Initially, digital printing seems more eco-friendly than litho printing. However, in many cases, litho is the only viable choice. How do they compare environmentally? Keep reading to learn about their environmental impacts.

IDigital printing minimises waste by using less material than litho printing, which generates setup waste and excess sheets because presses cannot be stopped precisely at the required count. It is especially effective for print-on-demand, producing exactly the number of copies required and preventing surplus material.

Digital printing eliminates the need for printing plates by directly applying the image to the press, making it faster and more cost-effective. Because no plates are required, the process is quicker and cleaner, as it avoids chemicals and plate materials.

A common worry in digital printing concerns the environmental impact of toners and inks. Our Ricoh press base toner addresses this concern effectively. Made through a unique polymerisation method, it produces small, uniform particles without relying on traditional kneading or grinding. This 'growth' process of toner particles lowers energy consumption by 25-35% per 450g of toner and reduces toner use by 40-50% during printing.

The toners (called Colour PxP EQ) are a new generation of polymerised toner that achieves co-existence of eco-friendliness and quality through low-temperature fixing and high colour definition.

• A 60-70% energy reduction per printed page
• Elimination of fuser oil
• Image fixing at lower temperatures

Litho Printing Cleans up its Act

The UK print industry ranks fifth worldwide and consumes substantial amounts of energy, chemicals, water, paper, aluminium, and plastics. Progress is ongoing, particularly in litho printing. At present, all hazardous waste, such as chemicals and ink, is collected for appropriate disposal, and the adoption of computer-to-plate technology has replaced film use. Any residual waste from printing is either completely recycled or reused.

Reduce or Avoid the Use of Chemicals

A significant shift is occurring towards waterless printing, offering four major environmental advantages:

• Water sustainability—addressing a growing global need
• No tainted water discharge—eliminates the use of fountain solutions and waste water management
• Reduced chemicals in plate processing—lessening VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions
• Positive ecological impact

Choosing waterless printing allows presses to operate without using IPA (isopropyl alcohol), which removes VOC emissions into the air. Since VOCS are harmful, avoiding them offers health and environmental benefits. Moreover, waterless printing reduces make-ready and press run times, leading to less waste paper during setup. 

Litho printing uses vegetable oil-based inks, such as soy or linseed oils, sourced from renewable resources. These inks are easier to remove from waste paper during de-inking. Furthermore, the printing plates are produced ‘chemistry free’, which avoids introducing spent developer into hazardous waste streams.

Recycle Waste

The Hazardous Waste Regulations, introduced in 2005, have prompted printers to scrutinise their waste-reduction and recycling practices more closely. Currently, all paper waste from printing can be recycled, and aluminium printing plates can be fully recycled.

Switching to alcohol-free printing, particularly waterless printing, together with chemistry-free plate making, can reduce chemical waste, thereby reducing the need for disposal under the Hazardous Waste Act.

Energy Consumption

Finally, the latest printing presses are designed to operate more efficiently and sustainably than their older models, consuming up to 50% less electricity. They offer faster setup times and higher speeds, resulting in greater output per kwh of electricity used.