Concerns about the economy, technological threats, and unclear futures have all contributed to a print confidence crisis. Add to that quickly shifting consumer expectations and media options, and you have an industry that has been on the defensive for some years. However, a change is in the works. Print is redefining itself to be a more dynamic force in a multichannel communications landscape than ever before.

Years of upheaval have compelled printers to improve their processes, reduce waste, and increase process automation and efficiency. Print is a highly sustainable and effective media due to its streamlined process management and reliance on a renewable resource. Rising environmental consciousness is causing ecologically conscious media consumers to emphasis on print.

However, market uncertainty can be exacerbated by sophisticated new media possibilities, digital technology deployments, and green aspirations. Many printers are carefully investigating new ways of conducting business, adopting digital technologies to accommodate changing client expectations, because investment choices in such a context can be dangerous. Successful printers are changing their companies to assist clients in channel leveraging and aligning economic and environmental aims.

Inline ink viscosity automation solutions contribute to sustainability goals

Reliable viscosity automation solutions ensure that only minimal and extremely precise amounts of solvents are used for ink viscosity adjustments. When used with an integrated control system and software, it also keeps records of all solvent additions to enable evaluation and optimization of solvent consumption patterns.

Customers using the Rheonics viscosity automation solutions have reported about 40% reduction in solvent consumption and total emissions.

Roadmap of printing companies calls for safer, environment friendly, sustainable operations.

1. Continuous improvement cycles to minimize solvent consumption in printing operations to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and air pollutants (HAPs)
2. Transitioning away from solvent–based inks to water–based inks, since solvent-based inks contain high concentration of VOC and require higher energy in application(drying)

VOC input and output during the printing process. Source: Environmental impact of printing inks and printing process, Journal of Graphic Engineering and Design, Volume 11 (2), 2020. http://doi.org/10.24867/JGED-2020-2-011