Waterless offset printing is done without fountain solution and the VOCs therein. If matched with water-miscible, non-VOC inks now under development which clean up with water, waterless offset can be virtually VOC-free.

When all environmental impacts are calculated, (air, water, and soil contamination, energy, work environment and fire risk), waterless offset has 30% less detrimental environmental impact than traditional lithography. Included in this is a 30-40% faster makeready process which reduces waste.

Author: Arthur LeFebve
Source: GATF World 1999 Technology Forecast, p. 20.