Inks and Environmental Issues — Compliance vs. Quality

"If improvements could be made in these areas," concludes Miller, "there might be a higher level of interest in waterless printing."

Improved "housekeeping" is another issue on the environmental agenda. Ink manufacturers, like Van Son, are improving their packaging by developing products such as vacuum-sealed cans that reduce contamination and skinning, and disposable ink dispensing systems that leave no residue in the cartridge. Furthermore, Ferguson says Van Son is working closely with press manufacturers, like Heidelberg, to incorporate the disposable ink system into next generation press designs.