China invents nano printing technology, with less pollution

BEIJING - Chinese researchers are celebrating a breakthrough in the printing industry that can reduce printing pollution with nano material.

Researchers from the Institute of Chemistry under the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a printing technology with nano material that can be applied in many vital parts of the traditional printing process including printing plates and ink.

It will reduce millions of tonnes of liquid pollution and emissions of organic chemicals, which are dangerous to human health.

The nano technology is expected to lead a green revolution in the printing industry. "It will make China's printing industry simpler, greener, and cheaper, with international competitiveness," said Song Yanlin, lead researcher.

The research is an important part of the academy's pilot project on nano manufacture technology. Since 2013, researchers have cooperated with more than 70 companies in studying lithium batteries, nano printing, nano catalysts, health care, and drinking water treatment.

The project has led to a series of inventions and attracted social capital investment of more than 5 billion yuan (about $780 million).

An emerging subject, nano science and technology is highly valued in China and is expected to achieve leapfrog development.