VUTEk®, a division of EFI, has launched BioVu™ – the next-generation of environmentally friendly solvent inks made with renewable resources. Parent company EFI is a world leader in digital controllers, superwide format printers and inks, and print management solutions for commercial and enterprise printing.
End users are increasingly demanding environmentally friendly inks, and governments are passing legislation requiring their use. Making the switch is the right thing to do, but compared with traditional solvent inks, environmentally friendly inks often fall short in versatility and performance.
Customers also have made it clear; they want the ability to print superwide graphics directly onto uncoated superwide substrates without bothersome fumes or expensive ventilation systems. The new, environmentally friendly BioVu ink addresses these demands.
BioVu is the first solvent-based ink made from a renewable resource (namely, corn), and the only one recognised by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Created by VUTEk, BioVu is made from food-grade ingredients, yet delivers all the benefits of traditional solvent inks without the compromises inherent in eco-solvent and aqueous inks.
Like other solvent-based inks, BioVu provides extreme durability, strong bonding to uncoated surfaces, and great resistance to UV light and mechanical wear. BioVu inks are designed specifically to run in high-production environments and provide high print quality, says Guy Gecht, EFI’s chief executive officer and chairman.
Other business benefits include lower disposal costs since there are no hazardous materials (hazmat); odour is reduced on final printed materials; and it is less bothersome than solvent to employees and the environment.
The patent-pending, environmentally preferable chemistry inks include VUTEk’s BioVu in Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black and BioVu Light Cyan, Light Magenta, Light Yellow and Light Black for superwide format inkjet printing operations.
BioVu inks are for use on VUTEk’s UltraVu® II 3360 solvent printer. VUTEk plans are to expand BioVu inks to its other solvent models later in the year. BioVu inks are currently entering beta tests in various sites in the US and Europe. Once beta testing is complete, BioVu ink will be available worldwide starting around the middle of this year.
