HP today announced that HP Latex Inks and HP A50 Inkjet Web Press Inks are the first water-based inkjet inks to achieve the Sustainable Product Certification from UL Environment, a business unit of Underwriters Laboratories (UL).  UL is a global independent safety science company. Its Environment business works to advance global sustainability, environmental health and safety by supporting the development of environmentally preferable products, services and organisations.

Certification under the UL Environmental Standard for Sustainability for Printing Inks (UL 2801) demonstrates that an ink meets a range of stringent criteria related to human health and environmental considerations. Originally created for offset, letterpress, flexographic and gravure printing inks, this standard now includes criteria to certify water-based inkjet inks, screen printing inks and UV-curable inks.

"We applaud HP for pursuing and becoming the industry's first printer manufacturer to achieve certification under the UL 2801 standard," said Sara Greenstein, president, UL Environment. "For every step a company takes toward greening its products and processes, the marketplace advances its overall sustainability practices."

HP is currently showcasing the HP Designjet L26500 Printer with certified HP Latex Inks at the inaugural EcoPrint Show in Berlin.

"As more consumers and companies seek environmentally conscious printing options, print service providers are looking for new ways to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability," said Christopher Morgan, senior vice president, Graphics Solutions Business, HP. "With two HP water-based inks meeting the UL sustainability standard, we are helping our customers gain a competitive edge with a certification that is recognised and trusted worldwide."

More information about the UL Environment program and the UL 2801 sustainability certification for printing inks is available at http://www.ul.com/environment.