As scientists figure out more and more ways to use the soy bean for creating modern products, the use of soy ink is getting a lot of attention. According to some estimates, up to 30 percent of today's newspapers use this alternative ink, and lots of color publications rely on soy ink's bright pigmentation for quality visuals. If you're looking into the benefits of soy ink for business publications, contracts or merchandising deals, get familiar with some of the fundamental phrasing for describing the value of this eco-friendly ink.

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Petroleum-based ink and soy ink

Soy ink is an alternative to the traditional inks that contain a petroleum base. In soy inks, soybean oil replaces a certain amount of petroleum oil. Environmental experts see this as a more environmentally friendly way to produce reading material or print media.

I recommend: Find out about soy inks compared with petroleum-based inks on the question-and-answer page at Colquim.

Thermal printing

Thermal printing, a new heat-oriented methodology, combines with the use of soy inks and other quality materials to give a rich, finished result. Thermal printing is used for all kinds of projects, from magazines to customized business labels.

I recommend: See the difference between thermal transfer printing and direct thermal printing at Zebra.

Waterless printing

An alternative to conventional offset commercial printing options, waterless soy ink printing eliminates the need for some chemicals in plate processing and cuts down on waste products.

I recommend: Find out more about the use of waterless printing options at Printing Responsibly: "Beyond Recycled," a blog-style resource that describes in more detail how waterless technology innovates the printing process.

Volatile organic compounds

VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are substances that react to air and sunlight by emitting harmful gases, which can increase air pollution and cause health hazards to workers. In contrast to petroleum-based inks, soy inks are naturally very low in VOCs.

I recommend: Find out about soy inks and VOCs at Soya, a guide to soy products. For more on VOCs, check out this U.S. EPA site where the agency describes how "indoor air quality" VOCs are classified.

Genetically modified cultivars

A large percentage of soy has been altered genetically, using genetically modified cultivars to combine the DNA molecules and create a new set of genes. Scientist Savim Erhan helped to develop soy ink for commercial printing.

I recommend: See the Agricultural Research Service for more information. Also see the United Soybean Board.

Renewable resource

Soy ink is called a renewable resource for a variety of reasons related to the cost, both financial and economic, of production, as soy beans can be continually reproduced naturally and soy ink is biodegradable.

I recommend: Read about why soy inks are considered a renewable resource at Steven Waxman's "The Skinny on Soy Based Inks."

In pursuit of a less expensive type of ink, the Newspaper Association of America developed soy ink nearly 30 years ago. Soy ink, unlike traditional petroleum-based ink, is made from soybeans, a renewable source. Today, soy ink is widely used in offset printing presses and by nearly 90 percent of the country’s daily newspapers. Newspapers and other companies offering printing services have found that soy ink offers more vibrant color options with a price tag that is comparable to that of color petroleum-based printing.

Soy ink is widely used for newspapers, commercial printing, magazines and packaging. Customer demand for soy-based ink has increased considerably, spreading across not only the United States, but also Asia, Europe and Australia. Consider the following soy ink list of benefits to help you determine if soy ink is the right choice for your business.

1. Soy ink is environmentally friendly.

2. Soy ink helps expand the printer lifespan.

3. Soy ink offers brighter color printing options.

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Protect the environment with soy ink

Soy takes very little water or energy to grow and has very low levels of volatile organic compounds. Thus, soy ink is more eco-friendly than traditional petroleum-based ink. Also, soy ink eases the process of recycling paper because it comes off paper products easier than traditional ink.

I recommend: GreenerPrinter designs and prints custom brochures, cards, sells sheets and other promotional items using only soy ink. Pinball Publishing also offers printing services and extensive soy ink information on color options. Choose either of these companies for your business printing needs to help protect the environment while still receiving a quality product.

Show you care by using soy ink printing services

With a range of companies looking to adopt sustainability practices, more and more printers are offering soy ink and other eco-friendly printing options. You can employ more sustainable business practices by purchasing soy ink based products for the 'green' section of your retail store or other business needs.

I recommend: Check out CrinkleCo for recycled wrapping paper kits with soy based ink that you can use for client gifts and product packaging or take advantage of its wholesale pricing, if you need products for resale. You may also consider purchasing soy ink candles from Maddison Avenue for gift giving to your employees or clients or sign up for a wholesale account where you can use your own private labels on all wholesale products.

Find a soy ink provider for your own printing

In addition to the availability of brighter colors, soy-based ink causes less wear and tear on printers. Therefore, soy ink is not only an environmentally friendly printing option, but also a more economic choice. While soy ink is more difficult to find than traditional ink, you can find soy ink vendors by shopping online.

I recommend: If you need soy ink for your business printing needs, consider purchasing soy ink from Bay Press Services, a provider of graphics supplies and pre-press products. TonerMax is another soy ink provider or if your interested in reselling its products, visit its wholesale site, Panda Wholesale.

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Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While soy ink is widely used for large print jobs, there is currently no soy ink printing solution available that can be used in small, ink jet printers.

Soy ink is an environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based inks. Low in volatile organic compounds (VOC), soy ink helps keep air clean. These inks also make it easier to recycle paper by simplifying the recycling process. Currently, this ink is primarily available for large-scale printing applications such as newspapers, magazines and packaging, but companies may soon offer soy ink for ink jet printers, small office photocopiers and even in ballpoint pens.

Since 1987, soy ink has been building a good reputation with the printing industry and consumers. Vibrant colors that stay put are characteristic of soy ink. Take a few simple steps towards soy ink education and training to learn more.

1. Learn the many benefits of soy ink.

2. Get more information on using soy ink.

3. Hire a consultant for expert advice on printing with soy inks.

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Discover the many benefits of soy ink

Soy ink isn't just environmentally friendly, it's also cost effective. Soy ink produces less waste because printing takes less ink. The quality of material printed with soy ink is as good as or better than with petroleum-based ink. Marketing for eco-conscious consumers is a smart business move, and the 'printed with soy ink' logo brings attention to your product or publication.

I recommend: Learn about some of the benefits of soy ink at Soya. Get the facts about soy ink from Printers' National Environmental Assistance Center. The Paper Mill Store offers information on using the "printed with soy ink" logo.

Learn where to use soy ink

Replace petroleum-based ink with soy ink in all your major print applications. Besides newspapers and magazines, companies are turning to soy ink to print everything from cereal boxes to greeting cards. Different types of soy ink are suitable for different types of printing machines. One company is even selling soy ink for limited use as toner in commercial photocopiers.

I recommend: Learn about different types of soy ink at Colquim. Discover how to use soy ink toner cartridges at SoyPrint. You can find standard and custom color soy ink options at Pinball Publishing.

Consult with a soy ink printing expert

Although no additional equipment is necessary to use soy ink, switching to soy ink can take preparation. Hire an expert to help you make the most of printing with this style of ink before you buy soy ink. In some cases, there may be government incentives to train your employees in sustainable printing practices.

I recommend: Visit Natural Source Printing for information on available green consulting services geared towards sustainable printing. Barefoot Press offers marketing services using only soy ink printing.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be aware that while soy ink is better for the environment, it isn't nontoxic. Soy ink still contains heavy metals and other chemicals that make it unsuitable for applications where ink directly touches food.