Green Projects at Leonhard Lang - Sustainable printing with water-based inks
The careful use of resources and our environment is particularly important to us at Leonhard Lang. In order for us to be able to accomplish this task, we need to think and operate sustainably. We therefore also focus on the implementation of "green" projects. For example, we recently switched production to water-based printing inks, which are used to print our electrode bags.
In recent years, the printing industry has made significant progress in reducing solvent emissions and promoting environmentally friendly printing processes. One of the most promising developments in this area is water-based printing inks. We are bringing this know-how in-house and have started to switch from solvent-based to water-based inks. In addition to a better print image, the working conditions for our employees in particular have been significantly improved. The future absence of solvent emissions from our 0-VOC water-based inks (VOC = Volatile Organic Compounds) thus makes an important contribution towards the European Green Deal and achieving the sustainability goals we have set ourselves.
Why are solvents a problem?
Traditional printing inks are based on solvents that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which evaporate during the printing process and pollute the environment. These emissions cause air pollution and health problems. The search for more environmentally friendly alternatives led to the development of water-based printing inks.
Water-based printing inks:
The environmentally friendly alternative uses water as a solvent instead of hazardous chemicals. They are free of VOCs and have lower emissions. This reduces the impact on the environment and protects the health of our employees.
Advantages of water-based printing inks:
1. environmentally friendly: they contribute significantly to the reduction of solvent emissions and minimize the ecological footprint of the printing industry.
2. health protection: the use of water-based paints reduces the risk of health problems caused by VOCs and creates a safer working environment.
3. quality and versatility: Modern water-based inks offer excellent print quality and are suitable for various printing applications.
Although water-based printing inks offer many advantages, they are not without their challenges. The drying time and adhesion to certain materials constantly pose new problems for our innovation and research team. And yet, the use of water-based inks in the industry is an important step towards a more sustainable approach to our environment, which is why we at Leonhard Lang continue to invest in the development and application of this type of sustainable technology to help shape a better and cleaner future.
