Ink Isn't Just Ink . . .

Tim Whitman, director of public relations, Van Son Holland Ink: Ink isn't just ink. It's not just a commodity. However, purchasing agents may view ink as a commodity and base the bottom line on cost. But where should that line be drawn? There's a big difference between cost and price. For example, if a conventional can of ink is used, up to 30 percent may have to be thrown away due to skinning. When you use fresh inks from vacuum-sealed cans, there is no ink waste. The ink doesn't skin because air can't get in to contaminate it. Why have the best press, the best [skilled] workers and the best paper stock, without having the best ink? Why scrimp on one of the most important elements in the printing process? There is no substitute for quality. The real benefit of using a high-performance ink is not loosing a job, or a customer, due to problems that may be associated with a lesser quality product.