Explaining the Present Parameters for Safety and Climate Considerations as Necessary Prerequisites for Digital Printing

Abstract

The most important factor is an integral approach for the digtal environment. Therefore the location of production should be certified by ISO 14001, should be energy efficient and should guarantee a sustainable use for necessary resources. All products should be FSC, TCF, PEFC certified and should carry an ECO label and should fulfill the requirements to be CO2 neutral and the carbon footprint should have been calculated for the customers. How do fulfill these points will be described in the paper. Therefore a holistic approach is necessary. The design of the digital printing plant and the digital printing equipment used are very important and also the used materials especially paper and toner must fulfill all requirements. Only paper with suitable paper profiles can be used. To get digital printing also in a better environmental position in the next five years the specific energy should be reduced by 15%, cO2 emissions by 15%, total COD and AOX emissions by 30%. Especially for packaging also the TRS emissions should be reduced by 50% and total waste to landfill should be reduced up to 20% and hazardous waste should be eliminated totally. Also for digital printing “ The Global Compact Program” of United nations is an important framework for business aligning their operations and strategies with 10 universally accepted Principles covering human rights, labor and anti corruption is one point. Also WBCSD a CEO-led global association of around 200 companies committed to sustainable development is a vital necessity for digital printing in future. The overall framework to reach these goals will be explained and will be transferred for the digital printing industry.