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It’s Not Easy Being Green - 7
December 10, 2007

When discussing green printing there are differing opinions about print quality. Some people say they tried it and was impossible to print high quality pages, while others say they've been doing it for years and their quality is as good as anyone else's.

The difference is the result of where on the learning curve  people are - when you ask them. The “Inconvenient Truth” about print quality is that it will require some extra work - to get good at it. There could be changes in target ink densities, dot gain, drying times and process control procedures.

In general printing with processor-less plates, alcohol-less solutions, soy inks and recycled or FSC certified  papers is not the standard operating procedure. For companies that have not done much of this – it will require some testing. Most people who are honest will tell describe the “trials and tribulations” of getting good print quality with these alternatives.

New target ink densities, dot gain profiles and grey balance adjustments may be required.  It is not that difficult it just requires time and trial and error. Inevitably doing this for the first time will result in additional waste and spoilage.

On the other hand we have to weigh the research that says, “In 1995, more than 41million pounds of toxic compounds were transferred or released into the environment by the printing industry” (EPA’s 1995 Toxic Release Inventory). For some helpful hints and tips follow this link.

Nobel Peace Prize Awarded

As I post this Blog I am watching former Vice President Al Gore smile and nod to his wife Tipper as he accepts the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo Norway. In public statements Gore has said that this award has helped draw the world's attention to global warming and he expressed optimism that growing public pressure would push governments to cut carbon dioxide emissions.

Gore predicts that  next U.S. president will shift the country's course on climate change and engage in global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. The Bush administration opposed the Kyoto treaty on climate change, saying it would hurt the U.S. economy and objects that fast developing nations like China and India were not required to reduce emissions.

Posted by Howie Fenton on December 10, 2007 | Comments (0)