Jay Mandarino, President/Founder,
C.J.Graphics Inc., Toronto, lead a lively discussion of waterless printing in the
Green Space on Day 2, September 12, of
Print 09.
He noted that, as a leading edge proposition, sustainability still hasn't made it to the mainstream. It is estimated that only 3.5% of companies worldwide have publicly embraced sustainability as a way of doing business. The "tipping point" where a concept like this would be considered "business as usual" is about 20%. We have a way to go!
While printers, marketers and other communicators are just a small part of a large value chain, but they have a great influence on public perception.
What is waterless printing?
- It is an offset lithographic printing process that eliminates the water or dampening system.
- It uses silicone rubber coated printing plates, specially formulated inks, and a temperature-control system
- Conventional printing is a chemical process that relies on isopropyl alcohol or substitutes.
- The press operator is not challenged with balancing the delicate relationship between ink and water.
- There is no limitation to the substrates that can be printed.
- It delivers consistent color consistency, color saturation, detail reproduction and overall sharpness..
What are the environmental benefits of using waterless printing?
According to the
Waterless Printing Association, the average 6-color, 40-inch printing press utilizes 3175 gallons of fresh water each year. Waterless printing saves this precious resource.
Furthermore, because the chemicals used in fountain solution are “controlled substances,” used fountain solution becomes a waste stream that must be collected and treated to avoid environmental damage. fountain solutions also emit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which have been linked to reduced local air quality as well as smog and ozone layer damage.
With waterless printing there is no fountain solution, so there are no related VOC emissions.
An additional benefit of the elimination of fountain solution comes in the form of paper savings. The waterless process is more stable, uses less paper in make-ready, and creates less waste during the print run.
Why isn't everything printed using a waterless process?
Audience members asked, “If waterless printing is so good, why isn't everyone using it?” Jay noted that while the plates are more expensive, the total cost of use is much less. Unfortunately, the key limitation is the amount of training needed to run a waterless process. It's hard to find someone trained and experienced with waterless printing because there are no formal training programs teaching the process in the US or Canada like there are in Europe.
To learn more about waterless printing, visit the
Waterless Printing Association website.