HP pumps up its eco cred, as recent trials conclusively demonstrate Indigo prints are fully recyclable and can be placed in normal recycling collection. HP backs up its environmental targets with fully recyclable packaging for ink cartridges and an expansion of its take-back program for consumables.
Over the last few years, HP has worked with a range of industry and academic de-inking experts to assemble lab-scale, pilot-scale and mill-scale de-inking data to verify whether Indigo prints could be de-inked under typical graphic art paper de-inking mill configuration. Removal of ink from paper fibres, or de-inking, is a key stage of the paper recycling process and a critical step in reducing the HP Indigo carbon footprint
- Voith Paper Fiber Systems Technology, Ravensburg
Roy Eitan, director and general manager, HP Indigo and inkjet digital press solutions, HP Asia Pacific and Japan, said, "The results of the pilot-scale trials show that printed paper from HP Indigo digital presses is compatible with typical graphic arts de-inking mills even at levels higher than what likely would be encountered."
Two pilot-scale trials were conducted in June 2013 at the Voith Paper Fiber Systems Technology in Ravensburg, Germany, running a 5% and 10% HP Indigo feed. Voith Paper, a de-inking equipment supplier, carried out the trial with the Paper Technology Department of PMV Darmstadt, a leading German technical institute. The trials conclusively found that even with 10% Indigo feed, the pulp produced met requirements for standard and high-quality graphic arts recycled paper grades.
These results complement two previous full-scale mill de-inking trials undertaken in November 2011 and October 2012, at the Arjowiggins Graphic 3-loop Greenfield de-inking mill, in France. In these trials, 5% HP Indigo liquid electrophotographic prints were added to the mill. In both cases, high-quality de-inked pulp was produced without affecting mill process efficiencies or operating parametres.
In addition to the de-inking breakthrough, HP has introduced new packaging for ink cartridges for the Indigo 6000 and 7000 series. A new cushioning tray made of 100% recycled pulp has been added, which can now be disposed of along with cartridge's cardboard box.