This section provides information on vendors as well as papers and inks to help purchasers make informed decisions when using a vendor or when producing materials on their own.
A wide array of environmentally sound printing papers and inks are available that reduce waste and are easy to recycle. Chlorine-free paper with a minimum 30% post-consumer contentMaterials collected for recycling from homes, retail stores, office buildings, etc., after they have completed their intended end use as consumer items. Post-consumer is part of the broader category of "recovered materials." is an excellent choice, as is tree-free paper. Tree-free paper is made from sustainably harvested sources, such as kenafPronounced kuh-NAFF From the family Hibiscus cannabinus, a fast-growing annual plant that has been cultivated throughout the world as a source of fiber, which is similar to jute., sugar cane, and bamboo, and contains no wood fibers. The Forest Stewardship Council offers certification for paper products and printers meeting the highest social and environmental standards. The Sustainable Forestry Initiative also offers certification for products and businesses that rely on sustainable forestry practices.
Some printing inks contain hazardous materials, such as petroleum-based solvents and heavy metals, which are used in coloring. Inks with petroleum solvents emit volatile organic compounds (VOCsCompounds that evaporate easily (volatile) at room temperature and often have recognizable odor; primarily used in solvents; many are chlorinated hydrocarbons and some are carcinogenic (e.g. benzene, chloroform, and methyl ethyl ketone).) into the air. As vapors, VOCs can be irritants for print shop workers. VOCs also contribute to the formation of smog.
In contrast, agri-based inks are made from non-toxic soybean, corn, linseed, walnut, or canola oil and perform just as well as their petroleum-based counterparts. They are also more biodegradable, contain fewer VOCs, and are cost competitive. Certain colors of ink, even vegetable-based ink, contain heavy-metal pigments like cadmium, barium, and copper, which are associated with various health hazards. Colors to avoid include fluorescent colors, warm reds, and metallics because they contain pigment bases that are often harmful to the environment.
Presidential Executive Order 13423 requires federal agencies to buy paper with 30% post-consumer content. The Minnesota Department of Administration supports this higher standard for post-consumer content and strongly encourages state and local government purchasers to follow this guideline.
Minnesota Statute 16B.122 requires public agencies to adhere to the following guidelines:
• Purchase recycled paper containing a minimum of 10% post-consumer content by weight;
• Purchase uncoated printing paper unless there is a coated option containing at least 50% post-consumer recycled content;
• Use non-dyed paper, except for pastel colors;
• Use agri-based inks;
• Print materials using no more than two colored inks (black ink counts as one color) unless more colors are necessary to convey meaning;
• Print documents on both sides;
• Use glueless binding, such as reusable binding materials or stapling;
• Produce recyclable materials according to the specifications of the State’s Resource Recovery Program;
• Purchase recycled papers and inks if the price is no more than 10% higher than non-recycled materials.
Minnesota statute 115A.02 states that toxicity reduction should be a key principle in waste management.
Recycled and tree-free papers meet the same technical and performance standards as virgin paper made from wood pulp. Recycled and tree-free papers often exceed virgin paper for opacity, which is a benefit when printing double-sided documents.
The most commonly used agri-based ink is soy ink. Other agri-based inks are made from corn, linseed, walnut, and canola oil. These inks have broad applicability and are used primarily in lithographic printing processes for newspapers, books and magazines. Soy inks are also effective for printing on packaging.
Soy inks offer several performance advantages over petroleum-based inks and are often preferred. Soy inks make it easier to change from dark colors to light colors and result in brighter colors. Soy ink goes further than the same amount of petroleum ink, and the brighter colors of soy ink can translate into a 5% to 50% increase in transfer efficiency.
A growing number of printing companies offer environmentally preferable products, including post-consumer content paper and chlorine-free paper (see Vendors). These businesses have adopted better practices as a result of air quality regulations, worker safety concerns, and production efficiencies. In addition, eco-friendly papers and inks are more readily available due to increased demand and popularity.
Since the use of chlorine in paper manufacturing can result in health and environmental hazards, request "Totally Chlorine Free" (TCF) or certified "Processed Chlorine Free" (PCF) paper. Tree-free paper, another excellent option is made from sustainably harvested sources, such as kenaf, sugar cane, and bamboo, and contains no wood fibers (See Vendors).
Agri-based inks are readily available through your printer or on the open market. Click here for a list of soy ink suppliers.
Most ink manufacturers produce at least one line of soy-based inks. Many are also turning to digital, water-based ink technologies, or methods that produce fewer Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
Ask your printing vendor about eco-friendly paper and ink options available to their customers. Vendors take notice when customers request environmentally preferable options for their print jobs and in return will stock more environmentally preferable options.
Recycled, tree-free, and chlorine-free papers are cost competitive because of increased demand, availability and popularity. While tree-free and chlorine-free papers are slightly more expensive than virgin paper, their prices continue to fall, making them more competitive.
Colored and black commercial soy inks cost about 10 percent more than petroleum inks, but soy inks spread about 15% further resulting in more printing with less ink.
According to reports published by the National Environmental Assistance Center soy ink may save time and money. Printers reported that soy ink shortened the start-up preparations of a print run including the time required to adjust the printing presses, and reduced the amount of waste and its associated disposal costs.
| Ink Color | Cost of Soy Ink per Pound | Cost of Petroleum-based Ink per Pound |
| Black | $4.20 | $4.00 |
| Blue | $5.25 | $5.00 |
| Red | $5.55 | $5.25 |
| Yellow | $5.45 | $5.15 |
When contracting for design and printing services, make sure to follow the requirements listed under Laws and Guidelines. In addition, state your preference for:
- Vegetable-based and recycled (filtered) inks;
- No inks containing heaving metals;
- Recycled content paper products (30% minimum content), tree-free blend papers and chlorine-free papers. Processed Chlorine Free, or PCF, is the best environmental choice;
- Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and/or Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) certified paper.
- Alcohol-free printing processes;
- Solvents free of toluene and methylene chloride;
- Paper recycling and reuse programs;
- Workplace safety and accident reduction programs;
- Wax-free ink when the original document will be imprinted or printed with special marks. This ensures a proper bond and reduces smearing when materials are reprinted, thereby minimizing paper waste.
- A registered Great Printer.
Even if soy ink is unavailable or inappropriate for a particular print job, consider other agri-based inks including those made from corn, linseed, walnuts, or canola oils.
Sample specifications for printing projects:
"The contractor shall ensure that printed materials produced under this contract are printed on paper that is processed chlorine-free and made with a minimum of 30% post-consumer recycled content. Vendors must also certify that the papers meet standards for quality, brightness, opacity and smoothness as specified in this solicitation. These specifications shall be clearly labeled on the printed materials. Bidders are encouraged to provide products that contain a higher percentage of post-consumer content than the 30 percent minimum and to use paper certified by FSC or SFI."
"The contractor shall ensure printed materials are printed with soy or agri-based inks. In addition, the contractor shall print double-sided documents and avoid the use of inks containing heavy metals."
Many printer vendors offer a variety of environmentally preferable printing options. Always ask what your printer is doing to make the environment a priority.
The Printing Industry of Minnesota (PIM) Great Printer Environmental Initiative or Great Printers
Paul Gutkowski
651/789-5505
paulg@pimn.org
www.pimn.org/environment/greatprinter.htm#gp
This program seeks to increase environmental, health, and safety compliance and to prevent pollution within the printing industry. PIM maintains a list of environmentally friendly printers in the state.
State of Minnesota Office Supply Connection
651/201-2578
www.officesupplyconnection.org
The Office Supply Connection stocks paper with recycled content, including papers with 100% post-consumer content.
Minnesota State Contracts
Use the following state contract for business cards, letterheads, brochures, envelopes and all other printing related items:
- P-856
United Soybean Board
http://www.soynewuses.org/ProductsGuide/Industrial__
PrintingInks.aspx
Produces a list of soy ink suppliers
U.S. Communities Going Green Program
www.uscommunities.org/green
Counties, cities, and schools may join the U.S. Community Government Purchasing Alliance to access a contract with Office Depot. This contract offers discounted prices on several varieties of recycled-content paper.
Green Seal
Washington D.C.
202/872-6400
www.greenseal.org
Green Seal is a nationally recognized nonprofit that certifies environmental products that pass stringent testing standards.
Printing Industry of Minnesota (PIM)
Minneapolis, MN
651-789-5505
www.pimn.org
PIM is an industry trade group for printers in Minnesota and a partner in the Great Printer Initiative. PIM's website, contains a current list of Great Printers.
Chlorine Free Products Association (CFPA)
Algonquin, IL
847/658-6104
www.chlorinefreeproducts.org
A not-for-profit corporation whose primary purpose is to promote Total Chlorine Free policies, programs, and technologies. They own the trademark "Processed Chlorine-Free." Visit the website for chlorine free papers, lists of products it has certified, and news articles.
Printer's National Environmental Assistance Center
888/877-6322
www.pneac.org
Sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and a number of trade groups, this information clearinghouse provides compliance assistance and pollution prevention information to the printing industry. Their website includes a variety of printing industry fact sheets, including one on the use of agri-based inks.
Conservatree
San Francisco, CA
415/883-6264
www.conservatree.org
Conservatree is a nonprofit organization devoted to providing technical assistance and the most up-to-date information on environmentally sound papers and market development. Visit their website for tree-free and recycled content listings.
The Association of Vermont Recyclers (AVR)
Montpelier, VT
802/224-1011
www.vtrecyclers.org
A nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting reduction, reuse, recycling and sustainable consumption. Visit the AVR website for a "Chlorine-Free Paper Primer."
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
Reston, VA
703/438-6401
www.fsc.org
The Forest Stewardship Council is a non-profit organization dedicated to environmentally sound forest management. It offers certification for paper products and printers meeting the highest social and environmental standards. Access a list of their certified paper products at the FSC website.
Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)
Arlington, VA
703/875-9500
www.sfiprogram.org
The Sustainable Forestry Initiative certifies products and businesses when they are generated by sustainable forestry practices. Search the SFI website for certified products.
“Green Inks”
Intertechpira
2007
www.intertechpira.com/blog.asp?step=3&blogID=14
“Soy Ink Benefits”
Soya
2008
www.soya.be/soy-ink-benefits.php
“The Skinny on Soy-based Inks”
Target Marketing
2006
www.targetmarketingmag.com/story/story.bsp?sid=31936&var=story
“GreenerPrinter’s Inks and the Environment”
GreenerPrinter
2008
www.greenerprinter.com/grp/jsp/inks.jsp
“Benefits of Printing with Soy-based Ink”
Dolphin Blue
2008
www.dolphinblue.com/pg-soy-based-inks.html
“Minnesota Statute 16B.122”
Minnesota Office of the Revisor Statutes
2007
www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/statutes/?id=16B.122
“Soy Ink (Soy Seal)”
American Soybean Association
2008
www.soygrowers.com/resources/soyink.htm
“What is the Difference Between Petroleum-Based, Soy-Based and Vegetable-Based Inks?”
The Forum Effect
2008
www.associationforumblogs.org/theforumeffect/2008/04/what-is-the-dif.html
“Waste Prevention in the Printing Industry”
California Integrated Waste Management Board
2007
www.ciwmb.ca.gov/BIZWASTE/factsheets/Printing.htm
Purchase paper with a minimum of 30% post-consumer recycled contentThe portion of a product that is made from materials diverted from the waste stream, usually stated as a percentage by weight.; 100% recycled paper is preferable. Recycled paper reduces the amount of paper in landfills, creates less air pollution, and saves energy, water, and trees. Use the Environmental Defense Fund's Paper Calculator to calculate the environmental impact of your paper purchases.
Ask your printer about layout and design considerations that can reduce waste, such as press sheet sizes, gripper margins, bleeds, and grain direction. Ask your printer to use low-VOC, water-based or agri-based inks, and non-hazardous press chemicals.
Produce easy-to-recycle printed materials such as glueless bindings and uncoated paper. Avoid foil stamping and heavy ink coverage, as well as heavily coated or heavily dyed papers, which require additional handling and may cost more to recycle.
Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Guide published by the Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board, 4/00. The SWMCB includes members from the Minnesota metropolitan counties of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, and Washington, with ex-officio members from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Last Revised August 7, 2008 - 3:29pm