Paper removal and recycling solutions for commecial printing operations

By Erik Cagle

Selling the Sizzle

Price can never be taken out of the equation when it comes to deciding who will install your paper removal and recycling system. The bottom line will always rule, but it doesn’t have to be the alpha and the omega of the process. Our panel of system experts offers opinions on the selling points of a quality installation and insights on how they differentiate themselves from the pack.

JOHN PROUTY, Paper and Dust Pros: Always check references and do your homework. We realize that the printers we do business with are not in the recycling business, so we make every effort to educate our customers on how the system will work for them so they make the right decision on their investment.

ED FAKERIS, Ohio Blow Pipe: It really comes down to the confidence level of the people you’re dealing with—the experience factor. We hold multiple patents on our equipment. Knowing all the pertinent things that are important to help customers make a decision—be it a large printer down to a small one—provides them with a total perspective. It’s a huge educational process and there’s a sense of trust that has to be developed.

JEFF DIETTERICH, Advanced Equipment Sales: A lot of people know about recycling equipment, but haven’t been in a printer’s shoes or been on that side of the table. My professional background was in the printing industry before I started the business in 1989. I worked as an engineering manager in the printing and paper converting industry, giving me a perspective on what the needs of the printer are. Another selling point is the contractor’s familiarity with various codes and regulations, to guide customers and keep them on the right side of the law.

GREGG PUHL, G.F. Puhl: Regardless of size, printers need to know that air system vendors will be able to provide a basic level of support that, at a minimum, should include quick access to spare parts, a customer service representative and a warranty on system performance after startup.

ROGER WILLIAMS, American Baler: One of the main reasons for buying new equipment is that growth was not taken into consideration, and the printer now has to change the baler or air system because it won’t handle the increased production. The initial cost for this system might seem large but, in relationship to what will be spent in replacing/upgrading the system, it is rather small. While it’s true one size doesn’t fit all, the components are rather simple. It is based on actual flow rates of material and how elaborate a printer wants his system to be.

MARK KUNZ, WEIMA America: There are regulations put on the printing/converting industry that focus on ambient dust. The concern is the risk of flash fires posed by the ambient dust. Air system designers continue to develop improved filters and separation equipment to assist with this issue. Briquette presses were introduced to provide a closed-loop system that traps the paper dust and turns it into a solid. With the advancement of bio fuels for power generation, paper dust briquettes can be an alternative fuel due to their high BTU value. It also keeps the dust away from land fills.

BOB ZACARY, Air Systems Design: A quality system is one that meets OSHA and the NFPA requirements. It will be quiet and have no issues with stopping production. A good system is having someone just pick up the bales. The right equipment usually costs more, but requires less maintenance. These systems increase production, therefore increasing profit. Purchase the correct system to meet your production requirements and get everything in writing.

JOUN JURK, Kernic Systems: Compliance with NFPA and OSHA regulations regarding waste paper handling systems is a big issue. If you are involved in the collection of paper scrap, you will now be required to employ updated dust collection/explosion protection to ensure regulatory compliance. It’s a big issue that has come into play during the past year.

THE NICEST thing about Gaylord boxes...well, there are many. They cost next to nothing. Relative to the other beasts in your shop, they take up hardly any room. You don't have to plug them in, so they don't boost your electric bill. Yes, it's high time the Gaylord got its due.

Besides, in an economy like the one we're still experiencing—and considering the George Washington hand-holding that's naturally taking place among the bean counters—an argument can be made that even a moderately inelegant scrap paper recycling setup is preferred over the investment required to install a properly configured removal and recycling system. But is that actually the case?

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Waste Paper Handling: Chuck the Gaylord