Environmental issues are becoming ever more important and pressure to produce products that do not add to an already problematic situation are increasing. The search for ways to supply and produce inks that prioritise environmental issues has long been the policy of Stehlin Hostag, part if the German Huber Group.
As part of this environmental ethos, a new ink has been launched which combined optimum performance with the increasing demand for printing inks that will do less harm to the environment. The latest formulation Alpha-Eco Intense, has characteristics that give significant improvement in rub resistance, extend run lengths between cylinder washes and improve efficiency by reducing build-ups in the swan neck delivery. The ink has been formulated using vegetable oil instead of mineral oil and has a 0% VOC content. The defining feature of the Alpha-Eco sheet-fed offset process inks is a new vegetable based binder which gives the ink high gloss and good rub resistance along with excellent sharpness – even on matt-coated papers. In addition, the ink has high flexibility and dampening solution tolerance and is suitable for many substrates, including paper or board, glossy or matt, uncoated or recycled. The inks run smoothly on any modern high-speed sheet-fed offset press and the high pigment levels lead to outstanding print quality and sharpness.
However, it is not only the ink that needs to environmentally friendly. Ink producers and other printing equipment manufacturers are looking at new solutions and ways of supporting those that have already been developed to supply ink in a more efficient and environmentally conscious way. Stehlin Hostag has a strong history of innovation in this sector of the market and today, most of its effort is focused on the development of inks for cartridge use and cost-effective systems to support them. David Ward, technical operations director with Stehlin Hostag Inks UK said: ‘Ink cartridges offer a clear range of advantages for their users. They are easier and cleaner to use than tins or drums. They ensure 99% ink usage and provide clear cost advantages. In general, they are easier to handle, provide greater control for the printer and help to increase labour efficiency. Cartridges also make a significant contribution to the reduction of classified waste and reduce the amount of storage that is required. While most suppliers will only provide four-colour sets to fit the system, we are already meeting requests for pantones, special matches and even varnishes.’
Stehlin Hostag also offers a waste care service for its customers, which includes collection and disposal of all waste, including tins and cartridges. Environmental problems associated with transport and pollution are minimised by coordinating collections via the company’s distribution network. The system allows cartridges to be collected at the same time as new products are delivered. The company has also found effective disposal routes for recycling cartridges. ‘Looking to the future’, Mr. Ward said. ‘During the next few years we are likely to see at least 50% of theUK volume sold to UK printers transferred to cartridges from tins. The initial impetus will come from companies taking their environmental responsibilities more seriously. This will then be followed by the direct economic argument.
‘Our research shows that, on average, some 10% of every 2.5 kilo tin of ink purchased by a printer is wasted. This waste occurs in three areas: excess residue left in the tin, ink spoiled by improper storage and that discarded from ducts and spatulas. While each area appears quite minor, the overall impact is significant. ‘The prudent estimator will then also add the potential savings in terms of operational efficiency and waste disposal, to give an overall, annual saving of more than 15 to 20% in real terms.’ Stein Hostag is also working with the US-based Sentinel Products Limited on an ink dispensing system that can be retrofitted to any four to eight colour press and offers a system that is both practical and cost competitive. This system can be provided as part of a complete ink management programme.