Future Links CW 12 – Green Printing Edition

MagnaColours Launches New Sustainability Standard for Textile Printing

MagnaColours recently launched the GNA mark and sets a new sustainability standard for the textile printing industry. With this universal certificate for compliance the company aims to encourage the use of sustainable and eco-friendly methods throughout the textile printing industry. In order to meet the GNA standards, inks have to be free of harmful chemicals such as PVC or APEOs and they must be water-based formulations, making them safer both for the environment and consumers. It also applies garment printers.

More at Apparel Resources

HP Latex Printing Technologies Offers New Product Range with Health and Environmental Advantages

From production to disposal: With their water-based HP Latex Inks, HP Latex Printing Technologies allows a healthier print lifecycle and thereby also address environmental concerns. The new inks from the HP 831 series are non-flammable, non-combustible and nickel-free and meet some of the world’s most rigorous and comprehensive standards for low chemical emission into indoor air. Furthermore the HP 831 printing range is recyclable.

More at Big Systems

3D Printing with Cellulose: MIT Researchers Did It

Researchers at MIT have found a new way to use cellulose that is renewable and biodegradable for 3D printing. The used cellulose acetate can be dissolved in acetone and extruded through the nozzle of a 3D printer. Already printed tweezers might be used in remote medical settings where it is normally difficult to deliver new tools. Another advantage of this approach, is that 3D printing with cellulose is an extremely fast process.

More at 3ders

The Five Pillars of Sustainable Printing Production

By minimizing the environmental impact of their businesses, printing companies not only enjoy reduced costs, an enhanced reputation and a competitive advantage. They also take important steps to ensure their own longevity. Investing in new equipment is among the most effective ways. For instance, Fujifilm offers software allowing processors to minimize chemical usage. Another example of chemistry-free printing are Agfa Graphics’ Azura TU plates. Logistics, power, consumables and accreditation also contribute to a sustainable business model.

More at Print Week

Tips for Ecologically Friendly Printing in Business

There are several options in the printing industry that make it easier to find environmentally-friendly ways along the manufacturing chain. Printing gets sustainable, for example, by using papers certified by The Forest Stewardship Council or including recycled content, with chlorine-free processing, vegetable-based inks or water-based aqueous coatings. Other ways to ensure eco-conscious printing is optimizing the energy consumption, when powering and outfitting equipment and facilities.

More at Printing for Less