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Choosing 100% post-consumer recycled paper then laying down 90% petroleum-based ink coverage counteracts the first initial positive step of using PCW paper. Heavy ink and coating coverage uses more resources and creates more waste. It increases the amount of sludge generated from the recycling process, which is problematic in disposal.

When thinking of ink products made from petroleum, or oil, we must first think of the environmental and cultural destruction in its extraction, the problematic transport of oil, and the resulting pollution from these steps.

Secondly petroleum-based products have serious health and environmental implications. Traditional petroleum-based inks emit high levels of VOCs.

Certain pigments which give ink its color are formulated with metals which can result in environmental and worker health hazards when metals are extracted, processed, or disposed. These ink colors require additional steps in the press cleaning process, which may be hazardous as well. Metal content in ink is not easily decomposed and can contaminate groundwater.

Vegetable-based Inks

Currently, the best option on the market is vegetable-based inks because they contain less VOCs and IPA solvents than traditional petroleum-based inks. Vegetable-based inks are also easier to clean up and to de-ink, which makes the printed product simpler to recycle. Printing presses that use vegetable-based inks can be cleaned with a water-based cleaner, replacing the high VOC solvent cleaners used with petroleum-based ink. Vegetable inks could contain corn, linseed, cottonseed, or flaxseed oil. However, it is important to mention that vegetable-based inks could also contain petroleum. And obviously, unless otherwise specifically mentioned, these inks are manufactured and shipped using fossil fuels. Ideally, their method of manufacture and shipping would be local and renewable.

Soya-based Inks

These inks are also agricultural-based and contain less VOCs than petroleum-based inks (mineralbased), however it is hard to determine if the soybeans used were GMO in origin. Moreover, there is no universal standard for the content of "soy-based" inks. A brand could have 1% soy oil and still be labeled as soy-based ink.

UV Inks

UV Inks are a mixed bag. They typically use less solvents and contain small amounts of VOCs, however they are not from renewable sources, but UV inks have a quick drying time, reducing the energy required under drying lamps.

Aqueous Coating

Aqueous coating is available in gloss, dull or satin finish, and is applied on top of a printed piece to avoid smudging the ink. You cannot "spot" aqueous coat an area due to the application process. Aqueous coating is a water-based lacquer coating that is often the best overprint choice in terms of environmental impact. Paper with aqueous coating can be recycled and does not emit harmful byproducts. These coatings are also the most cost-effective. The cleanup process does not require toxic cleaning detergents nor does it necessitate high temperatures for drying.

UV Coating

UV coating is applied like ink to paper and dried by ultraviolet light. It can be used as an overall protective coating or "spot" applied to an area of the printed piece. The process of UV coating emits no toxic byproducts. However, the clean-up process from UV coatings requires dangerous chemicals and could be hazardous to workers' health. In addition, the UV coating process requires high-energy use due to UV drying lamps and air conditioning requirements.

The ability to recycle paper with heavy UV coverage may be limited. Too much of this coating in a batch may contaminate the pulp, which prevents the paper from being used to make recycled paper products.

Varnish

This coating comes in gloss, dull and satin and is extremely strong. Varnishes recycle more easily than the UV coated stock. However, the process emits harmful VOCs during the coating process.

Lamination

Lamininated paper is waterproof, washable and tear-proof. There are two types of lamination processes: film and liquid. The liquid laminate finish is applied much like a varnish, and dried in the same way. With the film technique, paper is sealed between two thin layers of plastic film, the edges sealed with adhesive, and dried with heat. VOCs are emitted during lamination processes. Furthermore, since plastic and adhesives are used in this technique, it renders the paper unrecyclable. It is best to avoid petroleum-based inks and coatings as they emit higher VOCs. Also avoid finishes like foil stamping and laminates, as they are hard to de-ink and consequently make it difficult to recycle the paper.

© 2006-Present Eric Benson, Meghan McClain, & Yvette Perullo