32 Issue 251 - February / March 2024 www.signlink.co.uk UNDER THE HOOD / HP LATEX 630/630W Companies are looking not only to explain to clients why they are far more ecologically focused but they now must also demonstrate that they are making a practical difference to the environment. Print wrestles with this topic with several companies claiming print has a negative effect on the environment and only online can be green. This has been debunked by Two Sides which has shared information on its website citing 2020 research from the European Commission stating that the ICT industry accounts for 5-9% of electricity use, which is more than 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions (as much as all air traffic). If left unchecked, the ICT footprint could increase to 14% of global emissions by 2040. However, if you look at the cradle to grave elements of manufacturing, energy usage, and long-term effects of equipment, there are still areas where there is room for improvement. It’s also worth noting that despite the growing need for sustainable solutions, we are still very much in love with colour and graphics and it is proven these stimulate both the purchasing experience and drive sales upwards. Environmental Credentials So, how do you balance the environment and the need for vibrant colour on our walls, shop windows, and vehicles? Well, a good first step would be to look at a range of printers from HP, namely the newlylaunched HP Latex 630 and 630W Series. One of the main unique selling points of this range is that both machines use water-based HP Latex inks which are proven to have a very low impact in the methods of production, the environment in which they are printed, and where they are used. The difference between the HP Latex 630 and 630W is that the latter can print white ink. There is a lot of industry discussion on the use of Latex inks – are they durable enough, are they suitable for outdoor applications, and can they really be versatile enough to make them a practical alternative to traditional solvent-based printers and inks? Well HP has put out a lot of evidence to suggest its Latex inks tick all these boxes and the HP Latex 630 and 630W printers make the very best use of them. Looking firstly at the ink used, you can see the rationale for the claim that latex ink is actually more durable than its counterparts. The ink is water-based and in suspension is a mixture of pigment and latex. The process of applying it is not revolutionary but once applied the ink is dried and during this part of the process the Latex actually melts and the pigments are trapped and shielded from the environment. This latex cover stops attrition or deterioration of the vibrancy of the applied ink. This, HP claims, means the outdoor durability of the latex ink is superior to the eco-solvent counterpart. HP states the latex-based ink will provide outdoor durability of up to five years when laminated Launched in September 2023, the HP Latex 360 Series offers versatility to users for a wide range of signage and graphics work. Brian Sims finds out more Using HP-developed water-based Latex inks, vibrant colour is achieved and maintained without, literally, costing the earth When a Large Green Footprint is Needed
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