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PRISM
Generate environmental
savings
Ignore the pros and cons of the climate change debate, improvements in
environmental performance will enhance profitability. Prism explains how
MOST PRINTERS are aware of the issues surrounding global warming. In fact they To succeed there are some guidelines a printer must follow:
may well be sick of 'environmental speak.' What they really want to know is how 1. Ignore the arguments for or against climate change and global warming
their company can benefit from adopting best practice and what that best 2. Accept that the EU will continue to impose further controls on
practice really entails. environmental issues
Prism promises to help by providing a guide that is specifically written for 3. Recognise that improvements in a company’s environmental performance
digital and screen printers. The Planet Friendly Guide has been financed by FESPA will enhance profitability
and is billed as the definitive information resource for the industry. 4. Examine each section of the Planet Friendly Guide to ascertain which best
One of the authors of the guide, Paul Machin, explained: “Whether climate available technique (BAT) will produce the quickest profit for the company
change and global warming is taking place or not, it is a subject that printers 5. Set out a priority list of BATs taking into consideration the available
must be aware of if they wish to continue in business over the next decade. Why? management and staff resource as well as the customer’s known technical
Because the European Union (EU) commission believes it is an issue that needs and environmental requirements
addressing. They will be taking potential punitive action to ensure corrective 6. Inform and encourage staff to participate in the selected projects
measures are implemented. This action will have a direct impact upon printers 7. Implement these projects at the earliest opportunity to demonstrate the
and their customers.” commencement to a “green” approach towards the environment
The general public's perceptions can have a serious impact on the printer. 8. Review the cost savings of the BATs undertaken at least every six months
Many people believe that all chemicals are hazardous and any activity associated 9. Ensure your customers are aware of your approach to environmental issues
with the use of chemicals is dangerous to mankind and the environment. particularly where these are externally monitored as most will recognise
Printing is tainted by this presumption and will be radically affected by the EU's the benefit of trading with environmentally aware suppliers
Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restrictions of Chemicals (REACH) 10. At least once per year review which other BAT can be incorporated into the
regulation. company’s environmental program
As an example, BATs for reducing VOC emissions into the atmosphere range from
keeping the lids on solvent based inks to regenerative oxidation. BATs for
reducing the cost of waste substrate can be as simple as sorting paper waste to
installing a compacter. Furthermore, an increase of 5°C inlet air temperature at
the compressor causes an increase of about two per cent of the power needed,
so it makes sense to draw inlet air from outside the building. Implementing
such measures will ultimately build a printer's bank balance.
Every BAT has been scientifically proven and the vast majority will reduce
the waste generated within the total print generation process. Any reduction
in waste will automatically result in an increase in profitability, which is the
greatest advantage of using the Planet Friendly Guide.
www.prismuk.org
Prism is a member of Fespa and the UK association for print
specialists and manufacturers. For more information on Prism, go to
Have some consideration for the environment and you’ll discover money
www.prismuk.org. If you have any comments or questions, please call
does grow on trees on 01737 240792.
Visit us online at www.spdi-online.com June 09 | Screen Process & Digital Imaging | 15
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