The life cycle assessment (LCA) tool can calculate the CO2e of a given print job on Nozomi technology, as well as project and compare what the same job would generate on other printing technologies, including flexography, offset litho, and digital pre-print.
Electronics For Imaging, Inc. reported it has completed an LCA of Nozomi single-pass digital print technology in partnership with award-winning sustainability consulting firm Clean Agency. Through this initiative, Clean Agency also developed an LCA tool that EFI™ customers and their customers, such as brands, retailers, and 3PLs, can use to analyse their CO2 equivalent (CO2e) emissions as part of their overall packaging extended producer responsibility (EPR): the environmental impact of their products, even after their useful life has ended.
According to the LCA, printing corrugated materials on an EFI Nozomi digital press reduces global warming potential (GWP) by approximately 50% when compared to analogue printing technologies. ‘No printing plates, less energy, less waste, and just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing all contribute to CO2e reductions for corrugated printing on EFI’s Nozomi digital press,’ said Seri McClendon, CEO of Clean Agency.’
‘Packaging is a major contributor to Scope 3 emissions, so we not only partnered with EFI to conduct the LCA but also to build a calculator that enables users to quantify related kilograms of CO2e for specific packaging printing volumes and applications.’
Scope 3 emissions refer to indirect emissions that occur in the value chain of an organisation, including both upstream and downstream activities, and represent a significant portion of a company’s carbon footprint.
Demonstrating reduced footprint of packaging production is a business advantage in a time where Scope 3 emissions are a critical consideration in comprehensive sustainability strategies. In addition, these sustainable advantages of digital print also enhance productivity and business outcomes, such as through the elimination of plates, reduction of changeover waste, lowered energy, waste disposal costs and more.
‘We are pleased with the results of the LCA and are pursuing independent third-party verification of the findings for additional validation, which we anticipate coming in April,’ said Evandro Matteucci, EFI’s VP/GM of Building Materials and Packaging. ‘It’s an iterative process, and we will continue testing and proving the LCA with our customers going forward.’
‘The insights substantiate digital print’s positive impact on sustainability as well as our overall commitment to our own and our customers’ sustainability goals,’ Matteucci said. ‘The LCA tool is a key value proposition for all users, as the ability to demonstrate clear footprint reductions not only aligns with ethical values but also enhances brand reputation and competitiveness in the market.’
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