• Avoid UV coatings since they are mineral-based. The process needs a lot of energy to produce and is difficult to recycle. In addition, because they emit VOCS, laminates are not recyclable. (Quick Tip: Dikeman Laminating Corp. has introduced a biodegradable laminate called Nature’s Choice.)
“Several resources, including The University of Melbourne’s marketing and communications guidelines, state that paper with foil stamping is virtually non-recyclable because the polyester film is almost impossible to remove from the pulp,” added Rizzi. “[However], I’ve been in close communication with the Foil Stamping & Embossing Association, which has a 10-year-old report supporting findings that foil stamping is biodegradable and recyclable, but the company that produced the report is out of business. There are still outstanding questions about whether the metal/aluminum by-product that is removed can be reused or is a straight-to-landfill item. Currently, the by-product of offset printing inks creates a sludge that can be burned off for energy or utilized as fertilizer. Since findings are not firm, we opt to avoid foil as much as possible.”
- People:
- Debra Rizzi
- Places:
- Manasquan
- New Jersey