Consumers are demanding more businesses become sustainable — either in the products they produce and/or in the way they conduct business. In fact, new research shows that there has been an astonishing increase in online searches related to sustainability — up 71% — in the last five years. The increase in concern over sustainable practices isn’t limited to high-income countries either. Even developing economies like those in Ecuador and Indonesia are seeing a rise in preference for sustainable products and eco-minded businesses.

For businesses that rely on or produce printed products, such as marketing and advertising firms, there is good news. You can move on from solvent-based inks that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can cause adverse health issues, clog printheads, and produce pollutants that can be toxic to the environment. While these inks provide brilliant color and are resistant to the adverse effects of water and sunlight, they pale in comparison to a newer, more sustainable option — latex ink. 

The Attraction of Sustainable Latex Inks

The ability to produce high-quality, brilliant marketing collateral is probably a primary need for most businesses — and one that most marketing firms are familiar with. With the advent of new latex ink technology, piloted by print and imaging leader HP, you can get the same incredible color and quality of solvent inks in an ink that is less harmful to the environment. Latex inks are multifaceted, with a variety of advantages that also include:

Better for Indoor Air

Because latex inks do not have a strong odor, using them does not require special ventilation systems in your production area. Not only do these inks meet national standards for indoor air quality, but they are also non-flammable and non-combustible for added safety. 

Kind to the Environment

Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) are a real problem for the environment — and the people in it. Latex inks have no HAPs, making them much kinder to the planet as well as to your print staff. These water-based inks are also easier to recycle since they are not releasing toxic chemicals. And when they are landfilled at the end of their lifecycle, they do not expose aquifers and soils to chemical contaminants. 

Better for Your Printer

Because latex inks are water-based, they do not clog print heads the way some solvent inks do. Less clogging means less maintenance and savings in both labor and overall cost. And less clogging also means more printer uptime, which is essential for optimal productivity and performance and a plus when projects are on a hard deadline.

Quick Drying

Printers that use latex inks use heat during their drying process so that your marketing collateral is ready for use upon output. The fast drying capabilities of this ink increase the speed of project turnaround, making your print or marketing department more efficient — and your clients a lot happier. 

Durable and Versatile

Latex inks are the perfect partner for wide-format printers where they can be used on a variety of substrates including:

• Textiles
• Paper
• Canvas
• Wood
• Glass
• Metal
• Vinyl

In addition, latex inks can withstand harsh environmental conditions such as sunlight, heat, water, wind, and even cleaning with most standard cleaning products. These qualities make them perfect for marketing collateral that will be used outdoors or handled often in the course of use.

Trust Blue Technologies for Innovative Printing Solutions

If you are running a marketing or advertising business, you want to bring the best solutions to your clients — and that includes sustainable printing options. As an HP authorized dealer, we have the inside line on sustainable latex inks for all applications.

At Blue Technologies, our team of print and imaging experts can help your firm discover the most cost-effective — and sustainable — print solution for your needs and the needs of the clients you serve. Regardless of whether you choose production printers, a wide format model, or desktop printers, our team can also keep your devices maintained and optimized for maximum performance. 

Get the advantage of sustainability. Contact a Blue Technologies consultant and discover how our HP printers can help your business move toward a more responsible print environment.