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Enhanced Images Ltd: Environmental

Environmental print solutions are becoming more and more important to modern business practise with ISO 14001 certification. In the past large format exhibition print has been dominated by pvc materials and solvent inks. These are two major issues when thinking of the enviroment so need to be avoided. Here's a brief explanation as to why:

Solvent Ink. . .

Over the past 6 or 7 years printing with solvent based inks has become extremely popular. These inks are highly durable both to abrasion and colour fading, so have become a one ink fits all for many print companies. They can be used for exterior signs as easily as internal signs but with one major disadvantage.

Solvent Inks use chemicals to bind the colour to the material. These solvents take several weeks to 'Gass off', which is a process of evaporation of the active chemical. Because these inks were designed for exterior graphics this gassing off process went un-noticed but using them for internal graphics means you trap the chemicals inside. Now, when the ink comes with a label saying "use in a well ventilated area" but then the print is used in a less than well ventilated area, the client usually complains of a headache. Not the optimal result for promoting health and happiness in your clients!

This is why we use Latex Ink. All the benefits of solvent durability with none of the active chemicals giving you a headache.

Latex Ink uses heat to melt a latex polymer onto the material. The only waste product of this process is the water that evaporates off at the time of printing. This way we get tough, durable prints that are perfect for internal and external use with a 3-5 year outdoor life.

Environmental Print Materials. . .

Up until now most large format printing and mounting materials have been PVC based and non-recyclable. We can now print onto a range of recylable prints materials and biodegradable mount board.

HDPE banner material - This is a banner material that can be fully recycled
Polyprop Paper - Great for recylable posters and banner stands
BioDisplay - A brand new 200 and 350 micron material that will biodegrade in 5 years*
BioRigid - 3mm rigid board that feels like PVC but can degrade in around 5 years*
BioLaminate - A clear laminate film to protect your prints but can degrade in around 5 years*

Call us for details on all our eco materials.

*The material contains a micro organism that will activate in the type of conditions found in a compost or landfill site and will degrade the substraite to dust.