Regulatory information for manufacturers in Ohio.

News source of information on technologies and new trends

The Association for PRINT Technologies (APTech℠), formerly known as NPES, is a purpose-driven organization dedicated to supporting the entire printing value chain.

Fact sheet provides a brief description of some OSHA record keeping and training regulation steps

Provides basic understanding of various record keeping requirements mandated by EPA.

Discusses biochemical alternatives to toxic petrochemicals used in the printing industry. Includes case studies and references. (PDF Format; Length: 15 pages)

This publication presents the methods and resources needed to conduct a cleaner technologies substitutes assessment (CTSA), a methodology for evaluating the comparative risk, performance, cost, and resource conservation of alternatives to chemicals currently used by specific industry sectors.

Describes alternative cleaning methods for anilox rollers and outlines the regulatory concerns associated with using solvents for cleaning.

An explanation of the benefits of an EMS for printers. Written by Jeffrey R. Adrian.

Written by Doreen Monteleone, Ph.D., of the Flexographic Technical Association, this fact sheet describes environmental considerations in the use of various photopolymer flexographic plate development processes.

This fact sheet offers environmental marketing tips.

A list of printing industry periodicals, etc. for additional reference

This booklet summarizes the key findings of the Flexography Partnership's recent technical report, Flexographic Ink Options: A Cleaner Technologies Substitutes Assessment (CTSA). The complete CTSA documents a detailed research study comparing the environmental impacts, health risks, performance, and costs of the three main flexo ink systems (solvent-based, water-based, and ultraviolet -cured).

Environmental information on various types of paper, recycled content standards, and regulatory information.

Fourth edition of Monadnock Paper Mills' instructional how-to guide for creating more sustainable print materials.

A list of flexible packaging industry statistics for the United States of America.

Monthly magazine offering information for the flexible packaging industry.

Provides industry information & resources for the flexographic printing industry.

A comparative evaluation of solvent-based, water-based, and ultra-violet cured ink technologies on wide-web film substrates.

The Graphic Arts Technical Foundation and the Foundation of the Flexographic Technical Association present The Flexographic Printing Process. This audiovisual is intended to introduce the viewer to the printing process of flexography and to provide an overview of the versatile flexographic printing industry.

The Flexographic Technical Association, Inc. (FTA) is the leading technical society devoted exclusively to the flexographic printing industry

This online, interactive course will give you a solid overview into the commonly used, market share-leading printing process called flexography. Ideal for beginners or those wanting a refresher, this 30-to-40-minute course provides an in-depth examination into the print process, what it is, how it works and the components behind this successful industry. At the completion, you will have a solid grasp of the fundamentals of flexography. There is a fee for this course.

This case study highlights the experience of Highland Supply Corporation (HSC) with reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and hazardous wastes by switching inks.

Presents the steps that three wide web flexographic printers took to reduce their VOC emissions. Includes factors considered in management decisions and how the decisions were implemented. The two methods tried were switching to water-based inks and installing an oxidizer.

Magazine of the Flexographic Technical Association.

Describes the Design for the Environment Flexography Project. (PDF Format; Length: 2 pages)

Allows the user to list the most frequently cited Federal or State OSHA standards for a NAICS code.

Explains basic information included on an MSDS form.

ISTC assists Illinois industries, businesses, and citizens to reduce and manage waste.

Describes the technical and economic efforts incurred by a flexographic label printing company that changed the type of ink and cleaning agent used in its print shop. The changes were incurred as the best way to eliminate all hazardous materials. (PDF Format; Length: 43 pages)

Many flexographic printers are switching to water-based ink technology to reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. This fact sheet describes alternatives for handling the wastes associated with water-based inks. (PDF format; Length: 7 pages)

General guidance on reducing and managing solvent wastes for printers. (PDF format; Length: 4 pages)

Air monitoring information for the printing industry from U.S. EPA.

The only national trade association for the printing ink industry.

Outlines the waste reduction and P2 accomplishments of the Neenah Printing Division of Menasha Corporation in Neenah, WI. Neenah Printing does lithographic web and sheetfed printing as well as wide web flexographic printing. PDF Format; Length: 5 pages.

Flier that summarizes information from the EPA Design for the Environment Program's cleaner technology substitute assessment (CSTA) for flexographic printing.

A summary of the energy efforts (Green Lights/Energy Star) at a Pennsylvania print facility, which resulted in a $21,000 savings.

Written by Gary Jones of the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation. Federal regulatory information related to PBTs. (PDF format; Length: 12 pages)

Pollution prevention tips identified by U.S. EPA's Design for the Environment Program

This report highlights the experiences with water-base ink versus solventi-base ink of three flexographic printing facilities. The primary purpose of this study was to analyze the motivations of the facilities in selecting their specific pollution prevention methods

Contains common P2 practices for printing and several case studies. Lithography, flexograhy, gravure, letterpress, and screen-printing are described in depth, along with major P2 concerns associated with each.

P2 self-assessment checklist to help printers learn how to reduce waste and increase efficiency.

Discusses and explains elements in the OSHA Hazard Communication Program

A directory of state and regional printing compliance & P2 manuals

Thorough overview, essential background document. Includes P2 opportunities, compliance issues, specific regulatory information, and statistical overview.

Provides an overview of the basic federal regulations covering wastes that are likely to be hazardous in your business. It also provides recycling and pollution prevention options to help businesses decrease the amount of hazardous waste they produce.

Offers basic record keeping information for EPA, RCRA and OSHA. (PDF Format; Length: 15 pages)

Explains the environmental benefits of moving from an open to an enclosed ink delivery and metering system. (PDF format; Length: 5 pages)

A wide web flexographic printing firm in New York substituted water-based inks for solvent-based inks when manufacturing flexible packaging, using plastic sheet substrates (e.g., plastic bags for bread).

Includes links to "Flexible Packaging Lightweighting Strategies and Innovation" and "Lightweight Advances in Flexible Packaging: FPA Member Case Stories."

Links to state regulations, searchable databases.

1996 summary of state's positions on the regulatory status of disposable soiled shop towels and wipes.

Sun Chemical has announced a breakthrough in water-based ink technology for flexographic printing on polythene (PE) film. The company's new approach offers a viable and cost-effective alternative to solvent-based inks, and allows printers to comply with pending European legislation that will affect the industry while printing up to 600 meters per minute.

The Flexographic Technical Association offers programs that can help make printers and suppliers become more sustainable. This includes support of certification by the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership and providing information on relevant environmental, health and safety topics.

TechSolve, Inc. (formerly the Institute of Advanced Manufacturing Sciences, or IAMS) is a not-for-profit organization focused on helping manufacturers through respected, solution-focused and implementable process improvements.

Summary of release reporting components of 1996 TRI report. (PDF format; Length: 20 pages)

The Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH) maintains the Model Toxics in Packaging Legislation and coordinates implementation of state legislation, based on the Model, on behalf of its member states, with the goal of promoting consistency across states. TPCH is a resource and single point of contact for companies seeking information on toxics in packaging requirements or an exemption.

A cardboard box manufacturer and printer has trained its employees in "good housekeeping" practices and significantly reduced ink wastes and wastewater generated when cleaning the printing presses.

Discusses revisions to air pollution permitting requirements. (PDF format; Length: 10 pages)

Detailed information on how Universal Waste Rules apply to a printing operation.

Written by Dale Patterson, this article describes how Alliance Packing of Sacramento, CA switched to plastic blast media to clean ink pumps, pans and other press components, resulting in both environmental and monetary benefits.

Describes key findings of an EPA pilot project to assist small and medium-sized manufacturers who want to minimize waste generation; pilot plant manufactures spiral wound labels for commercial use and flexible packaging for foods.

Water-based inks provide an alternative to solvents and a means of eliminating both pollution and many of the regulatory constraints on the printer. Describes Control Technology Guidelines (CTGs), status of water-based inks in the marketplace, water-based ink conversion barriers, and basic requirements for converting to waterborne inks. Written by Fred Shapiro.

Discusses volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and products containing VOCs that are commonly used in printing.

Explains how to determine if a waste is classified as hazardous. Focuses on wastes commonly generated by printers.