P2 for Printing Processes

MI DEQ & RETAP Pollution Prevention (P2) Training

Cam Metcalf, Executive DirectorRichard Meisenhelder, P2 SpecialistLori Hoetker, Technical Coordinator

Kentucky Pollution Prevention Center (KPPC)

❒ DO NOT LOOK @ Upcoming SLIDES!

❒ Turn to page 54 in the GUIDE & use these Process Maps (Levels 1 & 2 only) to determine printing process:

ActivitiesProductsServices

Planning Exercise: Activities, Products & Services

Activities Products Services(Subactivities)

Prepress

Press

Postpress

Art/Copy AssemblyGraphic Arts ProcessingPlatemaking

Press Make-ReadyPrinting

Cutting/FoldingBinding/Finishing

Printed MaterialsBrochuresCatalogsArt PrintsEtc.

ReceivingShippingMaintenanceAdmin.PurchasingEHSManagersLaboratory

Input/Output Map forPrepress Processes

Art/Copy Assembly& Design Production

Plano-graphic Plate making

Graphic Arts Photography/Image Processing

Paper

FilmWashWater

DeveloperFixer

Cleaning Solution,Chemical Storage

Containers

Plates Water

Developer,Gum ArabicGlue

Spray

WastePaper

VOCsUsed Film,

RinseWater

SpentDeveloper and Fixer,

Silver, VOCs

Dirty Rags,Empty

ContainersUsedPlates

RinseWater

SpentDeveloper

Activity Aspect Impact

Prepress

Air EmissionsVOCs

Solid Waste Generated:Paper, film, rags, plates

Containers, etc.

SpentDeveloper & Fixer

Rinse Water

Recycling ofPaper, film,

plates

Reuse of Rags (Commercial

Laundry)

Air Pollution

Use of Landfill(Hazardous or non-hazardous)

Reduced useof landfillReduced use

of landfillWater

Pollution & SpillsContamination ofwater, air & soil

Water Pollution

Improve Overall Controls

❒ Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP)

Raw materials review & purchasing program (SW)

❒ Inventory control: First In, First Out❒ Practice Waste Separation❒ Employee Training ❒ Inspect waste storage containers for leaks

Pre-Press Processes❒ Photo-processing

DevelopingCover developer and fixative containersMinimize dragout – rollers, squeegeesRecycle spent developer and fixer

Water rinsesOptimize bath temperature to 80 FWater conservation by intermittent water control Silver recovery from waste water

Reduce Solid Waste – improperly exposed film, packaging, containers, customer rework

Segregate and recycle

❒ Latest Trend --Increased digital work now –

Pre-Press Processes Cont.❒ Plate Production

Chemical etching of plate (high quality, $$$)Nitric acid etching chemical Proper handling, minimizationHazardous waste handling

Optical etching of plates (typical)Developer – see previous controlsWater – see previous controls

Solid WasteRecycle aluminum plates

Intermittent/Ancillary ProcessesGraphic Arts Photography

Mixing Solutions(fixer & developer)

1-1-a1

Camera/ProcessorMaintenance

1-1-d1

Gloves

Filling SolutionBarrels1-1-a2

Aprons

Water

Aprons

DirtyAprons

Wastewater

SpilledSolution

Solution

Aprons

SpilledSolution

WasteCleaner

Dirty Rags

GlassCleaner

Lubricant?Rags

DirtyAprons

Intermittent/Ancillary ProcessesGraphic Arts Photography

WashwaterRecycling Unit

1-1-b1

Wastewater

Filling SolutionBarrels1-1-a2

Silver SpentFixer

Sludge

DirtyWashwater

CleanWashwater

Spent FixerContaining

Silver/MercurySilver,

Mercury

Pre-Press Processes

❒ Press PreparationInspect rolls, machinery for defectsTest Proof

Reduce solid waste by proofing before running production.

Optimize press production planningMinimize solvent use for changes and clean-up.

Printing Processes

❒ Press Make-ready❒ Printing

Solid WasteSet up press carefully w/ test runs

InksSelection of inks w/ low metals, VOC content.Keep containers closedAnti-skin additive

Press Clean-up

❒ SolventSwitch to an automatic wash-up if possible (Reduce solvent by 1/3)Switch to least toxic solvent as possible (may require new ink)Minimize use by applying on towel and not machine. Recover solvent by distillation, microwave treatment, etc.

❒ TowelsLaunder and reuse after recovery process.

❒ Excess InkReadjust runs to reduce amount of excess ink. Filter and save for next color runSend to ink recycler for off-site treatment

Post-Press Processes

❒ Post-PressAdhesives

Select low VOC glues

Solid wastePlan layout before printing to minimize wasteMinimize overrunsRecycle trimmingsRecycle rejects

Resource Conservation❒ Latest technologies:

May require less energy, water, labor & chemicalsMay reduce set-up & make-ready times

❒ Monitor electric & water to determine:What activities consume them? Assign costs to those areas and activities.What measures might reduce usage?

❒ Monitor solid and hazardous wasteAssign & track costs in areas that generate it.

Employee “Involvement”

❒ P2 roles & responsibilities for all employees

❒ Training & awareness programs

❒ Reward program for P2 suggestions & accomplishments

MI DEQ & RETAP Pollution Prevention (P2) Training

Cam Metcalf, Executive DirectorRichard Meisenhelder, P2 SpecialistLori Hoetker, Technical Coordinator

Kentucky Pollution Prevention Center (KPPC)

www.kppc.orgThe Next Steps:

Assess P2 Opportunities