New York Web Book Printer Adopts Green Printing

Hamilton Printing Co., a Castleton, N.Y. web book printer, says it is the first book manufacturer in the state to utilize a new sustainable process called THINK, which stands for Thin Ink Film Technology. The new technology allows books to be printed on heat-set web presses without any curing devices, ovens, or blowers.

Accoridng to Rick Dunn, vice president, manufacturing at Hamilton Printing Co., “We have always felt strongly about providing our customers with the best products possible and THINK is by far the best technology on the market. It’s sustainable, easy to implement, and our team is experiencing great results.”

The new process is accomplished by turning off gas-fired ovens, chill drums, chill water compressors, electrical pumps, silicone applicators, and electrically powered blowers; replacing traditional press cleaners and wash-up chemicals with ultra low VOC renewable resource based alternatives; and inks designed and manufactured to the more efficient THINK standard.

Since transitioning to THINK, Hamilton has experienced complete elimination of natural gas usage for the ovens; a dramatic reduction in electricity since the chillers are no longer necessary; VOC ink levels slashed from 31 percent to 1.02 percent because the THINK process is bio-based; VOC emissions from the special fountain solution and blanket wash resulting in a reduction to a mere fraction of the prior levels; overall VOC reduction of 94 percent for the shop as a whole; increased production efficiency because of the quick-drying nature of the THINK process; elimination of web wave and web growth due to no ovens running; and elimination of all chemicals classified as SARA 313 chemicals, Proposition 65, and Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).

One additional benefit is that the THINK process expedites the drying process while improving quality. This new method of printing books results in non-wavy books that are odor-free and safer for the environment and consumers, according to Hamilton Printing.

In an effort to become one of the greenest book printers in the state, Hamilton Printing has made other improvements to its overall manufacturing and printing process. In addition to THINK, the company recently became FSC certified and signed a contract to bring plates to Hamilton which reduce the chemistry required to process and will also allow the firm to shut off the post-bake ovens.

The first book printed using this process was Harvard University Press’ “Earthly Paradise” by Milad Doueihi. The book was printed on April 14 using THINK on Glatfelter’s Nature’s Antique, which is 100 percent recycled fiber, FSC certified, and contains 30 percent post-consumer waste.

John Walsh, associate director for Harvard University Press, said, “We support these types of environmental initiatives as part of Harvard’s commitment to the Green Press Initiative and other environmentally sound efforts.”