Your papers (and ink), please

Michelle Black of Missouri MSC Network writes:

As the paper, ink and printing process that you choose for publishing The Green Guide seem to be less toxic in print than most publications, we would like to inquire about:

1. The name of the soy-based ink used

2. The type of printing process used.

Thank you for your assistance.

Allison replies:

Dear Michelle,

Thanks for your question. The Green Guide was printed on a web press on rolls, in the case of recent issues on New Life 100 paper. The type of printing is called offset, which is a form of lithographic printing which transfers ink from a plate onto a rubber surface and then to the paper.

The soy inks that we use are ordered from a company called Kohl & Madden.

You can access their website at www.kohlmadden.com. The soy ink is environmentally better than petroleum inks. It is also designed to dry instantly on contact with the paper, and thus no ovens are used to dry the ink, and therefore no noxious fumes or volatile compounds are released from the drying process.

We hope this helps, and please let us know if you need any more information.

Thanks!

Allison Sloan

Research Editor