Rethink® The Way We Print

Products, Technology and Processes

Site Infrastructure

In 2008 we developed a customised ducting unit to expel heat from the major printing press unit. Heat is ducted into the roof cavity during summer and back into the press room during winter.

This unit greatly assists the climate control units throughout the plant. In 2006 we successfully tendered to receive Government assistance to replace three electric hot water systems with one solar powered system.

Currently we use no power at all to heat our hot water for the entire plant.

Data Management

Where possible, we promote electronic data transfer for supply of materials both to and from the premises. These methods are both eco-responsible and very cost efficient.

Pre-Press

In 2004, we undertook a major investment in new technology to improve the production process in time, money and resources. A Mako Computer-to-Plate (CTP) system was installed to replace the film stage of prepress.

The benefits:

  • We eliminated vast amounts of silver bromide based chemical processing;
  • The processing time was reduced by approx. 75%; and
  • Cost savings associated with eliminating film, chemical and handling are passed on to the client.

Printing Press Machinery

In 2005 we installed a Heidelberg SpeedMaster 74 as our primary printing press. Apart from the benefit of printing 5 colour A2 sheets at phenomenal speeds the new press had other benefits:

  • Direct computer-to-press imaging presets the ink ducts before the job is started — reducing setup waste by 90%;
  • The new dampening system reduces water usages by 83%; and
  • Although there are no benchmarks for power usage, we are investigating new add-on technologies available for massive power reductions.

Soy-based Inks

We have undertaken extensive trials with soy based inks and have found a 35% reduction in total volumes used due to the increased vibrancy of the pigments. The extra good news is these inks come in low-waste, plastic cannisters (which we recycle), the inks are non-toxic and fully bio-degradable. Note: Plastic coating of papers renders paper un-recyclable, so we use gloss or matt varnish if required.

Paper Stocks

New paper stocks are now available in a range of weights and finishes. We have developed a preferred range of papers that meet appropriate tests and have ISO:14001 Environmental Accreditation. Note: If a non ISO:14001 EMS-certified stock is required, Rethink® certification can not be given but all other Rethink processes will be used.