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WASTE MINIMIZATION ASSESSMENT FOR A MANUFACTURER OF FELT TIP MARKERS, STAMP PADS, AND RUBBER CEMENT
Citation:
Jendrucko, R. J., T. M. Thomas, AND G. P. Looby. WASTE MINIMIZATION ASSESSMENT FOR A MANUFACTURER OF FELT TIP MARKERS, STAMP PADS, AND RUBBER CEMENT. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/S-94/013, 1994.
Description:
The U.S.Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has funded a pilot project to assist small and medium-size manufacturers who want to minimize their generation of waste but who lack the expertise to do so. In an effort to assist these manufacturers Waste Minimization Assessment Centers (WMACs) were established at selected universities and procedures were adapted from the EPA Waste Minimization Opportunity Assessment Manual (EPA/625/7-88/003, July 1988). That document has been superseded by the Facility Pollution Prevention Guide (EPA/600/R-92/088, May 1992). The WMAC team at the University of Tennessee performed an assessment at a plant that manufactures felt tip markers, stamp pads, and rubber cement. Plastic components for the markers are formed in injection molding machines. A porous filter is inserted into the marker case and ink is injected into it. The endplug, nib, and cap are added to the marker, which is then labeled and packaged. The first step in stamp pad production is the injection molding of plastic double-hinged stamp pad cases. Three types of stamp pads are manufactured: felt, foam, and self-inking. The pads are prepared and inserted into the cases. Rubber cement is manufactured by mixing synthetic rubber strips and solvent. The team's report, detailing findings and recommendations, indicated that a large quantity of scrap plastic is generated by the injection molding of markers and stamp pad cases, and that significant cost savings could be achieved by segregating scrap plastic and reusing it in subsequent production runs.