Celebrating Earth Day with these HP Eco Solutions

There are several ways that HP makes it easy to reduce the environmental impact of wide-format printing.

Did you know that your HP inkjet cartridges can be recycled? What about your HP recyclable media printed with HP inks? Would you like to get cash to trade in an old printer? We’ll help you with all the answers:

HP has been involved with product recycling for more than 25 years and utilizes the materials in a “closed-loop” process, which means cartridge materials returned are transformed into raw materials used in the production of future cartridges. In 2017, HP included the use of recycled plastic and polypropylene in the creation of new original HP ink cartridges, which has had a significant reduction in overall environmental impact.

Many of HP’s medias are FSC®/PEFC™/REACH certified and can be recycled within local guidelines; however, to be properly recycled, any printed graphics must have been printed using HP printers and HP OEM ink. There are several options for DesignJet, Latex and PageWide technologies, and we’ve highlighted a few below:

Aqueous:

Latex:

PageWide:

Whether you are participating in the HP Supplies Recycling or the “Cash in Trade up” programs, HP has made it easy for you to recycle some of your most frequently purchased products, which means less waste piling up and more raw materials available for the production of new products.

If you have questions about these recycling initiatives or other available certified HP media, call 800-453-9538 or visit LexJet.com.

Go Latex and Print Earth-Friendly

While opting for latex print technology is a great choice to add versatility and more market opportunities to your business, it can also open up another highly effective selling point: Environmentally friendly print options. Here are four products that are specifically made for latex (or latex-compatible) that will make your customers feel good about their next print project:

HP PVC-free Durable Suede Wall Paper

FOR DÉCOR: HP PVC-free Durable Suede Wall Paper was designed specifically for HP Gen 3 Latex Inks to create beautiful, customized wallcoverings that are Type II compliant without a top coat, so they can be used in sensitive environments like healthcare settings or schools that are also subject to lots of wear and tear. The wall paper also meets sustainability standards with FSC certification, which ensures the product comes from responsibly managed forests; and Greenguard Gold certification, which ensures it is safe for use around sensitive populations, like the elderly and children. These attributes can lend a hand to building designs being considered for LEED certification points, which scores the healthy environment for commercial buildings.

FOR RETAIL: The all-new HP Durable Backlit Fabric, pictured above, is another latex-compatible option that answers the demand for a lightweight fabric for backlit signs, but also ensures extra safety, thanks to approved fire certifications (B1 and NFPA 70). The fabric is also REACH compliant, which regulates and ensures the safety of chemicals used to create products and their potential impact on human health and the environment.

FOR SOFT SIGNAGE: Specifically designed and coated for latex printing, EnduraFab Frontlit FR is another fabric solution for a variety of applications, including indoor signage, tablecloths, drapes and SEG frames, to name a few. PSPs and their customers can rest assured when using EnduraFab Frontlit FR, thanks to it passing NFPA 701 flame retardant standards under fire test conditions.

FOR HIGH-VOLUME POSTERS: PSPs running industrial HP Latex printing now have the all-new LexJet Satin Poster Paper 200g, a PVC-free option with a paper base that’s coated for durable, water-resistant prints that won’t bleed. PVC-free options are beneficial because they do not contain harmful chemicals that can be found in some vinyl materials. PVC-free materials have been growing in popularity in Europe and in the décor market, and is becoming a hot topic in signage, too. Plus, this poster paper is recyclable after use, making it an attractive option for some customers.

To learn about more environmentally friendly media options, give us a call at 800-453-9538.

Good Will Printing, Laminating and Recycling

Recycling inkjet media and laminates

Excess scraps of media and laminate films generally end up in messy piles destined for the trash. Some people go the extra mile and recycle their printing leftovers. David Wiggins, photographer and owner of Wiggins Photography in Ridgeland, Miss., found a way to take recycling to another level.

Wiggins uses LexJet Performance Textured Polypropylene Laminate (5 Mil) to protect his prints. “We use the product based on Michael Clementi’s [Wiggin’s customer specialist at LexJet] recommendation that it will give our in-house prints the maximum protection and longevity.” This particular laminate includes a clear plastic release liner that is removed upon application and subsequently thrown away.

“I was interested in recycling, and I noticed the clear plastic liner was similar to what is found in gift baskets.” says Wiggins. “I took some samples to a local flower shop and they were thrilled to use it.”

Wiggins recently donated about 1,000 feet of release liner. “We’re still working on a way to use the liners in our packaging. It’s just a little thick, but perfect for flowers,” Wiggins adds. “We have a great history with the florist, so she was very receptive to the idea. The 24-inch liner is perfect for flowers and small gift baskets.”

Wiggins will continue to donate his release liners to the flower shop. “Any time we can recycle a product we feel good about it. We just hope that once the individuals receive their flowers or basket, they will take the next step and continue the process either through re-use or placing it in the recycle bin.” says Wiggins.

Wiggins and his wife have been satisfied customers of LexJet and Michael Clementi’s since 2004 and 2006, respectively. “Michael has been great; he’s very helpful. LexJet has been our source for paper and ink – and we’re very pleased with product ordering and shipping.”