Current Status Introducing Body:House Bill Number:3141 Primary Sponsor:Harwell Type of Legislation:CR Subject:Soybean-based inks Date Bill Passed both Bodies:Feb 20, 1991 Computer Document Number:3141 Introduced Date:Jan 09, 1991 Last History Body:House Last History Date:Feb 20, 1991 Last History Type:Received from Senate Scope of Legislation:Statewide All Sponsors:Harwell Type of Legislation:Concurrent Resolution
Bill Body Date Action Description CMN
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3141 House Feb 20, 1991 Received from Senate
3141 Senate Feb 20, 1991 Adopted, returned with
concurrence
3141 Senate Feb 13, 1991 Committee Report: Favorable 06
3141 Senate Jan 30, 1991 Introduced, referred to 06
Committee
3141 House Jan 30, 1991 Adopted, sent to Senate
3141 House Jan 30, 1991 Committee Report: Favorable 24
3141 House Jan 09, 1991 Introduced, referred to 24
Committee
3141 House Dec 27, 1990 Prefiled, referred to 24
Committee
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COMMITTEE REPORT
February 13, 1991
H. 3141
S. Printed 2/13/91--S.
Read the first time January 30, 1991.
To whom was referred a Concurrent Resolution (H. 3141), to encourage state agencies to use soybean-based inks when printing documents, etc., respectfully
That they have duly and carefully considered the same, and recommend that the same do pass:
JAMES M. WADDELL, JR., for Committee.
TO ENCOURAGE STATE AGENCIES TO USE SOYBEAN-BASED INKS WHEN PRINTING DOCUMENTS INTERNALLY OR BY CONTRACT AND, WHEN COST-EFFECTIVE AND PRACTICABLE, TO USE A "SOYBEAN-BASED INK" LOGO ON THE DOCUMENTS.
Whereas, soybean oil is a viable alternative to petroleum in the manufacture of printing inks. Soybean oil-based inks were first developed in 1985 by the American Newspaper Publishers Association. Continued uncertainty over imported petroleum supplies was the impetus behind the development of soybean oil-based inks; and
Whereas, beginning in 1987, soybean oil ink has been used successfully by newspapers for both black and color printing. Due to its sharper colors, soybean oil inks have been marketed from the beginning as premium inks. Until the recent run-up in petroleum prices, soybean oil inks were slightly more expensive. today, this discrepancy in prices no longer exists; and
Whereas, at the end of soybean oil ink's first marketing year, six newspapers were using it. By the end of its second marketing year, one thousand newspapers were using it. On its third anniversary, 9,100 newspapers were using soybean oil ink. This included one-half of the 1,700 daily United States newspapers; and
Whereas, in addition to its superior printing qualities, usage has been enhanced by concern for the environment and interest in domestically produced products. The soybean oil inks have the added advantage of longer press runs and less waste at start up; and
Whereas, it is estimated that if all newspapers switched to soybean oil ink, it would utilize 35-40 million bushels of soybeans - twice the annual production of South Carolina. If all commercial printers and magazines made the switch, usage would approach one hundred million bushels annually. it would take roughly three million acres of soybeans to meet this demand; and
Whereas, soybean ink for sheet-fed presses, commercial printers, heat-set presses, and magazines, has been on the market since early 1989. As soybean ink formulas are improved, companies are developing and introducing new soybean ink products. Many industry authorities think that soybean ink ultimately will be the most beneficial in heat-set formulations; and
Whereas, recently, researchers have developed a soybean oil ink that contains only soybean oil and pigments. By eliminating the need for solvents, resins, and other chemicals, this will reduce the cost of soybean ink and increase its environmental benefits; and
Whereas, while soybean ink is not totally biodegradable because of its pigment content, it is considered environmentally friendly. Petroleum ink, on the other hand, is totally nonbiodegradable. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That state agencies are encouraged to use soybean-based inks when printing documents internally or by contract, and when cost-effective and practicable, to use a "soybean-based ink" logo on the documents.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Director of the Division of Information Resource Management of the State Budget and Control Board.