Enviro pack
If you would like a sample pack, follow the link here: Sample Swatch Order Link
We have developed a recycled sample swatch which is available to you before you order. It contains a range of paper stock from 100gsm Tudor RP to 335gsm Enviroboard.
This has been a major success with requests from all over Australia for our packs which consist of a paper sampler held together with cotton rope. We also have available samples of our range of recycled envelopes.
The paper sampler has our chosen range of recycled standard stocks with the enviro accreditation's of the stock and the country of origin.
We believe that the country of origin is extremely important as we tend to push our Australian made products over imports as an aid to our local economy. All stocks used by Eco Digital are either recycled or FSC certified and we produce both offset and digital print. We can use the same stocks for either method.
We believe that the country of origin is extremely important as we tend to push our Australian made products over imports as an aid to our local economy. All stocks used by Eco Digital are either recycled or FSC certified and we produce both offset and digital print. We can use the same stocks for either method.
"Know your printing paper" is a guide to most (not all) recycled stock available in Australia and some helpful information - available here.
Offset or Digital Printing
We feel that we offer the best of both worlds with the digital and the offset. The decision usually comes down to the quantities needed, the time available to produce the job, the finish required and whether there are other special finishes involved. We will offer you the best price and the most appropriate print method for your individual job.
Offset: We use 100% vegetable inks and environmental pressroom chemicals. Using state of the art CTP plate production means no more film needed for platemaking. All used aluminium plates are recycled.
Digital: Digital printing (with the Xerox DocuCentre) does not need to use vegetable ink as the toner is non toxic, does not emit harmful CFC's into the atmosphere and can be de-inked after use if disposed of for recycling in the correct way. We believe it is an excellent environmental choice. The Xerox DocuCentre which can print from 70gsm up to 400gsm coated stock prints beautifully on both coated and uncoated paper/card. Because of the nature of the method there are no run up sheets needed - no waste. Water is not used in this method at all and because it is fast with no setup time needed the power usage is a fraction of that needed for offset printing. We print only what is needed and the finished product can be recycled again after use, using the same methods used for recycling offset printed jobs.
Potential Impacts of Printing and Design
The environmental impacts of paper do not stop with its manufacture but extend into printing finishes and design process.
Inks
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), are present in many of the inks used by the printing industry. Many VOCs are toxic, and pose environmental risks (such as harm to the ozone layer) and health risks. When they react with sunlight they form smog at lower atmospheric levels. When emitted indoors, VOCs can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches and loss of coordination. The inks used in a standard printing run are petroleum-based with a VOC content in excess of 30%. These inks dry quickly, however the petroleum content requires stronger and more hazardous solvents to wash it off, thus contributing even more VOCs to the environment. The effects worsen when a greater number of colours are used.
Fluorescent and metallic colours are popular with advertisers because they are distinctive but they contain high levels of cadmium and other toxic metals. These inks are more difficult to remove than standard petroleum-based inks, intensifying the de-inking process. Many bright inks such as orange and yellow contain high levels of heavy metals such as copper and chromium. If this paper is composted and applied to land at high rates there is the potential for these heavy metals to accumulate in the soil and impact on plant, animal or human health. Similarly, if this paper is disposed of in landfills, these heavy
metals could leach to groundwater.
One possible solution to both
environmental and health issues is the use of vegetable based inks that are renewable and emit less toxic VOCs. Furthermore, soy ink (a type of vegetable based ink) is better suited to recycled content paper as it does not 'wick' (spread) as much. Additionally, soy ink is removed more easily than petroleum based compounds in the de-inking process of recycling.
Inks and recycling
De-inking paper is a necessary step in the recycling process. It involves 'washing' the paper, by mixing it with water, a
detergent and air to form a froth, which is skimmed off before the pulp can be dried and made into new paper. This is an energy intensive process, made worse when heavily printed paper or board (print coverage of above 50%) is de-inked.
Printing finishes and pulping
A number of printing finishes, such as laminating, celloglazing, the use of synthetic glues and embellishments such as foil stampings are not conducive to the recycling process as they make the pulping process more difficult and cumbersome.Graphic designers can also assist by avoiding 'bleeds'
that are then trimmed. Ink extended beyond the trim marks requires intensive recycling than ink within the trim marks. It is also possible to consider ways in which to use less intensive colours and inks that are less toxic.
Environmental impacts of the printed page
Understanding the environmental impacts of the printed page throughout its life cycle will help companies make environmentally preferable choices when ordering printed documents. Paper that is not made from recycled-content or tree-free fibres takes its toll on the world's forests, and bleaching processes for paper are linked to cancer-causing effluents. Petroleum-based inks, wetting agents, and cleaning solvents used in the printing process produce toxic air emissions. And the process of binding documents typically involves toxic glues and adhesives, some of which can hinder recycling.
At Eco Digital we can advise you on the "greenest" and most economical way to produce your next print job. With over 25 years of experience in the printing industry to offer, and with environmental concerns at the forefront, you will feel very comfortable placing your printing project in our hands.
