Saphira Consumables from Heidelberg Focus on Eco-Friendly Ink Supply Systems

HEIDELBERG, Germany—During drupa 2008, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) announced it is expanding its Saphira range of consumables with the launch of an extended system solution for its InkLine automated ink supply system, which will be renamed InkStar.

The new solution includes InkStar cartridges made from recycled materials, and Heidelberg is also introducing a two-stage cutting and shredding system for disposing empty cartridges that helps cut waste volumes by up to 70 percent.

Heidelberg launched InkLine in 1998 and since then has installed more than 16,000 units around the world, even under license on presses from competitors. Due to its high level of automation, InkLine reduces the workload of press operators and helps raise productivity levels significantly. What is more, InkLine also saves money and protects the environment as it leaves only around ten grams (less than half an ounce) of residual ink in the two-kilogram (about four pounds, seven ounces) ink cartridges. By way of comparison, a used 2.5 kilogram (about five pounds, eight ounces) ink can often contain more than 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of residual ink.

The range of inks marketed globally by Heidelberg under the Saphira brand is to be extended so that print shops in Europe have access to composite cartridges, as well as the two-kilogram plastic-only containers currently available. Composite cartridges have a plastic valve and plunger and a cardboard cylinder that is almost entirely made from recycled paper.