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Using soybean oil based inks and recycled papers for all of the jobs we produce supports our marketing efforts. The additional benefits are even more valuable — improved indoor air quality. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are basically the fumes emitted into the air from inks, solvents, cleaners etc. as they are used or while they dry. Petroleum based inks release a much greater amount of VOCs than soy inks. The EPA guidelines that regulate the pollution causing VOCs do not normally apply to small printers. The work environment is healthier, the shop is void of petroleum or rubber-based inks scents.

Vegetable oil-based inks tend to yield brighter colors than petroleum-based inks. Another benefit is Soy inks are naturally able to withstand the high heat of the fusing units of toner imaging devices. Your letterheads, newsletter shells and other documents will run through a laser printer or copier without being affected by the heat as petroleum based inks do.

The National Soy Ink Information Center estimates that if all oil-based inks used by the printing industry were derived from soybean oil, it would require 457 million pounds of soybean oil, equivalent to 41.5 million bushels. This represents only about 1.8% of U.S. Soybean production. Environmental regulations and incentives have helped drive the creation of “agri-based” inks. The 1994 Vegetable Ink Printing Act mandated that printers with government contracts give preference to vegetable oil-based inks over volatile petroleum-based inks whenever possible. This was an effort to reduce emissions from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) as mandated under the 1990 Amendments to the Clean Air Act. Petroleum-based inks contain 30-35% VOCs, while soybean oil-based inks typically range from only 0-5% VOCs. New processes also had to be developed to make the de-inking and recycling of paper easier, and soy-based inks perform better in conjunction with modern de-inking procedures.

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We also have a wide selection of recycled papers both coated and uncoated. The favorite of many customers is a wind power produced 100% post consumer recycled paper. Being good stewards of the environment isn't just good business, it's good sense.