The alternative for flexographic inks and incineration.

Two issues that have remained in the forefront of flexography for decades are product quality and solvent emissions. With VOC regulations already introduced there were only 2 real alternatives for flexo-printers: they find alternative inks or make a significant investment in an incinerator (RTO).

Yet specialist say that UV, EB and water-based inks are not fully replacing solvent-based inks in anytime soon. Some argue that water-based inks are ideal for smaller printing businesses which do not have the capital to invest in the more costly incinerating equipment. Yet, In a wide range of application where quality (printability) and high productivity (press speeds) are required, solvent-based inks still provide the best alternative.

So what about incineration? There are two incineration techniques appropriate to reduce VOC emission: thermal and catalytic oxidation. Nontheless at virtually all flexo printers it’s necessary to add fuel which is increasingly expensive and increasing annual cost. Additionally, the use of incinerators will increase printers' carbon emissions, which could be taxed in the future to address concerns about global warming.

As a result there are a lot of considerations for flexo printers: quality, productivity, economic concerns, sustainabilty, VOC compliance. But what is most important and what are they willing to sacrifice? Do printers need to sacrifice anything, or can one technology do it all? The answer to this last question is yes!

Pure Air Solutions has a breakthrough in reducing solvents emissions The company's offers a clean, viable and cost-effective technology to alternative inks and incineration. The technology, called VOCUS, is designed to reduce solvent emissions using biotechnology, e.g. at Flexographic printing processes.

The VOCUS allows printers to keep using solvent-based inks supporting them to meet the requirements of the steadily growing packaging market. It also helps them to avoid investing in costly incineration equipment and the future cost of carbon emissions. When compared with thermal oxidisers one VOCUS saves the natural gas consumption up to a 100 households per year. And finally it helps printers to comply with European legislation that affects the industry while printing up to 600 meters per minute.

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Turning solvent emissions into profit

The alternative for flexographic inks and incineration.

Vocus performance (PDF)