Every industry today is trying to adopt technologies that reduce environmental degradation and fabric printing is no exception. It has been challenging to adopt newer materials and processes while maintaining high quality prints. Many also fear such a move is likely to increase the production costs. We will look at a few of the changes you can implement to achieve digital printing that is eco friendly.
Ink is made of many components among which are a number of heavy metals which include lead, cadmium, selenium, nickel, chromium and mercury. A majority of these metals impact negatively on the environment when used in very large quantities or over a prolonged period of time. Chromium is also an important component of screen lacquers. When washed into the environment, it pollutes the soil and water sources.
When selecting ink, you need to consider a number of factors. The ink should not have the heavy metals which degrade the environment. The best type of ink is one which has great versatility such that it usable with a wide range of materials which include nylon, cotton, silk and rayon among others. Additionally, it can produce high quality imprints on any color of fabric.
Water is without a doubt one of the biggest raw materials which go into the printing process. In an inefficient system, most of it ends up as waste. Being conscious about the environment means recycling and reusing this water. Research has established that slightly over 60% of water can be recycled and reused at various levels of the process. Such a move will reduce operating costs significantly.
Another areas in which great improvements can be made is in the machine used for the printing process. The main types of printers used currently are the conventional and the digital printers. The former has been known to be very inefficient in terms of water, energy and ink utilization. The digital type conserves each of these raw materials and even creates better impressions on your fabrics.
The pre-treatment stage is one in which a number of chemicals are used. Urea is one of the main chemicals used here. The compound is broken down during steaming to yield carbon dioxide into the environment. Carbon dioxide is a known greenhouse gas which damages the ozone layer. There is a special foam which now used at this stage eliminating the use of urea.
During the engraving stage, a lot of energy is used. With digital based technologies, however, less amount of energy is used. This helps lower the amount of energy required. Another option is to turn to pigments as an alternative for ink. Pre-treatment is not required hence it is possible to save on energy. They also have the advantage of being used with virtually any type of medium.
Greener technologies are no longer just about the environment; they are everything for businesses. With consumers getting more enlightened about the environmental damage caused by chemicals, they are more inclined to purchase eco friendly products. You need to re-position your business such that it meets the needs of this emerging market. Most governments have formulated policies which favor eco-friendly manufacturing.
Ink is made of many components among which are a number of heavy metals which include lead, cadmium, selenium, nickel, chromium and mercury. A majority of these metals impact negatively on the environment when used in very large quantities or over a prolonged period of time. Chromium is also an important component of screen lacquers. When washed into the environment, it pollutes the soil and water sources.
When selecting ink, you need to consider a number of factors. The ink should not have the heavy metals which degrade the environment. The best type of ink is one which has great versatility such that it usable with a wide range of materials which include nylon, cotton, silk and rayon among others. Additionally, it can produce high quality imprints on any color of fabric.
Water is without a doubt one of the biggest raw materials which go into the printing process. In an inefficient system, most of it ends up as waste. Being conscious about the environment means recycling and reusing this water. Research has established that slightly over 60% of water can be recycled and reused at various levels of the process. Such a move will reduce operating costs significantly.
Another areas in which great improvements can be made is in the machine used for the printing process. The main types of printers used currently are the conventional and the digital printers. The former has been known to be very inefficient in terms of water, energy and ink utilization. The digital type conserves each of these raw materials and even creates better impressions on your fabrics.
The pre-treatment stage is one in which a number of chemicals are used. Urea is one of the main chemicals used here. The compound is broken down during steaming to yield carbon dioxide into the environment. Carbon dioxide is a known greenhouse gas which damages the ozone layer. There is a special foam which now used at this stage eliminating the use of urea.
During the engraving stage, a lot of energy is used. With digital based technologies, however, less amount of energy is used. This helps lower the amount of energy required. Another option is to turn to pigments as an alternative for ink. Pre-treatment is not required hence it is possible to save on energy. They also have the advantage of being used with virtually any type of medium.
Greener technologies are no longer just about the environment; they are everything for businesses. With consumers getting more enlightened about the environmental damage caused by chemicals, they are more inclined to purchase eco friendly products. You need to re-position your business such that it meets the needs of this emerging market. Most governments have formulated policies which favor eco-friendly manufacturing.
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