Inks and Chemicals — Environmental Challenges

"Many printers are reducing their emissions of VOCs and HAP so they must have ink and press chemical products that are lower in VOC and HAP constituents," he points out.

Ness believes there is an up side to the OSHA, EPA, etc., standards that can have a positive impact on overall ink manufacturing operations. "While there may be initial capital costs associated with the required improvements to keep and go beyond compliance, in the long run, these initial costs will more than pay for themselves in reduced workers' compensation costs, improved productivity/efficiency and reduced waste disposal costs," he says.

Customers often need help in understanding rules and regulations, with variations in how each printer interprets them, according to Jeff Behrens, research and development manager for RBP Chemical Technology. Providing them with chemicals that meet the state and local mandates can be equally challenging, since there is great variance in these edicts from region to region.