We are now alcohol-free on all our printing presses

Isopropyl alcohol or IPA are used in combination with a fountain concentrate to deliver a very thin and even water film across the plate surface on continuous type dampening systems. We choose to eliminate the major disadvantages of isopropyl alcohol, including its health and environmental concerns, the increased cost of constant replenishment and its flammability.

Other benefits of reducing or eliminating IPA use in offset lithographic printing include:

• Cut down production risk to environment by the manufacturer.
• Reduced expenditure on IPA and other press room chemicals.
• Improved working conditions.
• Less substrate and ink waste.
• Enhanced print quality and reduced fire risk.
• Reduced volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. These VOC's are a major source of ozone pollution and are a potential a health hazard to our staff. Also see our vegetable based ink page.

Alcohol replacers were developed and generally accepted into use as a replacement for isopropyl alcohol in the press ready mixture.