Digital Print 360 » Enviro

DPDA confirms successful deinking of inkjet printed paper at international scientific symposium

Editor — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 10:28:00 +0000

Venlo, The Netherlands, 16 June 2010 – Océ, an international leader in digital document management and delivery, today announced that the Digital Printing Deinking Alliance (DPDA) shared the first of a series of scientific research investigations into the deinkability of inkjet printed papers at the PTS Deinking Symposium held recently in Munich, Germany. Océ is a member of DPDA.
Deinking inkjet prints

In a study conducted by a leading research organization and expert in the field of recycling technologies, Centre Technique du Papier (CTP) of Grenoble, France, inkjet prints were successfully deinked in a procedure designed to replicate a typical European mixed grade waste paper recycling system.

Presenting on behalf of the DPDA, Gary Williams, PE, Paper Scientist of InfoPrint Solutions Company, reviewed the CTP research data with leading industry experts gathered at this international Deinking Symposium. “Our first study was intended to prepare a baseline for future testing of inkjet prints. We were pleasantly surprised to learn that all samples proved to be successfully deinked in test conditions that included bleaching,” said Williams.
Encouraging results

The test samples were printed using standard aqueous dye-based inkjet inks on uncoated woodfree paper. DPDA members prepared blind samples using three representative dye-based inksets for the study and tested under conditions designed to be representative of current deinking technology for processing mixed grades of recovered paper. In the study, all colorants tested were successfully deinked when hydrosulphite bleach was added after the repulping process. In one case, ink colorants were successfully deinked using peroxide only, which is a typical chemistry used in virtually all repulping systems. In both cases, the bleached pulp met the deinked pulp quality requirements.

“This is very encouraging as a first study,” said David Hatfield, R&D Manager for Kodak. “It provides some fact-based data that confirms what we have believed from over 40 years of inkjet printing. Most commercial recycling systems are robust and we have yet to observe a failure in any recycling system worldwide.”
Why INGEDE Method 11 does not match

It has been recently suggested that inkjet printed papers are not deinkable according to laboratory test conditions known as INGEDE Method 11. This lab test was originally conceived to compare the deinking performance of offset printed newspapers. INGEDE Method 11 is sometimes cited as a simple lab-scale test to compare deinking performance of various printing technologies. “Method 11 is not appropriate for all aqueous-based inks, since the test is primarily a single step flotation test. With dye-based inks, there is no ink particle to float, hence the futility of trying to meet this requirement,” said Dr Matthias Fromm, R&D Manager for Océ Printing Systems. “We wanted to test using conditions that replicate actual recycling systems and understand the impact of inkjet printed papers in these commercial recycling systems. This research was conducted using 100% inkjet paper. We estimate that production inkjet’s market share of total graphic printing is less than 1% today. Based on the growth potential of inkjet printing, we estimate that there remain a couple of years to jointly develop a concerted system of paper, ink and possibly adapted deinking process resulting in a good deinking performance,” said Fromm.
Tests to be continued

According to Gregg Lane, Sr Chemist at HP, “DPDA research will continue with other types of inkjet inks and paper combinations. It is important for the DPDA members that we work collaboratively with INGEDE and the paper industry. The benefits of inkjet printing are tremendous and it will penetrate many offset printing markets such as publishing and direct mail, bringing with it the reduced carbon footprint of print-on-demand solutions. As corporate stewards for inkjet printing technology, the DPDA member firms are investing significant technical resources to ensure that the full value of inkjet printing – both print and environmental performance – can be realized,” said Lane.

About DPDA

The Digital Print Deinking Alliance was founded in 2008 to assess and support research on inkjet print compatibility with deinking and paper recycling processes. DPDA members currently include four leading manufacturers of high-volume digital printing presses: HP, InfoPrint Solutions Company, Kodak’s Graphic Communications Group and Océ Printing Systems.

HP Labs Designs Data Center Fueled by Manure

Editor — Wed, 19 May 2010 13:01:01 +0000

HP today presented new research from HP Labs, the company’s central research arm, showing how the manure output of cows and the heat output of data centers can be combined to create an economically and environmentally sustainable operation.

In a research paper presented at the ASME International Conference on Energy Sustainability in Phoenix, Ariz., the HP researchers explain how a farm of 10,000 dairy cows could fulfill the power requirements of a 1-megawatt (MW) data center – the equivalent of a medium-sized data center – with power left over to support other needs on the farm.

In this process, the heat generated by the data center can be used to increase the efficiency of the anaerobic digestion of animal waste. This results in the production of methane, which can be used to generate power for the data center. This symbiotic relationship allows the waste problems faced by dairy farms and the energy demands of the modern data center to be addressed in a sustainable manner.

Highlights

Dairy farms and data centers may appear to be unexpected partners; however, HP Labs has shown that the specific needs and challenges of both can be aligned to create a sustainable life cycle, using technologies readily available today.

The average dairy cow produces about 55 kg (120 pounds) of manure per day, and approximately 20 metric tons per year – roughly equivalent to the weight of four adult elephants.
The manure that one dairy cow produces in a day can generate 3.0 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electrical energy, which is enough to power television usage in three U.S. households per day.⁽¹⁾
A medium-sized dairy farm with 10,000 cows produces about 200,000 metric tons of manure per year. Approximately 70 percent of the energy in the methane generated via anaerobic digestion could be used for data center power and cooling, thus reducing the impact on natural resources.
Pollutants from unmanaged livestock waste degrade the environment and can lead to groundwater contamination and air pollution. Methane is 21 times more damaging to the environment than carbon dioxide, which means that in addition to being an inefficient use of energy, disposal of manure through flaring can result in steep greenhouse gas emission taxes.
In addition to benefiting the environment, using manure to generate power for data centers could provide financial benefit to farmers. HP researchers estimate that dairy farmers would break even in costs within the first two years of using a system like this and then earn roughly $2 million annually in revenue from selling waste-derived power to data center customers.

Changing the energy equation

HP is working to transform the way in which businesses and societies organize and operate by changing the way energy is consumed and produced, thereby creating more sustainable ecosystems. HP Labs is committed to designing data centers that are substantially more efficient and use local, renewable energy resources.

Contemporary data centers are increasingly co-located with power generation or cooling resources to reduce operational costs. Power generation microgrids can take advantage of a variety of local power generation options to reduce the dependence on the utility grid for power. Microgrids can employ solar cells, wind turbines, biofuels or other sources, many of which are renewable, to generate electricity used to power data centers. The prevalence of dairy farms in the United States presents a co-location opportunity that generates biofuel from farm waste.

Supporting quote

“The idea of using animal waste to generate energy has been around for centuries, with manure being used every day in remote villages to generate heat for cooking. The new idea that we are presenting in this research is to create a symbiotic relationship between farms and the IT ecosystem that can benefit the farm, the data center and the environment.”

Tom Christian, principal research scientist, Sustainable IT Ecosystem Lab, HP

Supporting resources

Illustration of the symbiotic relationship between the farm and data center
Article about farm waste-powered data center design from the HP Labs website
Video of Chandrakant Patel of HP Labs explaining the research
HP Labs presentation at the ASME International Conference on Energy Sustainability
More information on the HP Sustainable IT Ecosystem Lab

More information on HP’s work in innovating for the environment

About HP

HP creates new possibilities for technology to have a meaningful impact on people, businesses, governments and society. The world’s largest technology company, HP brings together a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure to solve customer problems. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com/.

Xeikon Extends Environmental Sustainability Leadership

Editor — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 04:21:41 +0000

February 2010 – Xeikon, a division of Punch Graphix, announced it is under contract with one of the primary energy suppliers in Belgium to utilize 100% green power from renewable energy in its toner manufacturing operations based in Heultje, Belgium, as of January 1, 2010. Xeikon has been a leader in the digital printing market in ensuring that its technology results in as little environmental impact as possible throughout the entire printing supply chain.

“Often when people speak about ‘green’ printing, they are primarily concerned with whether materials are printed on recycled paper or paper from managed and renewable forests,” explains Lode Deprez, Vice President of Toner R&D and Production at Punch Graphix. “But that barely scratches the surface. The printed paper must also be recyclable, the printing process must conserve water and use no VOCs, and the energy use and production of waste must be drastically reduced. Xeikon has met all of these requirements and more, both in its manufacturing processes and in the way its customers use the equipment throughout its lifecycle in the field. The new energy contract ensures we are using 100% green electricity in our toner manufacturing operation and we are proud to again assert our leadership position in an area of growing importance: environmental sustainability.”

Xeikon Sustainability Highlights

Over the years, Xeikon has taken many steps to ensure that its products and their output have the smallest possible environmental footprint. These include:

* All Xeikon plants strictly comply with the EU WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Directive to reduce the annual volumes of waste from discarded equipment. Xeikon also pursues the objectives of the Environmental Action Plan (MAP) for energy conservation, promoting the use of renewable energy. In addition, all facilities have separate systems that remove wastewater and rainwater separately, reducing the pressure on wastewater processing.
* At Xeikon’s toner plant in Heultje (Belgium), energy consumption per kg of produced toner has decreased by more than 35% over the last years. This is accomplished through recovering heat from the toner manufacturing process to heat the building and investments in new production technology
* Xeikon recovers and reuses toner waste generated during the manufacturing process to the greatest extent possible and recycles toner packaging. Toner that cannot be recovered and reused is compressed with wood pulp for use as fuel in the cement industry. This means that zero toner waste from the manufacturing process ends up in a landfill. As a result of this and other efforts, the volume of waste produced over the past years has decreased by more than 50%.
* Compared with the traditional offset process, Xeikon presses consume more than 6 kilowatt hours less energy in a typical print run of 5,000 full color duplex-printed A3 sheets. For the same print run the offset process consumes 6 liters of process water, whereas Xeikon presses use none at all. Presses are equipped with a closed loop circulation cooling system, use no process water and do not cause any water pollution or air pollution since no VOC’s are involved in the production and printing process.
* In collaboration with all parties involved in the logistics process, Xeikon created an intelligent total packaging concept for its presses based on reusable packaging. In addition, toner comes in recyclable HPDE bottles, again minimizing the impact on the environment.
* Material printed on a Xeikon press has a deinkability score greater than 90% according to INGEDE Method 11, an international standard, guaranteeing recyclability of Xeikon printed product.

“These are just the highlights of the actions we have taken to ensure that Xeikon and its customers are ahead of the curve in complying with environmental regulations,” concludes Deprez. “By now adding 100% green energy into the mix, we have taken another giant step to maintain our environmental leadership in this industry. Our results prove that ECO-logy and ECO-nomy can go together. Our efforts to make our products sustainable and safe does not make them more expensive or less competitive. As a result, our customers are able to cost-effectively market safe and sustainable technology in a world that is growing increasingly sensitive to environmental issues.”

Xerox MF Printer Cuts Cost of Color Pages by up to 62 Percent

Editor — Fri, 08 May 2009 12:29:36 +0000

Xerox Corporation (NYSE: XRX) today launched the world’s first high-speed solid ink multifunction printer, which cuts the cost of color pages by up to 62 percent compared to traditional color lasers – without compromising print quality.

The Xerox ColorQube™ 9200 Series multifunction printer uses Xerox’s proprietary solid ink technology to lower the environmental impact of office printing. The cartridge-free design generates 90 percent less supplies waste and reduces the effects of manufacturing and transportation on the environment. A study reviewed by the Rochester Institute of Technology estimated that the ColorQube series uses 9 percent less lifecycle energy and produces 10 percent fewer greenhouse gases than a comparable laser device.

The multifunction system prints, scans and copies all in one device with advanced technology that simplifies use and maintenance. The crayon-like ink sticks are non-toxic and easy to load.

The ColorQube 9200 Series is offered with Xerox’s new Hybrid Color pricing plans that significantly reduce color page costs. The plans eliminate traditional “one-size-fits-all” pricing, where the cost of a page with full color, like printing a photo image, is the same as the cost of a page with just a little bit of color, such as a company logo on letterhead.

With the ColorQube’s Hybrid Color Plans, customers pay only for the amount of color they use on a given page. For example, an office document with a logo and small graphic will cost the same as if it were printed in black: one penny. Documents with moderate color coverage, like a Web page or brochure, will cost three cents, while those printed pages with heavy color, such as a real estate flyer, will cost eight cents. At the company’s newly launched Web site, www.FinallyColorIsLess.com, users compare their current cost of color printing to what they would pay using ColorQube.

“Our customers are looking for ways to achieve more with less,” said Ursula Burns, president, Xerox. “With ColorQube we are unlocking the benefits of color by taking the cost barrier out of the equation.”

Solid ink technology, which has been used in Xerox desktop printers for more than a decade, has been completely redesigned to achieve faster speeds and higher print volumes. The ColorQube 9200 Series is available in three models with different color speeds. Each has four print heads that can jet more than 150 million drops of ink per second, enabling speeds from 38 pages per minute (ppm) up to 85 ppm. The series also meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s rigorous new ENERGY STAR® requirements.

Developed by Xerox researchers and engineers in Rochester, N.Y., Wilsonville, Ore., and Welwyn Garden City, U.K. – and supported by 361 patents – the ColorQube was tested in actual customer environments for ease of use, image quality and the cost-saving features of the technology.

“Like many companies, Technip is looking for ways to be more sustainable and reduce costs, and I immediately saw the opportunity to do so with the ColorQube,” said Cliff Lee, IT operations manager, Technip USA, Inc., an engineering and project management company for the oil and gas industry and a ColorQube beta customer. “With ColorQube the majority of our color prints cost the same as black and white, and it takes just a fraction of the space to store solid ink compared to laser cartridges.”

Hassle-Free Operation

* Enough solid ink to print up to 55,500 pages before refilling; when a refill is needed, the easy drop-in ink sticks can be loaded while the MFP is printing so there is no downtime.
* Only one customer replaceable unit (no fuser, drum, etc.), for easy maintenance and lower operating costs.
* Large color touch screen clearly displays basic features like copying and scanning, and offers video tutorials to help users load paper and assist with troubleshooting.
* LED lights illuminate within the device when the front access door is opened for easy maintenance.
* An Intelligent Ready system uses a patented learning technology to activate a power-saving mode based on the users’ schedules.

Great-Looking Prints, Brochures and More

* Range of color-enhancing technologies, including true Adobe PostScript3 PANTONE® spot-color matching and color correction options.
* Three finishers to choose from, including booklet makers and folders to create brochures and pamphlets.
* Great print quality on a variety of media including recycled papers.

Under the Hood

* Advanced security features to control access, track usage and protect confidential information.
* Encrypts data traveling on the network to keep scanned documents safe from unauthorized viewers.
* Xerox Extensible Interface Platform™ can be used to create customized workflow applications like Xerox Secure Access Unified ID™, which displays personal preferences on the touch-screen of the MFP with the swipe of an ID badge.
* More components designed to last the life of the system.

“The ColorQube 9200 Series represents printing technology that is very timely for today’s office,” said Angèle Boyd, group vice president, IDC. “Going green and saving money while adding color as needed is what customers are looking for.”

Pricing and Availability
The list price for the ColorQube 9200 Series starts at $23,500. Order taking begins immediately in North America. All systems are offered through Xerox direct sales, agents and Global Imaging Systems. In Europe, order taking begins in September 2009; other markets in 2010.

Zumbox Announces Its First Government Partnership

Editor — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:58:40 +0000

Westlake Village, CA – Zumbox, the first all-digital online alternative to traditional paper postal systems, has announced its first government partnership with the Village of New Lenox, IL. Starting now, all residents of New Lenox will be sent official Village communications to their Zumbox, saving the Village precious tax dollars and reducing unnecessary paper waste when mailing to approximately 13,000 street addresses in the community on a regular basis.

A digital mailbox – a Zumbox – has been created for every street address in New Lenox (as well as every street address in the U.S.). Now, all mail sent via traditional means – such as financial statements, bills, direct mail, catalogs and personal correspondence – can be sent to any Zumbox. Additionally, interactive formats such as HTML, Flash, audio and video can be easily incorporated into the digital content by mail senders, thereby enhancing the mail experience for recipients.

“New Lenox is proud to be the first village in the nation to adopt Zumbox for mailing communications to residents,” said New Lenox Mayor Tim Baldermann. “As a tech-savvy village government, we believe that sending secure, all-digital communications to each resident’s Zumbox will save us from using tax dollars for postage and printing fees, as well as reinforce our community’s support of the environment through dramatically reducing our paper waste.”

“We are excited to welcome the Village of New Lenox as our first government partner,” said Glen Ward, president of Zumbox. “Local and state governments across the country are struggling with budget deficits, so every penny counts. Zumbox presents an easy-to-use, solution for all government offices seeking to save money and make a positive impact on the environment.”

The Village of New Lenox is planning to gradually migrate most of its paper mailings to digital mailings via Zumbox. Employees simply upload the mailings from their computer desktop, select the specific street address or entire neighborhood and send them using Zumbox’s geo-targeting features. The Village of New Lenox will be encouraging its residents to claim their Zumbox at http://www.zumbox.com and informing them how the service works and why it is of value to New Lenox.

Zumbox is free for all qualified businesses, governments, non-profits and other organizations sending regular mail, with the exception of advertisers and marketers.

About Zumbox
Zumbox provides the first all-digital postal system that is free for qualified senders of regular mail, such as billers, government and community organizations. Zumbox delivers mail electronically based on the same street addresses as traditional physical postal systems and enables consumers to easily access their mail from anywhere at anytime via the Internet, with no need for an intermediary to sort, scan or forward paper mail. Marketers can now geo-target consumers more efficiently, while reducing postage, paper and printing costs. Zumbox provides banking-level security through its closed system in compliance with PCI, BITS and HIPAA security rules and regulations. Zumbox presents a more accountable and environmentally responsible alternative to paper mail. Founded in 2007, Zumbox is privately held and is based in Westlake Village, CA.

Komori, FUJIFILM Team Up For Technology Demo Days

Editor — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 07:02:35 +0000

VALHALLA, N.Y. – Komori America Corporation and FUJIFILM Graphic Systems U.S.A., Inc. have come together to demonstrate the latest pressroom technologies, including Komori’s AI advanced integration software that enhances productivity and reduces waste and Fujifilm’s Taskero Universe, during a series of Technology Demo Days at Komori’s Demonstration Center in Rolling Meadows, Ill. The Technology Demo Days, which will be held again on March 10-12, include live demonstrations of both technologies and will serve as the debut for the press application of Taskero Universe.

“In this challenging economy, printers need to be as efficient and productive as possible. The combination of the efficiency of the award-winning LS product line and the advanced capabilities of the AI software provide the highest levels of productivity and waste reduction available in the marketplace,” says Doug Schardt, sheetfed product manager for Komori America Corporation.

Komori’s proprietary new advanced interface (AI) software significantly improves profitability through reduced waste, and significantly improves press productivity and print quality. The new AI technology allows all press functions to be preset from the console, saving time and money. In addition, the AI software also has self-learning technology that progressively updates press settings over time to reduce waste.

Making its on-press debut and running live during the demonstrations was Fujifilm’s Taskero Universe, a process-based business solution that increases profitability and reduces waste. It’s designed to give printers an unparalleled level of quality control, from the prepress stage all the way through to the pressroom and across a number of output devices – including the full line of Komori presses – and locations.

“There’s been a significant amount of development aimed at helping printers secure additional projects – preflighting software, job submission applications,” notes Don Schroeder, Fujifilm’s director of solutions development. “But, who’s paying attention to what’s actually coming off of the press? Who is verifying and assisting printers ensure that the quality coming off of the back end is what their customers expect? That’s precisely what Taskero Universe does.”

Taskero Universe monitors color throughout the entire production process, verifying it against any tolerance. It delivers real time information about the status of the press and provides users with invaluable data – including paper usage, ink performance and pressroom condition – and analyzes it to identify trends, build reports and capture important press performance information. Additionally, Taskero Universe features a strong reporting tool built in, allowing printers easily pull reports and send them to other personnel as well as customers as a PDF document, and customized branding that can be tailored for each of a printer’s customers.

“Taskero Universe is a powerful tool when applied to a press,” adds Schroeder. “It not only keeps you – and your color and your press – in control, but is also proves you’re in control.”

About Komori America Corporation
Tokyo-based Komori Corporation, a premier manufacturer of sheetfed and web offset printing presses, provides world-class technology especially suited for today’s highly competitive printing marketplace. Delivering the highest level in print quality coupled with impressively fast
makeready and JDF connectivity through open systems architecture, Komori presses help printers achieve higher productivity levels essential for increased margins and business growth. Komori America Corporation is headquartered in Rolling Meadows, IL and manages a sales and service organization throughout North America.

About FUJIFILM Graphic Systems U.S.A., Inc.
As the nation’s largest distributor of equipment, consumables and technical services for the graphic communications industry, FUJIFILM Graphic Systems U.S.A., Inc. has assembled best-in-class solutions – including products and technical support – to deliver exactly what our customers need to stay in control and ahead of their competition.

We deliver solutions for workflow, process control, remote monitoring, color standardization, pressroom products, CTP, proofing, digital printing, wide format and more. Only Fujifilm can bring an integrated approach to your technology, hardware and software. Only Fujifilm can put you in control. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmgs.com.

About FUJIFILM
FUJIFILM Corporation brings continuous innovation and leading-edge products to a broad spectrum of imaging industries including medical, life sciences, consumer electronic, chemical, graphic arts, information systems, photography and office products based on its vast portfolio of digital, optical, fine chemical and thin film coating technologies. It was ranked number 15 for U.S. patents granted in 2006, employs more than 75,000 people worldwide and in the year ended March 31, 2008, had global revenues of $24.48 billion. Fujifilm ADRs (American Depository Receipts) are traded in the U.S. on the NASDAQ exchange (NASDAQ:FUJI). For more information, please visit www.fujifilmholdings.com.

HP Expands Sustainability in On-Demand Printing with HP Indigo

Editor — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 04:50:39 +0000

PALO ALTO, Calif. – HP today announced it has expanded its environmental sustainability efforts with HP Indigo digital presses to meet increased demand for solutions designed to reduce waste while enhancing productivity and profitability.

Building on HP’s commitment to customer success, the HP Graphics Solutions Business is now offering several tools and programs, including:

* a revised HP Indigo media guide that includes the growing number of recycled-content papers and papers that have earned third-party certification for sustainability initiatives
* a new take-back and recycling program for user-replaceable binary ink developer (BID) parts.

Revised media guide
The HP Indigo media guide lists the more than 1,800 total media that have been certified as HP Indigo-compatible. This includes more than 600 media that have a third-party sustainability-related certification, such as Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Chain of Custody. Fifty-five percent of the listed media containing these types of third-party certifications are recycled-content papers. Overall, the number of HP Indigo-qualified media that have recycled content and/or a third-party sustainability certification grew by 30 percent between 2007 and 2008.

“From high-profile communication papers to everyday house stock, HP Indigo customers can choose from a wide range of recycled-content papers, environmentally accredited papers, and papers made or subsidized by alternate energy sources,” said Alon Bar-Shany, vice president and general manager, Indigo division, HP. “Global responsibility is a core HP initiative, and we are committed to increasing the number of compatible media aligned with this strategy as well as to enhancing efficiency and decreasing waste associated with HP products.”

Four preferred media partners have contributed significantly to the growth in third-party sustainability-related certification among the media used on HP Indigo presses, providing solutions for print service providers (PSPs) in North America to meet a wide variety of criteria.

* Domtar is a participant in WWF’s Global Forest & Trade Network, a collaborator with the Rainforest Alliance, and a member of the Chicago Climate Exchange, using nearly 80 percent renewable biomass energy for production. All HP Indigo media from Domtar is FSC and SFI certified.
* GPA, a distributor with FSC credentials and a wide array of products that allow for distinct choices, offers papers made with 10 to 100 percent recycled content and FSC accreditations.
* Mohawk Fine Papers offsets 100 percent of the emissions from the electricity it uses with Green-e certified Renewable Energy Certificates from windpower projects. Mohawk offers HP Indigo-certified papers that are also FSC and Green Seal certified, and papers made with as much as 100 percent post-consumer waste content.
* Much of the energy NewPage uses comes from renewable biomass energy. NewPage manufactures products that are SFI and FSC certified, in addition to papers made with recycled fibers. One hundred percent of the fiber used in NewPage products is procured through third-party certified chain-of-custody systems, and originates from forests within North America.

HP, Finch and Moquin produce greener February Graphic Arts Monthly cover
HP’s commitment to environmentally responsible media is currently being highlighted in the graphic arts industry. Through a joint sponsorship between HP and Finch Paper, an HP Indigo press printed 40,000 covers for this month’s Graphic Arts Monthly magazine. The covers are printed on Finch Fine iD, an HP Indigo certified paper manufactured with two-thirds renewable energy (hydro power and biomass) made on-site. The paper also contains 10 percent post-consumer fiber and is FSC certified. Belmont, Calif.-based PSP Moquin Press produced the covers on its newly installed HP Indigo 7000.

Binary ink developer parts reuse program launched
On Feb. 15, the Indigo division of HP is beginning a new pilot program with select customers where HP will collect user-replaceable BIDs at no charge to the customer. BID parts will be cleaned, inspected and reconditioned for use in new BIDs for HP Indigo presses. Following the pilot program, HP anticipates extending BID reuse to the broader HP Indigo customer base by Q4.

The BID take-back and reuse program is a new addition to an extensive reconditioning program that significantly reduces machinery waste through full-press reconditioning of off-lease machines. HP sells its reconditioned presses as HP Indigo “r” series presses.

The HP Indigo division’s new programs support an industry-wide initiative in the graphic arts and photofinishing industries to reduce waste and improve sustainability of printed communications. Presently, for example, up to 30 percent of book stock remains unsold and is eventually repulped. Digital printing reduces waste related to print production in three key ways:

* Digital on-demand printing reduces paper waste. PSPs’ customers avoid obsolescence by printing only what they need, when they need it.
* In direct mail and other marketing collateral applications, variable data printing and personalization lets marketers print fewer pieces while yielding higher returns.
* Digital printing enables PSPs to avoid the waste associated with make-ready and change over between job runs in conventional printing.

Digital printing in the commercial printing, label printing and photofinishing industries can also significantly reduce chemical usage and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions by eliminating conventional plate processing and silver halide processing.

HP Indigo systems and environmental responsibility
HP Indigo presses have been progressively engineered for reduction in waste and energy consumption. The HP Indigo 5500 and 7000 press models include an on-press oil recycling system that reduces the overall use of imaging oil by approximately 50 percent. And, because of significant productivity enhancements, the HP Indigo 7000 Digital Press requires approximately 25 percent less electricity per printed page.

The HP Indigo division’s manufacturing environments are also designed to enhance efficiency and reduce power consumption in accordance with sustainability goals in effect for all of HP. In 2007, the HP Indigo division developed and implemented a new particle grinding process that reduces the energy required for manufacturing HP ElectroInk by 40 percent.

HP and the environment
For decades HP has been an environmental leader, driving company stewardship through its HP Eco Solutions program, which spans product design, reuse and recycling as well as energy and resource efficiency. HP influences industry action by setting high environmental standards in its operations and supply chain, by providing practical solutions to make it easier for customers to reduce their climate impact and through its research on sustainability solutions that support a low-carbon economy. More information is available at http://www.hp.com/ecosolutions.

About HP
HP, the world’s largest technology company, simplifies the technology experience for consumers and businesses with a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com.

Chromaticity introduces new ‘greener’ inkjet paper

Editor — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 07:38:00 +0000

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., January 20, 2009 – Chromaticity, the leader in distribution and deployment of color management and digital imaging technologies for the print, publishing, packaging and wide format markets, announces the immediate availability of two new grades of its successful Validation™ line of premium inkjet contract proofing paper: Validation SG3 and Validation PS Publication. This rounds out the Validation media standards portfolio that includes Validation 250 Satin – a widely recognized grade used by the nation’s top print and premedia companies for GRACoL inkjet proofing.

“Chromaticity is one of only a few suppliers in the world to provide proofing grades that are designed specifically for SWOP® grade 3 proofing,” says Ian Mackenzie, vice president of marketing at Chromaticity. “These new grades are perfect for use in a SWOP grade 3 proofing system, as they eliminate the need for an inkjet printed publication simulation. Since these grades have a paper base, they are much more environmentally friendly than competing grades that are produced using petroleum products. They are 100 percent compatible with all inkjet proofing systems being used today.”

Validation SG3 Commercial is a competitively priced premium proofing media for use with all common ink sets. This media was specially designed to meet the white point and performance requirements of the IDEAlliance® SWOP grade 3 specification for off press proofing without the need for publication simulation. Because of its paper base, Validation SG3 offers the look and feel of an actual offset press stock, while demonstrating sufficient gamut to accurately proof commercial, publication and packaging print. The natural make-up of the media makes it ideal for mock-up work and will not crack when folded, while the base stock ensures opacity and prevents show-through.

Validation PS Publication is a competitively priced premium proofing media for use with all aqueous inkjet printers. This media uses an actual publication press stock with a high-quality micro-porous inkjet coating. PS Publication is compatible with all available aqueous inkjet ink sets and demonstrates sufficient gamut to accurately proof commercial, publication and packaging print. Being a true publication stock, PS Publication is an ideal replacement for more expensive direct-to-substrate proofing systems.

Validation SG3 and Validation PS Publication are paper-based substrates made from sustainable, 100 percent natural resources. SG3 and PS Publication are both recyclable and bio-degradable using 37 percent less raw material than comparable proofing media. Validation media is available from qualified graphic arts resellers in the United States and Canada. Sample rolls and printed proofs are available by contacting Chromaticity at info@chromaticity.com.

About Chromaticity
Chromaticity, Inc. is a value-added distributor specializing in providing best-in-class print technologies. Chromaticity provides its reseller channel with integrated solutions that are supported by a comprehensive sales and support organization. For more information about Chromaticity, please visit www.chromaticity.com or call (616) 361-7773.

Blueprints Go Green

Editor — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 23:58:07 +0000

San Mateo, CA – BarkerBlue Digital, information manager and printer for developers, general contractors and design professionals, will be recognized this evening for its work to fight climate change by the San Mateo Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of San Mateo. BarkerBlue was chosen to receive the Chamber’s second annual Green Business Award for its many efforts to reduce the printer’s environmental impact, the most recent and most visible of which, a 155 kW solar power system that was installed in late 2008, is a new landmark for Silicon Valley commuters on Highway 101 just north of the 3rd Avenue overpass, and will offset 80 percent of BarkerBlue’s electricity usage.

“BarkerBlue has been a true inspiration to other businesses in the San Mateo Area,” said Chamber President Linda Asbury. “CEO Gene Klein’s passion for making a difference has encouraged many other organizations to go green that wouldn’t have considered it otherwise.”

BarkerBlue, long known for its almost entirely paperless information management systems for the construction industry, launched its latest and most ambitious greening effort for two reasons – to cut costs and lead by example.

“While quality and service will always be the benchmark of successful business, competitiveness today requires companies to demonstrate their commitment to responsible business practices,” said BarkerBlue CEO Gene Klein. “Clean, renewable energy is the most direct and cost effective way to do this, and in the process, we’ve cut our operating costs by more than $55,000 per year.”

BarkerBlue’s new solar power system — large enough to power 22 homes — covers the entire printing facility and offices plus a solar carport to be built over the customer parking lot. On holidays and weekends, when BarkerBlue’s energy demand decreases, the system will feed power to neighboring businesses and homes via PG&E’s power grid.

It was important to Klein to preserve the post World War II-era skating rink that has housed BarkerBlue for seven years. Nearly half a mile of reinforced wood was used to strengthen and protect the original roof, increasing the surface area where solar panels could be installed, which will increase solar production and further offset BarkerBlue’s energy use.

The solar power system will reduce BarkerBlue’s carbon footprint by more than 270,000 pounds of CO2 per year, equivalent to the carbon captured annually by nearly 40 acres of forest.

“Once again, BarkerBlue takes a leap forward in the construction industry — they’re truly walking the talk, paving a brighter future for our planet,” says Ted van der Linden, Director of Sustainability for DPR Construction and board member of the U.S. Green Building Council. “The use of renewable energy in the form of solar power is an outwardly visible way to demonstrate BarkerBlue’s leadership, and will complement greatly their paperless information management system and use of recycled paper in the printing process.”

With the BarkerBlue installation, San Francisco-based Sunlight Electric, who designed the system, saw more than just an opportunity to reduce BarkerBlue’s electric bills. CEO Rob Erlichman explains, “We designed the system to take maximum advantage of BarkerBlue’s high-profile location between San Francisco and San Jose. We wanted BarkerBlue to benefit not only in direct cash terms from their decision to go solar, we wanted to support their efforts to make a statement to their customers and the surrounding community.”

Complete details of BarkerBlue’s solar power system — including a real-time display of power generation — can be viewed at BarkerGreen.com (http://www.barkergreen.com). Beyond its investment in solar, the company has renovated its facility to be energy efficient, encourages its clients to use its online document management system to reduce unnecessary printing and is committed to using recycled paper for all general reproduction purposes and recycling all scraps and placing recycling bins in its clients’ offices,

BarkerBlue Digital (http://www.barkerblue.com) hosts, manages and fulfills construction information for developers, general contractors and design professionals. Additionally, its Marketing Print division specializes in personalized messaging material for our corporate clientele. BarkerBlue combines its highly trained team of experts, its technology and its International Print Network to focus on one goal: delivering the right information, to the right place, at the right time — every time.

Sunlight Electric (http://sunlightelectric.com) is the Bay Area’s leading designer and retailer of solar photovoltaic systems for small and medium-sized businesses. With over 3 million watts of installed systems generating over 5 million kilowatt-hours annually Sunlight Electric’s efforts will spare the emission of nearly 150 million pounds of global-warming carbon dioxide and asthma and allergy-inducing pollution over the next 30 years. Clients include Frog’s Leap Winery, artisan cheese producer Cowgirl Creamery, Star Route Farms and Hotel Carlton, San Francisco’s first solar-powered hotel.

FUJIFILM Plant All Set for Wind Power

Editor — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 03:20:21 +0000

VALHALLA, N.Y. (January 14, 2009) – FUJIFILM and Evelop, the project development division of sustainable energy solutions company Econcern, have signed a letter of intent for the development of a corporate wind farm at FUJIFILM’s European plate manufacturing operation in Tilburg, the Netherlands.

Once complete, the wind farm will produce between 15,000 and 24,000 megawatt hours of energy per year, enough to provide between 10 and 20% of the energy needed to power FUJIFILM’s production plant in Tilburg, where the wind farm will be located. The letter of intent marks the start of the project, with the first wind turbines expected to be operational by 2011. This follows an announcement earlier in the year of a $127 million investment in a third plate line at the site, to be completed by January 2010.

Graham Leeson, marketing manager at FUJIFILM Graphic Systems in the UK, comments: “This is further proof of our commitment to environmental issues. FUJIFILM prides itself on its commitment to the environment and the way in which we work in partnership with our customers in a responsible, environmentally friendly way. The results of our work have been internationally recognized with listings on the Dow Jones Sustainability and FTSE4Good global indices. Not only do we try and help our customers to be more environmentally aware, but we also practice what we preach and the planned wind farm is very much evidence of this.”

The project reflects FUJIFILM’s continuing commitment to the environment and drive to reduce its carbon footprint. The plan is to construct between three and five wind turbines on the site in the Netherlands and is expected to stimulate similar projects by neighboring companies.