Belgian printing consumables manufacturer Eco3, formerly known as Agfa, recently delved into the environmental impact of its offset plates at the behest of its printing clientele. The comprehensive assessment, conducted by the independent German organization Telusio, scrutinized emissions across the product lifecycle, from raw material extraction to product delivery.
Eco3’s carbon footprint calculation method adopts an activity-based approach to quantify greenhouse gas emissions. The analysis revealed that a significant proportion of the carbon footprint of an Eco3 offset plate originates from the production of aluminum. This finding underscores the critical role of aluminum in the environmental impact of offset plates.
For a standard 0.3 mm offset plate, the carbon footprint is estimated at 7.66 kg of CO2 equivalent per square meter. The thickness of the plate significantly influences this metric, with thinner plates registering lower carbon footprints compared to thicker counterparts. Notably, the study highlighted that approximately 75% of emissions in the offset plate’s life cycle emanate from the production of aluminum.
Despite lacking direct control over aluminum production, Eco3 emphasizes its commitment to sourcing from suppliers certified by the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI), which upholds stringent environmental and social standards. The company’s Net-of-Aluminum (NoA) program exemplifies its proactive stance on sustainability. Under this initiative, Eco3 retains ownership of the aluminum in offset plates, with printers only paying for the photographic emulsion. Post-use, Eco3 facilitates the collection and recycling of plates, enabling the recovery and reuse of up to 99% of the aluminum content.
In a bid to minimize its environmental impact further, Eco3 introduced the Eco3 Chem-Free plate, designed to reduce the ecological footprint compared to conventional offset plates. This innovative offering eliminates the need for water entirely, saving an estimated 15,000 liters per 30,000 square meters of plate usage annually. Moreover, the Eco3 Chem-Free plate slashes energy consumption from 960 kWh to 314 kWh, underscoring its environmental benefits.
The Eco3 Chem-Free plate underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable practices and innovation in the printing industry. By offering environmentally-friendly alternatives and championing responsible sourcing and recycling practices, Eco3 sets a precedent for eco-conscious manufacturing in the graphic arts sector. As sustainability gains traction across industries, Eco3’s initiatives exemplify how companies can reduce their carbon footprint and adopt greener practices to align with evolving environmental standards.
Looking ahead, stakeholders in the printing industry eagerly anticipate evaluations from other producers to compare and benchmark the sustainability of different offset plate solutions on the market. As environmental considerations increasingly shape consumer preferences and regulatory frameworks, businesses like Eco3 are at the forefront of driving sustainability and environmental responsibility in the graphic arts and printing industry.
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