Environment

In an effort to reduce its carbon footprint, Mutoh America Inc. launches the new ink cartridge recycling program. The recycling program is just one more step in the green direction, enhancing Mutoh’s environmentally-friendly operations.
 
Effective immediately, Mutoh printer owners are encouraged to send their empty ink cartridges to Mutoh America’s corporate office. Once received, Mutoh will then transport the ink cartridges to a local recycling company.
 
In addition to the recycling program, Mutoh has begun making 1000ml ink bags, which are more eco-friendly than a smaller, plastic cartridge. The bigger bag size is easier to recycle and produces less waste.
 
“I am pleased to announce our ink cartridge recycling program,” shares Brian Phipps, General Manager of Mutoh America. “Unfortunately, most ink cartridges end up in the trash after they have been used. We, at Mutoh, are making an effort to reduce the amount of waste that these ink cartridges cause by taking a proactive step in the green direction.”
 
Mutoh recently announced its new MP Ink, which is composed of 60 percent bio-based materials and contains no hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) or heavy metals. The MP Ink produces a wide colour gamut with increased adhesive and abrasion characteristics. Mutoh’s versatile ValueJet 1608HS-Hybrid runs the MP ink to create vivid, high-quality prints on both rigid and flexible substrates.

Océ, an international leader in digital document management and delivery, today announced that executives from the DPDA (Digital Print Deinking Alliance) and INGEDE (Internationale Forschungsgemeinschaft Deinking-Technik) together signed a Letter of Intent for collaboration to investigate the de-inking of inkjet prints. Océ Printing Systems is a member of DPDA.

Inkjet print volumes become more significant

The primary objective of this collaboration is to identify new solutions suitable for combined recovered paper streams with analogue and digital prints. The target is to enable inkjet manufacturers as well as de-inking mills to better anticipate their commercial and environmental requirements as inkjet print volumes become more significant.

"Inkjet is likely to be a relevant process in digital production printing in the future," said Ulrich Hoeke, INGEDE Board Chairman, "and it is essential to maintain recovered graphic paper as a raw material for recycled-content graphic papers by ensuring good de-inkability of inkjet prints."

Technical Committee will direct research projects

This DPDA-INGEDE Letter of Intent for collaboration on inkjet de-inkability provides a structure for regular, detailed exchange of relevant data and jointly-sponsored research projects under the direction of a Technical Committee with representatives from both organisations.

Both DPDA and INGEDE recognise that feasible solutions may involve optimisation of ink, pre- and post-treatment, paper characteristics and the de-inking process. This DPDA-INGEDE Technical Committee has already had its first meeting, and plans to conduct at least one jointly-managed research project this year.

Range of de-inkability performance

The paper industry already experiences considerable problems in recycling prints with water-based flexo inks. In order to avoid similar problems with water-based inkjet inks, paper industry and printer manufacturers will intensify their cooperation.

Speaking on behalf of the DPDA, Crit Driessen, Vice President Marketing and Strategy Production Printing, Océ Printing Systems GmbH, said that "the DPDA recognises that although there have been no single inkjet de-inking issues reported in recycling mills, lab-scale assessments show a range of de-inkability performance, and therefore it is important to identify the attributes and thresholds for successful de-inking so the overall solution can be optimised. This Letter of Intent for collaboration on inkjet print de-inkability is an important step forward for the paper and printing industry to help ensure that the benefits of inkjet printing are realised by all participants in the value chain."

Océ will be demonstrating their products and services on Stand D70 in Hall A1 at FESPA Digital

Océ, a global leader in digital document management and delivery solutions, today announced its Wide Format Printing Systems division will begin accepting applications for its fourth annual "Green Reprographer of the Year" award. Applicants will be asked to submit, in writing, their achievements in the area of green business practices and explain how these efforts have assisted their customers to meet their own sustainability goals. The winning reprographic firm will be announced on April 28, 2011.

Creation of this award has been driven by Océ's longstanding commitment to help reprographers reach their sustainability goals, and those of their customers, through large format printing solutions that are environmentally conscious without sacrificing print quality.

"Developing environmentally sound business practices continues to be a priority for many reprographers. These forward-thinking companies realise that doing more with less not only applies to their business operations but to their impact on the environment," said Patrick Chapuis, President, Wide Format Printing Systems division of Océ North America. "Océ remains committed to recognizing the reprographers that stand out from their peers in their ability to incorporate sustainability into their own operations and those of their customers."

In an effort to highlight those reprographic firms that have embraced a forward-looking approach to incorporating sustainability into their business model, all applicants will be considered by Océ for future publicity opportunities regarding their sustainability efforts, including interviews and contributed articles with leading reprographic industry publications.

Award Submission Details

WHAT: The Océ "Green Reprographer of the Year" award will recognise the reprographic firm that has made the most compelling strides to incorporate environmentally conscious practices into its business operations.

WHEN: Reprographers can view criteria and submit applications through March 18, 2011 via an online application form, which can be downloaded by visiting www.oceusa.com/greenreproaward.
 
HOW: Applications will be judged based on the following factors:

• Products used in the reprographer's business that reduce the impact on the environment
• Services provided to the reprographer's customers to benefit the environment
• Changes or improvements to facilities that reduce the impact on the environment
• Employee programs supporting environmental conservation

Applications will be evaluated by a panel of judges, including Denise Gustavson, Editor of Wide Format Imaging magazine, Robert Cassidy, Editor-in-Chief of Building Design & Construction magazine, and Ed Avis, principal of Ed Avis Associates, a communications firm specialising in the imaging industry, and author of the 2008 Green Reprographics Handbook.
 
For more information on this award or the submission process, please visit www.oceusa.com/greenreproaward.

Graphics One, LLC (GO) has announced that SEPIAX has succeeded in leveraging its position in eco-resin inks and welcomes yet another standard to the market—the newest green ink solution. December 1, 2010 saw the Global Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) of the United Nations come into effect. The GHS is a system for standardising the classification and labeling of chemical substances with the end purpose of protecting human life and the environment against toxic materials. The tangible outcome of the GHS is Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), the proper labeling of harmful substances contained in any chemical product. With a focus on promoting truly green products, SEPIAX is proud to announce its alignment with the GHS as the first ink company to demonstrate adherence to this standard, and all those looking to promote quality products that do not detract from the beauty and health of our world.

SEPIAX ink began its life as one of the most environmentally-friendly inks in the market and continues to surpass environmental expectations. SEPIAX leads the way setting an example against the practice of "greenwashing," or "disinformation disseminated by an organisation so as to present an environmentally responsible public image," all too common in the ink industry. Because of SEPIAX's eco-friendly composition, MSDS sheets are not required for SEPIAX. SEPIAX exceeds all international environmental regulations.

"We are very happy to not only fulfill the requirements set by the GHS, but maintain them through our core belief of providing exceptional green products," said Karl Ebner, Marketing and Sales Director of SEPIAX.

The new and improved SEPIAX aqueous ink solution offers a faster drying time, improved dot gain, stronger primary colors and an overall wider color gamut. The upgrade is compatible with current SEPIAX ink and can be used with already functioning machines. The SEPIAX ink upgrade is available immediately from Graphics One.

 

In the long term, how sustainable is a business or industry based on eco-unfriendly products?

New Clarity Software user Green Graphics has certainly formulated its own opinion. It’s built an innovative company on eco products that sets an enviable benchmark for its sign and digital print competitors.

DEFRA Spells It Out

According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the UK’s total carbon emissions for all consumed and imported products have increased by a massive 19% since 1990. DEFRA is urging businesses to reduce their impact on the environment by becoming eco-conscious in their design, materials use, packaging, delivery, marketing, disposal and reuse strategies.

Green Graphics Took Action

The Green Graphics’ business concept was a simple one: wherever possible use recycled, recyclable and reusable product materials to produce stunning large format print and display solutions. And then actually do it.

Using advanced technologies to create a sandwich of materials with a central eco core veneered by a thin, rudimentary layer, Green Graphics’ displays are as sturdy as any other. They suffer no loss of WOW! factor capability on creative design. They have not compromised their ability to complete jobs, and they are at no competitive disadvantage to deliver projects within the expected timescales demanded in this fast-paced digital print age.

But the environmental benefits are exceptional and the message to their customers is impressive, and in many cases unbeatable.

Are The Rest Of Us Doing Anything Green?

We all know how much effort we should be putting in to going green, but in reality the jury is out on whether we are actually implementing a strategy of significance. In business, it seems the decision to switch to a green model is hugely desirable for many companies, particularly the corporates, but often falls at the penultimate hurdle.

Maybe it’s a concept just too far out of the comfort zone for business leaders and owners who need to know their forecasts are as good as guaranteed at this difficult economic time. But try washing that excuse with Green Graphics, who has embraced the profitable opportunities it presents and spearheaded its marketing strategy with it.

Crawley Council Goes Eco

Crawley Council is just one of many customers who has commissioned Green Graphics to produce eco-friendly signs and displays. Used to educate the public on how to reduce their carbon footprint, the poster-sized graphics were installed around the local park and exhibited how easy it is to adopt eco strategies within the community.

But It’s Not Just Products That Make A Successful Business

With a product range in place that industry rivals could only wish for, it was essential for Green Graphics to complement its eco USP with excellent customer service.

Finding a software solution to support their growth was at the top of their list to complete their compelling sales proposition, and Clarity Professional was selected as the right MIS system to manage and drive their business processes.

“Clarity Professional was the most complete all-in-one solution we found,” Business Development Manager Ashley Moscrop explains. “It gives us the ability to cost and quote complex jobs in a matter of minutes, and produce precise reports on our completed projects to analyse profit margins and customer service levels.”

“Since installing Clarity, all our internal and external communications have improved and our planning for stock and labour resources is significantly more accurate” Ashley concludes.

Who’s Going Eco Next?

One thing is for sure, Green Graphics has proven that eco-commerce is achievable through commitment, persistence and determination. Is it really that difficult to achieve? Incorporating a green strategy will give you a powerful USP that no-one can argue against, or take away from you.

And don’t forget, your story will look great on anyone’s website, magazine front cover, billboard, networking site…

 

Sepiax has succeeded in leveraging its leadership position in the water based resin inks to provide a new standard in the market.

A new regulation, with worldwide validity, affects the identification and safety statements for inks – making life more difficult for those inks containing harmful substances.

The 1st December 2010 saw the transitional period ended and the Global Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) of the United Nations come into effect authoritatively. This affects the identification of the harmful substances on all packaging and in the classification within material safety data sheets (MSDS).

Sepiax has taken this opportunity to provide an upgrade for the popular Aquares print-to-anything ink. Already initiated as an environmentally-friendly product, this new regulation has provided an incentive to eliminate all traces of harmful co-solvents and to substitute entirely “green” alternatives.

"We were very  happy to cope with this challenge, as our core values focus on the provision of truly “green” products" says Karl Ebner, marketing & sales director, Sepiax.

“We were prepared for the implementation of GHS and we were able to give the sales release date for the new Aquares by autumn of last year. This upgrade is completely compatible to the previous formula and can be filled without more ado into already working units.”

“It is a significant point to note, that this now means that MSDS sheets for our inks are not really necessary, as all ingredients are truly free of requirements for safety marking.”

Aquares ink started life as one of the most environmental-friendly ink in the market and we are proud to lead the way in escaping the, sadly, all-too-common practice of "greenwashing"**in the ink segment."

*The 10th edition of the Concise Oxford English Dictionary defined greenwash as ‘disinformation disseminated by an organisation so as to present an environmentally responsible public image’
See also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenwashing