Miller Magazine Issue: 113 May 2019

74 ARTICLE MAY 2019 If we break inks down into their constituent parts, there are areas that can be targeted in terms of ma- king them less of a ‘toxic’ fluid. Manufacturers should review ink constituents for all hazards, particularly CMRs. It can be desirable to remove ink constituents that are classified as CMRs and to replace them with an alternative, and it is possible to do this without ha- ving an impact on application performance. Videojet has a long-standing policy not to use CMRs in its new development process. Environmental, he- alth, and safety reviews are completed on every ink constituent before it is allowed to be used in new ink development. The inks and fluids we produce do not contain CMRs and could be deemed to be ‘greener’. The issue here is that there is no concrete definition as to what ‘green’ means; therefore, our own preference is to not use the term at all. Rather, we prefer to pro- mote the fact that we are able to help our customers reach their own respective goals in terms of CSR. Manufacturers should look to expert suppliers of inks and fluids that work closely with customers to learn what is important to them with respect to the- ir CSR goals. Most commonly, we are asked for no MEK, low odor, and inks that are suitable for food pa- ckaging. In order to make these more easily identifi- able, they have been classified under iQMark™. The proliferation of requirements that customers have to consider continues to grow exponentially, and we see it as our responsibility as a supplier to support them as closely as possible where CSR and compliance are concerned. iQMark simplifies the way supplies are or- dered in terms of how they fit in with individual CSR goals and makes the process of identifying and sele- cting inks as seamless as possible. In addition, the ink delivery method of certain systems can contribute to CSR goals. Empty Smart Cartridges are not only recyc- lable, but they also are no longer hazardous materials. Data sheets are readily available that enable the re- gulatory landscape to be factored into the selection process. Legislation such as the Swiss Food Packaging Ordinance, the Clean Air Act (US), and a number of For fast dry times and excellent adhesion, solvents such as ketones and alcohols must be used. A ‘greener’ ink is either water-based, a safer solvent, or based on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) goals. Images source: Videojet