READING 1 ︎︎︎ Print Reduction
Definition
Minimizes the amount of printed surface.
Minimizes the amount of printed surface.
At large scale, ink involves the use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and heavy metals which can have a significant overall environmental impact. Reducing the print surface is a way to make packaging more sustainable and reduce costs.
While alternative inks like soy or algae-based inks can reduce the amount of VOCs and heavy metals, the most effective way to reduce the impact of ink is to use less of it.
Less ink reduces the amount of VOCs, heavy metals and non-renewable petroleum resin, without requiring any significant shifts to your supply chain. Ink reduction can cut down on production costs long term, especially if a less complicated design allows you to switch to more widely accessible manufacturing equipment. By extension, this can also help you reduce freight emissions.
References
Ian Montgomery. Ask Lumi: Does Soy Ink Actually Make a Difference? (Lumi, 2019)
Reducing VOC solvent use in the Printing Industry (Printing Industries Association of Australia)
READING 2
While alternative inks like soy or algae-based inks can reduce the amount of VOCs and heavy metals, the most effective way to reduce the impact of ink is to use less of it.
Less ink reduces the amount of VOCs, heavy metals and non-renewable petroleum resin, without requiring any significant shifts to your supply chain. Ink reduction can cut down on production costs long term, especially if a less complicated design allows you to switch to more widely accessible manufacturing equipment. By extension, this can also help you reduce freight emissions.
References
Ian Montgomery. Ask Lumi: Does Soy Ink Actually Make a Difference? (Lumi, 2019)
Reducing VOC solvent use in the Printing Industry (Printing Industries Association of Australia)
