced extremely competitively when compared to non-green products.  It specifically addresses the evermore important environmental and corporate social responsibility concerns of brand owners and printers across the globe.”

“Increased government legislation and consumer demand is driving the move towards a more sustainable, biodegradable approach in business and NatureWoven enables companies to align their ‘green’ initiatives with the output they are creating,” he summarises.

For more information on NatureWoven, please visit http://www.perfectcolours.com/inks-and-media/naturewoven-media

Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP), a non-profit organization providing sustainability certification in the graphic communications industry, has announced that the Austin, Texas print facility of ProGraphix is SGP Certified. ProGraphix is a wide format digital printer specialising in sustainable and eco-friendly retail, exhibit, event and promotional graphics. The company is already realising the benefits of implementing SGP's criteria, such as an increase in its efficiency and a reduction in waste. SGP Certification also strongly positions ProGraphix as a leader in sustainability, as it is the only SGP Certified facility in Austin, and the second facility in Texas.

"SGP Certification was a substantial undertaking, but the resulting improvements in our products, processes and facility were well worth the effort," comments Nicki Macfarlane, president of ProGraphix.

SGP Certification gives ProGraphix the opportunity to develop and implement a formal sustainability program that delivers value and results. As a credible, third party endorsement, SGP Certification demonstrates ProGraphix's commitment to achieving its sustainability goals, while meeting customers' expectations and providing a safe working environment for employees.

"SGP Certification is for all companies, large and small alike," states Marci Kinter, Chair, SGP Program. "The Certification demonstrates ProGraphix's commitment to sustainable business practices, and it clearly differentiates them in the marketplace."

The Certification Process

ProGraphix began the certification process with regular committee meetings to encourage employee participation and communication. The company conducted extensive research to identify environmentally friendly print materials, such as recyclable banners and biodegradable rigid substrates. Today, ProGraphix recommends these sustainable materials to its customers whenever possible, and ensures that its suppliers are aware of its preference for sustainable media.

As part of the Certification process, ProGraphix also opted to upgrade its equipment to incorporate more sustainable processes. For example, its new flatbed printer substantially reduces the amount of waste produced, and the printer's UV inks have virtually no VOCs. Other improvements were based on the safety and health checklist that supported its goal of providing a safe working environment.

Agfa Graphics' manufacturing facility in Branchburg, New Jersey, USA, has been recognised by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) for its commitment to the environment.

The company was cited for its “voluntary and proactive measures taken to go beyond compliance in an effort to improve the environment and ensure a sustainable future.” The recognition honoured Agfa in various categories, including Environmental Policy, Materials Conservation, Hazardous Materials Reduction and several others.

The NJDEP noted in its report that Agfa has demonstrated its dedication to the environment by reducing the company’s water usage, decreasing manufacturing waste by making production improvements and line operating efficiencies, and by lowering power consumption through increased use of energy-efficient lighting.

“Sustainability is part of our strategy,” said Jonathan Ashton, vice-president, Operations, Agfa Graphics North America. “We are committed to systematically improving the cost and environmental performance of our products and operations. We are always looking for ways to operate according to sustainable production processes, to conserve natural resources, to operate our facilities safely and minimize the impact of these activities and products on the environment.”

Agfa Graphics’ facility in Branchburg, NJ, is the company’s largest manufacturing location in the United States, at which the company produces various products for the printing and publishing industries. The facility also features a state-of-the-art technology demo centre.

HP has announced details of the forthcoming Eco Leadership Forum at the drupa exhibition in Düsseldorf (3rd - 16th May), intended to address the key sustainability questions that matter most to today's printing industry.  To help address these questions and the issues related to them, HP has assembled a panel of experts, each of whom are at the forefront of printing industry sustainability.

Visitors to drupa will have the chance to attend each hour-long panel discussion and participate in the debate, which will take place at the HP tent, located outside of hall #4.  The Eco Leadership Forum schedule comprises two sessions examining how the printing industry can develop a common understanding of what sustainability means, as well as considering how environmental performance can be improved across the industry:

• Sharing knowledge across the supply chain - Saturday 5th May, 15.45h
• Improving environmental performance - Tuesday 8th May, 15.45h

The sessions will be moderated by Stephen Goddard, Environmental Leadership Program Manager HP GSB, and will welcome a cross-section of print service provider, consultancy and industry association panellists, including:

• Laurel Brunner, Verdigris
• Frazer Chesterman, EcoPrint
• Marci Kinter, SGIA and Sustainable Green Printing Partnership
• Matthias Hausmann, CEWE Color (5th May only)
• Richard Owers, Pureprint (8th May only)

"Sustainability is becoming increasingly critical to the future success of printing businesses around the world, and even to the future of the printing industry itself," comments Goddard.

"An important aspect of the Eco Leadership Forum events will be to look at how knowledge can be best shared across the supply chain to help align the industry behind common objectives," he adds.

"The need to build a more sustainable future for the printing industry remains a significant challenge and print service providers are at the sharp end of this challenge. As such, we encourage anyone wishing to hear what the experts have to say - as well as have their own voice heard - to sign up for what we anticipate to be a thoroughly lively and informative event," he continues.

Those wishing to attend the Eco Leadership Forum and participate in the discussion are invited to register at: www.hp.com/go/ecoleadershipforum.

Get live updates and connect with HP leading up to and during drupa on the HP Graphic Arts Twitter Feed at www.twitter.com/hpgraphicarts and YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/hpgraphicarts.