Coatings are used by printers to heighten a gloss or matt finish and to help protect the surface of your print job. Some coatings have a lower impact on the environment than others.

If you or your printer decide that your print job requires a coating, specify a water-based aqueous varnish which comes in a gloss or matt finish rather than mineral based or UV cured alternatives. These coatings do not require solvent-based cleaning or high temperatures for drying. Printed matter with an aqueous varnish can be recycled and repulped, without emitting harmful by-products.

The use of plastic film laminates generally means that the product cannot be recycled effectively. The Greenprint® initiative recommends the use of water or vegetable based varnishes as the most economical and environmentally responsible coating choice.