Consumables

Eco-friendly inks

Thursday 12. June 2008 - Over the last few years our vision of "green" printing has evolved. The printing industry is constantly thinking of new ways to provide more eco-friendly options.

Pazazz plays a vital role in conserving the environment.  We strongly support FSC Canada, PEFC and SFI initiatives and recycled paper. We are also committed to promoting eco-friendly and soy-based inks.
As there is no standard definition of eco-friendly, our ink supplier Hostmann-Steinberg suggests we follow the Environmental Choice Program statement: “A product that is environmentally friendlier should have as low an impact on the environment as is practicable.”
For sheet-fed printing inks this means there are three areas that should be considered:
1. Heavy metals
2. Non-renewable resources
3. Volatile organic content (VOC)
The reduction of heavy metal concentrations to CONEG standards (the Coalition of Northeastern Governor’s) will help to protect the environment by eliminating toxic leachate and reducing possible adverse health effects. Petroleum distillates are replaced by vegetable oils, a renewable resource thereby conserving our non-renewable resources. Indoor and outdoor air quality is improved with a reduction of VOC and the smog that VOC’s help form.
 
Pazazz has addressed these resource concerns by using a series of inks that are based on vegetable oils and are virtually mineral oil free, using linseed and soybean oils. The oils are derived from renewable resources (flax plants or soybeans) and are biodegradable and nontoxic.
 
Pazazz only uses inks that have a minimum VOC (actual evaporative emissions), and contain on average 35% or more vegetable based oils. These inks produce an environmental benefit through improved air quality, a reduction in toxic emissions to the environment, and non-renewable resource conservation.
Using eco-friendly inks is yet another way that Pazazz continues to deliver on our corporate philosophy, and business practices. We have always had a strong sense of social accountability and as members of the local and global communities; our business decisions take into consideration their possible impact on society, the environment, our clients and our associates.
Join us in our efforts to help the environment. It’s good for our future and good for busines