Soy Ink, An Environmentally-Friendly Solution to Printing
Chances are, you don’t know that the newspaper you read daily is printed using ink from soybeans. Yes, most commercial printing presses all over the country prefer to use soy ink for several reasons. It is also rapidly recognized and adapted by printing industries all over the world. Since soybean is easily cultivated, supply won’t be a problem in terms of mass producing this type of ink.
The advantages of using Soy Ink
First, it was proven to be cost-effective. A study done by the Environmental Protection Agency indicated that soy ink has the tendency to spread further, thus requiring less amount of ink used. In the long run, cost savings can by achieved by printing press operators.
Furthermore, soy ink contains less volatile organic compounds in its components. This makes working with it less hazardous compared to petroleum-based inks. With growing concern over air pollution and global warming, the printing industry can now contribute its share of environmentally-friendly practices. In the same manner, soy ink is healthier for persons manning the presses and those spending most of their days inside the facility.
Soybean oil, the base of soy ink, is also clearer compared to petroleum. Hence, the color pigments mixed into it appear more vivid and brighter. This translates to better pictures in newspapers and other printed materials, as enhanced overall printing quality. Their stability during the printing process results in fewer printed rejects and wastes. Soy ink is also easily removed when the paper undergoes recycling, producing cleaner and better looking paper products.
The use of soy inks by most newspaper publishers has reduced their dependence on its petroleum-based counterparts. This is one way of countering the rising fuel costs of the country in general. In fact, this was the main inducement researchers and printers had when they discovered the printing potential of soybean oil.
Though soybean oil is the primary base for soy ink, the finished product contains several color pigments and chemicals also found in petroleum-based inks. Though biodegradable, this makes soy ink not suitable for ingestion.
The disadvantages of using Soy Ink
Despite its many disadvantages, there are also some negative points attributed to soy inks. One complaint is the tendency of soy inks to rub off easily. It cannot be used for ballpoint pens and personal printers, though there have been studies and research that tried to address these concerns. With rapidly emerging technologies, it won’t be long until soy ink will become veritable household item.
