Our Commitment to Sustainability

At Graphitti Sign & Graphic Studio, we use no environmentally harmful solvent ink process as do many sign and graphics producers. For direct to substrate work, our flatbed printer is a UV machine. Since UV inks dry immediately and release no VOC's into the environment, UV printing is considered a green technology, safer for the environment and leaving an almost zero carbon footprint. For roll to roll media, we incorporate the green technology of the HP Latex 360 printer with superior latex water-based inks.

The vast majority of wide format printing in signage, uses solvent ink-based printers. Studios utilizing solvent-based printers often experience a level of fumes and odors creating health concerns. Complaints include headaches, dry mouth, and sinus trouble, sometimes to the point of needing medical intervention. The fumes pose real health concerns.

With solvent-based ink print, a solvent mixes with the ink, carries ink to the media and is printed on the media. When the ink drop lands on the media, it chemically softens and dissolves the surface, and the pigment or resin is absorbed into the media. The solvent evaporates, leaving the pigment/resin inside the media to produce a print. This is where the problems begin.

The evaporated solvent product has been deemed hazardous to people at high-concentration levels. The fumes and odors you smell from your print or wall covering are called “hazardous indoor vapors.” These vapors are regulated in the U.S. by OSHA. Many of the chemicals used have exposure limits set as low as 20 parts per million (ppm). Printed media produced with solvent based ink, must be allowed to “outgas” (typically 24 hours) before laminating. Unfortunately, outgassing continues after the product is completed and installed. Manufacturers have been able to pass responsibility regarding hazardous indoor vapor exposure to end users. This unfortunately doesn’t help end users establish what may or may not be needed to provide a clean and healthy working environment.

In addition to yielding superior color management, our state of the art HP Latex 360 Printer utilizes water based, odorless Latex ink which does not cause health problems or produce hazardous waste. The HP Latex 360 Printer is GREENGARD & UL certified and requires no ventilation. Products do not require “off gassing” prior to finishing or installation which helps us meet your schedule. The HP L360 is Energy Star efficient. The printer meets the lowest pint emission standards and does not produce hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). The HP L360 uses GREENGUARD GOLD Certified inks & prints meeting AgBB criteria.

The HP Latex 360 Printer is a healthier approach to signage or graphic wall covering printing with advantages from the work zone to the point-of-display of finished prints.