Gravure Printing Findings & Accomplishments

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Key risk reduction opportunities identified by the DfE Gravure Printing Partnership include:

• Reduction in volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from floor cleaning and press operations.
  
• Reduction in hazardous waste generation.
  
• Cleaner and safer shop towel management.

Because packaging and product gravure printers are particularly concerned about solvent losses from ink during press operations, the partnership performed a preliminary study of the effect of ink temperature on solvent losses and print quality.

The study indicated that printers might be able to reduce solvent consumption, improve print quality, and achieve cost savings by implementing ink temperature controls.

The Gravure Printing Partnership challenges the industry to confirm study findings and optimize printing operations. For example, gravure printers could:

• Independently evaluate the effects of ink temperature on solvent and ink consumption, print quality, and cost.
  
• Assess and/or optimize current ink temperature control options, including:
  • Submerged copper coils in the ink sump, including the cost and pollution implications of frequent cleaning.
  • In-line heat exchangers on the supply chain.
  • Room temperature control (air conditioning).
• Adapt a temperature control option from another industry.
  
• Develop a new, innovative method for controlling ink temperatures.

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