It is true that eco-friendly materials are often more expensive than the traditional substrates, but this should not deter companies from evaluating the materials in a holistic manner. Photo © cigdemsimsek/bigstockphoto.com
By Kylie Schleicher
Like other industries, printing is seeking ways to implement more sustainable practices across all sectors. The digital printing industry—which uses more renewable energy and materials—has an edge over traditional printing methods, which carry a significant environmental footprint.
Driven by customer demands, technological advancements, and evolving regulations, the printing industry is constantly evolving. Historically progressive and forward-thinking, the industry has improved inks by lowering volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in solvent inks and introducing water-based latex ink systems. The next step should be to focus not only on sustainable materials, but also on reducing shipping impacts and energy consumption. Additionally, it’s crucial for industry stakeholders to be educated on sustainable practices beyond just recycling waste.
Eco-friendly inks
Digital printing technologies are more sustainable than traditional dyeing methods. These inks use smaller quantities of colour by volume when compared to screenprinting.
Inks are made of different compounds such as pigments, carriers, and additives. Most traditional inks, such as solvent-based inks, use petroleum-based carriers which can release VOCs—compounds that can pollute the air and water because they have a high vapour pressure and low water solubility—into the air.
In recent years, more sustainable inks, such as latex inks, have been developed that are water-based. While latex inks are most easily recognized as eco-friendly due to their water-based construction, eco-solvent inks are also eco-friendly. Many of the eco-solvent inks available in the market today are Greenguard Gold certified for low VOCs and indoor safety. These inks also have more pigment and are thicker than some alternatives—and, therefore, require less ink to print specific colours and less heat to dry.
Ultraviolet (UV)-curable inks are also recognized as an eco-friendly ink type. UV inks do not utilize a carrier because the inks are cured instead of dried. These inks also eliminate the need for additional coatings on the materials, making the substrates more sustainable.
When looking at eco-friendly inks, it is also important to consider the other parts of your equipment as part of your sustainability plan. It is important to monitor the amount of heat your equipment generates and the energy it uses to properly analyze which ink type is best for your sustainability goals.
When discussing sustainability, it is crucial to define terms accurately—especially the distinctions between eco-friendly, sustainable, and recyclable materials. Photos courtesy Kylie Schleicher, Ultraflex
Eco-friendly substrates and materials
When discussing sustainability, it is crucial to define terms accurately—especially the distinctions between eco-friendly, sustainable, and recyclable materials.
Eco-friendly materials include a wide range of substrates, such as:
- Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified paper or products, which help conserve natural resources
- Materials with non-toxic, water-based aqueous coatings
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-free materials
- Biodegradable cotton substrates
Recyclable materials are those that can be processed through recycling systems, such as curb-side bins or waste-to-energy programs (i.e., incinerating waste to generate electricity, refuse derived fuel or RDF), and often include:
- Products made with recycled content
- Products free of harmful components that will not be released into the air
Currently, many in the industry equate recyclable materials with being environmentally friendly. However, that is only part of the picture. Sustainable materials may consist of various components or be produced in ways that reduce environmental impact, offering a broader approach to substrate choices.
The most common materials gaining traction are those made with recycled content, such as 100 per cent Global Recycled Standard (GRS)-certified recycled polyester yarn. When purchasing polyester material with recycled yarn, make sure it is made with GRS-certified yarns, as this voluntary product standard tracks and verifies the content of recycled materials used in the final product. Since the material is third-party verified, your company can be confident in the recycled content of the product.
Another way for substrates to be more sustainable is during production. Many factories are now using solar or wind power for material production.
Recycling and upcycling
A common question when discussing sustainable substrates is: How can I recycle them? This is difficult to answer because recycling methods vary around the globe. In Europe, waste-to-energy is a common method. In North America, these facilities exist, but are not as prevalent. Different regions also implement different recycling systems.
Many PVC-free materials can be used for energy production at a waste-to-incineration facility as long as harmful components are not released into the air.
Another problem in North America, and more specifically the U.S., is the inability to recycle substrates with multiple components. Most PVC-free banners consist of a polyester scrim base and a film or coating to make the material printable. To properly recycle these materials, they would need to be separated, which is not easily accomplished. This causes a hiccup in the digital printing industry’s plans to recycle products and keep them out of landfills.
As the printing industry focuses on these issues, it is important to look at alternative ways to dispose of digital printing substrates after use. Many PVC-free materials can be used for energy production at a waste-to-incineration facility as long as harmful components are not released into the air.
While this is not an option for all substrates, there are alternative methods. Polyester fabric or polyethylene (PE) material can be bailed and used for new purposes. Both PVC-free and PVC banner material can also be used in upcycling, through which materials are reused as bags, packaging material, or decorative items.
When companies implement sustainability and carbon emission goals, better printing solutions must be part of the plans. For many firms, however, a hurdle in entering the digital printing industry is the issue of a higher price, especially in the printing of banner materials. It is true that eco-friendly materials are often more expensive than the traditional substrates, but this should not deter companies from evaluating the materials in a holistic manner. The added expense is offset by the fact that the materials can help companies achieve their sustainability goals.
Kylie Schleicher is director of product development and product management at Ultraflex. She has more than 10 years of experience in the digital print industry and retains an extensive background in Ultraflex’s product line, product development and research, and digital print equipment.
