News

DE-INKING FORUM IS ALSO ON THE CASE
Further to the article last week on the formation of the Digital Print De-inking Alliance (PrintWeek, 19 September), I would like to point out that we already have a forum to discuss de-inkability issues within all areas of the paper chain – we call it the Digital Round Table. It is part of the International Association of the De-inking Industry, which invites participants twice a year to the forum and has tested digital prints and published the results since 2001.

After testing inkjet samples gathered at Drupa, we presented the results at NIP24 in Pittsburgh last week. We see the idea of creating a hydrophobic precipitate on the paper as the way forward for inkjet de-inking.

However, I do not see UV inks working this way as yet. Many other UV cured inks (offset) create problems because the ink layer breaks into large particles, which are difficult to remove. Our tests with some UV cured inkjet samples revealed the same problem. Maybe research will also find a solution for this challenge.

Axel Fischer
Posted on printweek.com

DE-INKING RESEARCH COULD BENEFIT FURTHER
I applaud the effort to de-ink inkjet print and would like to understand the current scope of this project. In my opinion, the key for success will be to deliver progress in phases – by ink technology, substrate type and geographical market among others. There is a need to address all types of inkjet inks including aqueous, solvent and also UV inks. Aqueous and solvent based inks are absorbed into the substrates and require different processes than removing UV inks which tend to have high adhesion rates, be absorbed less and dry on the surface of the substrates.

Leading inkjet ink and substrate manufacturers, and waste management and recycling companies should be added to the group of leading companies researching de-inking. The group and the market can only benefit from increased knowledge and experience.

Robert Raus
Posted on printweek.com

ARE QUICK PRINT PRICE INCREASES SUSTAINABLE
As a former print franchisee, it’s encouraging to learn that quick print prices are on the rise (PrintWeek, 19 September). But has there been enough progress on the high street to remain competitive with the increasingly hungry and well-equipped commercial printers. The last decade has seen average run lengths decreasing across the board. The rise of digital has put pressure on litho, which has responded by speeding makereadies, cutting waste and becoming economically viable on shorter runs. Meanwhile, the rise of the internet has meant that someone wanting 1,000 flyers, menus or posters printed is now likely to buy over the web. All of this is putting more and more pressure on the small print franchises that rely on a dwindling supply of walk-in custom. Considering all that, I have to ask whether the rise in high street prices is sustainable in the face of growing competition?

Paul Blake
Merseyside