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With an increased focus on sustainability, East Van Vinyl has have been looking at ways to develop our sustainability program, whilst maintaining competitive pricing, and continually providing the highest-quality graphic products. Since the very beginning, we have opted to use water-based HP latex ink technology. In our opinion, latex ink provides the best overall print characteristics with excellent image quality, large colour gamuts, and consistent colour profiling, all while being low-odour, scratch-resistant, flexible, and non-toxic. The print industry as a whole is making big moves to further improve its overall environmental impact.
HP Printers and Ink
HP Latex Inks are a line of water-based printing inks developed by HP for large-format printers. They are designed to offer a healthier and more sustainable alternative to traditional solvent-based and UV-curable inks, while delivering high-quality, durable prints suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Ink Technology & Composition
HP Latex Inks are formulated with up to 65% water, combined with latex polymers and pigments. This composition allows the ink to form a durable film on the substrate through a two-step process: ink jet application and drying. The drying phase involves radiant heat and forced airflow, which evaporate the liquid components and set the latex, binding the pigments to the media surface. This results in prints that are ready for use immediately, even for lamination.
The latest generation of water-based HP Latex inks is odourless and low-emitting meeting UL GREENGUARD GOLD certifications. HP Latex inks avoid the problematic reactive monomers associated with alternative printing processes such as UV. Acrylate monomers present in uncured UV and UV-gel inks can damage the skin. They also don’t emit Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPS) commonly seen with solvent-based printers.
In the Spring of 2021 we took delivery of the latest HP Latex 700 Series. The latest HP technology has allowed us to both expand our output capabilities with the addition of white ink. It has also added a number of attractive environmental benefits too.
Environmental & Health Benefits
HP Latex Inks are designed with environmental and health considerations in mind:
- Water-Based Formulation: Contains no hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), making it a safer choice compared to solvent-based inks.
- Non-Flammable & Non-Combustible: The inks have a flashpoint greater than 110°C, reducing fire hazards associated with printing.
- Odourless Prints: Produces prints with low chemical emissions, suitable for indoor environments like schools and hospitals.
- Certifications: Achieves UL ECOLOGO® and GREENGUARD GOLD certifications, meeting stringent health and environmental standards.
- Sustainable Manufacturing: Produced using reclaimed water with high purity, contributing to water conservation efforts.
Sustainability & Recycling
HP Latex Inks are part of HP’s broader sustainability initiatives:
- Recyclable Consumables: All printing supplies, including ink cartridges and printheads, are recyclable through the HP Planet Partners program.
- Energy Efficiency: Printers using HP Latex Inks are ENERGY STAR® accredited, reflecting their energy-efficient design.
- Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC): The inks’ chemical composition meets the ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List, ensuring safe disposal and reducing environmental impact.
Plastic ink cartridges have been replaced with HP Eco-Carton ink cartridges, reducing plastic consumption by up to 80% and CO2e by 66%. By now housing the cartridges in a cardboard outer shell, we are able to locally recycle the cartridge packaging and send the inner ink bag back to HP, to be recycled through their Planet Partners program.
Continuing to Test New Materials
In addition to our printers, we have also been exploring new materials and print media that can help to reduce post-consumer waste through prevention, reuse, and recycling. In 2019 we moved our most commonly used self-adhesive products to Drytac’s range of Phthalate-Free media in order to move away from harmful VOC’s inherent in many PVC products. We have encouraged customers running repeat promotions to opt for re-usable static clings, and are currently testing a range of non-PVC and PET window films and wall coverings to add to our current lineup.
HP Latex Inks offer a sustainable, health-conscious alternative to traditional printing inks, without compromising on print quality or durability. Their water-based formulation, coupled with robust environmental certifications, makes them a preferred choice for businesses aiming to meet modern sustainability standards.
Get in touch to find out the best green solutions for your project!