Sustainable Wide Format Printing

Wide format printing refers to larger scale items such as signage, banners, vinyl lettering and car wraps. 

Latex printing

Fast Print Services is thrilled to be partnering with HP in the wide format space to provide signage and packaging products with the environment front of mind. With new HP latex technology, the future of sustainable printing is here. Replacing solvent-based ink printing, water-based latex inks are the new eco-friendly alternative. Designed to ensure a safe operating environment with no unpleasant ink odour, latex inks do not contain chemicals making them safer to use.    
Latex printing is an integral part of our eco initiative here at Fast Print Services, providing you with sustainable and high-quality print creations for both outdoor and indoor projects. With premium image quality and durability, quicker production times and eco benefits, latex printing is expected to replace most ink technologies.  
 
Here is a rundown of all the benefits of latex printing: 

• Healthy and Eco Friendly  
• Speedy delivery  
• High image quality and durability  
• Versatility for both outdoor and indoor projects  
• Benefits for no cost difference 

How does it work? 

Latex printing works by using print heads to distribute water-based colours onto a range of different media such as canvas, vinyl, banners, graphics, and soft signage. The latex works as a carrier for colours pigments where heat is applied immediately to reduce drying time. This allows for a lot of our print products to be to be available within a same-day turnaround, unlike solvent-based printing which requires 24 hours to dry.  
 
Eco and health benefits  

Latex inks are a print alternative to solvent-based ones which are harmful to the environment and produce a health risk without appropriate control. Even eco-solvents can pose a threat to both print professionals and customers. When eco-solvents are used VOCs (volatile organic compounds) known to cause cancer are released in the process, requiring proper ventilation and disposal of hazardous material. Latex inks on the other hand, produce minimal VOCs, not requiring ventilation and without producing harsh odors.  
 
HP latex technology and initiatives  

HP’s commitment to current environmental needs is what makes them one of the most sustainable companies globally. They are focused on five key strategies to help decrease carbon emissions and drive an eco-friendly innovation, transforming design and business models.  
 
FIVE STEP STRATEGY: 

1. Print and computing as a service: Using renewable print supplies and investing within the cloud rather than hardware and software.  

2. Sustainable materials: Increase usage of renewable and recycled materials.  

3. Supply chain decarbonisation: Support of supplier carbon reduction, use of renewable electricity, and using alternative fuels and electric vehicles for product deliveries.

4. Energy efficiency: The design and application of new energy efficient product technologies.  

5. Forest investments: Investing in forest restoration and protection as well as sourcing certified and recycled materials.  

With this five-step strategy HP has the following eco goals in place: 

• Achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 
• Reducing HP value chain GHG emissions 50% by 2030 
• Reaching carbon neutrality and zero waste in operation by 2025  
• Reach 75% circularity for products and packaging by 2030 
• Maintaining zero deforestation for HP paper and packaging by 2030 
• Counteract deforestation for non-HP paper used in products and print services by 2030 

For more information on HP’s sustainability initiative click here.

 
MORE FPS ECO-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS AND MATERIALS   

B flute  

• Corrugated cardboard used for signage, display and packaging is raw and 100% recyclable   product that's produced from 100% fibre and wood from sustainably managed forests.  

Eco flute  

• Eco flute is an economical polypropylene sheet used for signage, packaging, display, and surface   protection. Lightweight, durable, and water resistant with a two-year outdoor lifespan, it's also 100% recyclable and element chlorine free. 

Shark skin wet strength board  

• Shark skin wet strength board is Australian made using environmentally responsible fibre based board that is 100% recyclable. Suitable for signage, POS applications and posters this durable board is the perfect combination of versatility and sustainability.    

Image Perfect wall-tex Rembrandt  

• Image Perfect is a removable self-adhesive fabric vinyl that’s water-resistant and ideal for wallpapers, wall graphics, wall stickers and wall decals. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use for a range of uses including point of sale, marketing, trade shows and events. PVC and chlorine free, wall-tex is our go to eco-friendly vinyl options.  

Polypropylene  

• Polypropylene (or polyprop for short) is used in our fabric, sticker and wide format printing. Polypropylene has a low carbon footprint due to generating less waste production and using fewer natural resources to create. It is also extensively recycled and uses significantly less energy than other products such as paper, cotton and canvas. As a plastic product, polypropylene isn’t 100% sustainable but is a more ecofriendly option that has a lot of advantages over other materials and plastics. The main benefit is that it doesn’t release toxins into the atmosphere, therefore making it safer for human health.