Sustainability is the ability to operate in a way that meets present needs while providing for the needs of the future and future generations
Recycled, reuseable, renewable and biodegradable. These are the cornerstones of successfully implementing a sustainable printing industry. Modern technologies are enabling companies to transition to more environmentally friendly alternatives to past manufacturing standards, while maintaining or improving on quality standards, ensuring continued customer satisfaction.
One such major advancement is the move away from petroleum based ink to the environmentally friendly alternative, vegetable based ink.
The base liquid for this ink is made from a variety of vegetable oils such as corn, walnut, coconut, linseed, canola and soy bean. Vegetable based ink takes longer to dry but, as a result, releases only around 2-4% VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) into the atmosphere. Vegetable oils are a renewable resource, unlike petroleum. Solvents are not required for cleaning, as the press can be cleaned with a water based cleaner, reducing VOCs further. Vegetable based ink is also much easier to de-ink when recycling and results in much less hazardous waste.
These inks are also formulated with organic materials that do not contain any animal-based by-products. The overall volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for these inks are less than 1%.
Synergy can also offer its clients waterless printing which eliminates the need for water in the printing process by using a special printing plate that has only two surface properties—ink-resistant and ink-attractive. By working with only one fluid—ink—as opposed to two fundamentally different fluids—ink AND water—the printing process is greatly simplified and some very unique benefits can be realized.
A unique environmental advantage of utilising our diverse network of both national and international printers is that it allows our clients to print at numerous locations which has the net benefit of reducing shipping cost, while saving significant fuel and associated transport emissions.
