Sustainability and graphic arts: the evolution of environmentally friendly inks

Sustainability and graphic arts: the evolution of environmentally friendly inks

In recent years, the graphic arts industry has embraced sustainability across the board due to increased consumer environmental awareness and new digital printing technology, which allows for smaller and smaller print runs, thus generating less waste.

By Carlos Santamaría, Product Marketing Manager, Graphic Communications – Industrial Printing for Ricoh Latin America

In recent years, the graphic arts industry has embraced sustainability across the board due to increased consumer environmental awareness and new digital printing technology, which allows for smaller and smaller print runs, thus generating less waste.

One of the big innovations in sustainability for industrial printing is related to inks. Years ago, Ricoh launched our own environmentally friendly aqueous resin latex (AR) ink for various large-format printers. These inks require less drying time and energy consumption. Importantly, they achieved "Greenguard Gold" certification from the UL Environment certification company in recognition of their low chemical emissions and improvements in print center air quality. This means that these AR latex inks are suitable for use in sensitive environments such as educational and medical facilities.

Also, odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are minimal in these inks, eliminating the need for special ventilation. The ink is supplied in reusable cartridges and environmentally friendly packaging.

Going hand in hand: Printing innovation and sustainability

What underscores our commitment to sustainability is that we never stop innovating; looking for ways to improve our impact on societies and the planet at large. As Ricoh Company Ltd. CEO Jake Yamashita comments, "Any company that does not contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals will be ignored by the market and will disappear. The companies of the future will be evaluated not only by their financial performance, but also by their contribution to addressing these societal challenges."

In conclusion, we at Ricoh would like to help meet the goals of companies in the graphic arts sector that want to join the sustainability revolution. Being an environmentally responsible company is no longer a leap into the unknown, but a smart step towards a better future for everyone.

For more information, visit: Graphic Communications | Ricoh América Latina (ricoh-americalatina.com)

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