Innotech Digital and Display has developed a fully biodegradable print medium. Once discarded and disposed of via the residual waste stream, Envirotech BIO250 PVC Free Biodegradable Print Media Grey Back 250g/m2 FR EN13501 will decompose within 9-12 months.
Made from 100% natural fibres, Envirotech BIO250 can be printed on Latex, UV-C or solvent machines. In Innotech’s own Eco Impact Score Tool, the material rates B. Though it breaks down quickly in the right compostable conditions, it has a printed durability of up to two years
Derek Shedden, national sales manager UK, said: “This is a massive breakthrough for our industry. The pressure has been on all of us that make up the print industry to do something about our impact on the environment, and this is a massive stride in the right direction.
“Whilst we understand the ultimate goal is closed-loop recycling at end of life, with the limited infrastructure currently available this is the obvious solution in the meantime, especially where recovery can be difficult across multiple locations, for example.”
Initially, the medium is available in 2.2m and 3.15m widths.