Digital Output - April 2008 - (Page 23)

Making the Grade Many manufacturers deem their ink “green,” but there are guidelines. “VOC emissions, the types of dyes and pigments used in the ink, the manufacturing process—byproducts, and disposal effects,” is a small list of criteria explained by Labella. However, some argue that these guidelines are vague, creating a varying opinion on what is truly considered “green.” pigmented inks with light fastness, abrasion resistance, and durability. Mutoh MuBio inks, made up of more than 80 percent of renewable substances, certainly qualify as “green” inks. After creating its BioVu inks, EFI worked with Mutoh to develop MuBio inks for flatbed printers, allowing print shop owners to print on rigid applica- Shocking Revelations Based out of both Los Angeles, CA and Toronto, Schawk Inc. is an international brand imaging solutions provider. They became involved with bio solvent inks in late 2006 when they decided to be a beta site for EFI/Inkware’s BioVu products. It all began when one of their clients requested a “green” campaign. After initial testing, one of their three VUTEk 5-meter devices became dedicated to running “green” inks. “All ‘green’ efforts should be embraced,” explains Emily Hansen, grand format department manager, Schawk Inc. “This includes efforts made by manufacturers of inks, materials, equipment, etc.” Hansen continues to notice a variety of benefits since implementing BioVu in their workplace. For one thing, the BioVu guarantee of up to two years outdoors is extremely reliable. Schawk creates billboards and other outdoor applications for the entertainment industry, one of their many clients. Additionally, the color gamut, is similar to solvent inks. “We were very impressed by the color gamut of the BioVu inks as compared to traditional solvent inks like VUTEk’s UltraVu 5 inks. There is not a hugely notable difference.” With the durability and color gamut already there, Hansen looks forward to the ink’s increasing functionality. Perhaps one of the biggest benefits is that Schawk is now able to produce a product that is fully biodegradable. With this in mind, the shop focuses on using these inks with outdoor campaigns that run on Ultraflex’s BioFlex vinyl. “Unfortunately, within the overall market defining ‘green’ is very difficult. The end result of this lack of clarification is that there is a great deal of misinformation and marketing hype around ‘green’ products.” —Terry Amerine, segment manager, wide format graphics, Fujifilm Sericol. A technical definition given by Gandinnovation’s Reilly, “To qualify as a ‘green’ ink component, the raw material must not be in the EPA—or any governing body—list of restricted materials due to their safety and environmental risk and must not exhibit excessive volatility—which is a measure of a material’s propensity to evaporate on its own at room temperature.” Multiple definitions raise a complicated issue. “Often times the [‘green’] definition is relative to other ways of producing a print, such as with another device or technology,” explains HP’s Miller. “Unfortunately, within the overall market defining ‘green’ is very difficult. The end result of this lack of clarification is that there is a great deal of misinformation and marketing hype around ‘green’ products,” admits Fujifilm Sericol’s Amerine. According to Scrimger, the properties of green inks are still being determined worldwide. This is based on a continuum of criteria and varying levels of performance. How do UV, bio, and aqueous inks stack up in comparison? “UV inks produce virtually no VOCs since the majority of the ink solidifies immediately into solid ink components in the UV curing process,” explains L&P’s Codos. L&P’s Virtu Printing System’s BioHueV UV inks are curable, tions while keeping their work environment healthy. These inks offer one to two-year outdoor durability. Mutoh’s MuBio inks are recognized by the U.S. EPA Design for the Environment Program. All of US Sublimation branded inks are aqueousbased so they have no VOC emissions. Due to careful attention in the selection of pigments and dyes, the chance of allergic reactions is reduced if skin contact is made. The manufacturing process, the water-based nature of the ink base along with the dyes and pigments used in their dye sublimation line of products, such as its US Sublimation LFP, the new S4 series, and the UVmax line of UV enhanced dye sublimation ink, help achieve the “green” effect. Green Means Go “Going ‘green’ is not just a cliché, it is a responsibility,” says Reilly. He echoes a sentiment that proves how focused manufacturers are on providing ecofriendly materials. As shops go “green” at all levels of production, you can bet consumers will notice, says Fujifilm Sericol’s Amerine, “This trend is expected to continue and gain in momentum.” D The HP Scitex TJ8500 uses UV ink technology to create output. Circle 18 on FREE Product Info Card www.digitaloutput.net April 2008 Digital Output 23 http://www.mactac.com http://www.mactac.com http://www.digitaloutput.net http://www.digitaloutput.net

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Digital Output - April 2008

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