Ecology and the environment and how they will affect the ink industry

The position of the printing ink industry in relation to environmental problems is discussed. The effect of legislation and market pressures on the activities of ink makers and product developments ore explained by reference to the key subjects of renewable resources, recycled materials, emissions, volatile organic compounds, waste from ink manufacture, print waste, biodegradability and life cycle analysis. Ink makers are responding by establishing environmental management systems and developing products which contribute to the environmental objectives of printers.