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REPLACEMENT OF HAZARDOUS MATERIAL IN WIDE WEB FLEXOGRAPHIC PRINTING PROCESS
Citation:
Kranz, P. B., P M. Randall*, AND T. R. Williamson. REPLACEMENT OF HAZARDOUS MATERIAL IN WIDE WEB FLEXOGRAPHIC PRINTING PROCESS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/R-93/149 (NTIS 93-229128), 1993.
Impact/Purpose:
information
Description:
This study examined on a technical and economic basis, the effect of substituting water-based inks in a flexographic printing process. To reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions by switching from the use of solvent-based inks to water based inks, several equipment modifications and a feedstock substitution were completed; dryer capacity enhancement, press roller modification, ink handling equipment upgrade and installation of an in-line corona treatment system. Water-based inks containing 72.5% less VOC were used in lieu of, and in conjunction with, traditional solvent-based inks. The ink substitution reduced the emissions generated from the printing process. For each percent increase in water-based ink use, VOC emissions were reduced 14 ]b. This was based on a use rate of about 2250 lb. of solvent-based ink per week, which caused a VOC emission of about 1570 lb. ypically, the substitution did not adversely affect product quality or nonhazardous scrap waste generation. To complete the evaluation, the costs of press modifications, ancillary equipment, waste disposal, inks, and solvent were obtained. Payback period and project net present value were calculated. The project has a positive net present value of $39,165 and a payback period of 2.5 yr., based on 21% utilization of waterbased ink. If full conversion to water-based inks is implemented the payback period is theoretically reduced to 0.54 yr.