Improve resource efficiency and save money
November 1st 2007 With both the corporate and consumer world placing increased emphasis on green issues, and with mounting sector competition, there is growing pressure on printers to demonstrate that the environment is high on their business agenda. By Heather Cholerton, programme delivery leader, Envirowise
Although establishing better environmental practice can improve a company's ability to attract and retain customers, an improved public image is not the only incentive for addressing these issues. By becoming more resource efficient, a printing company can make significant cost savings throughout its operation – savings that could ensure competitiveness by going straight to the bottom line.
Essentially, resource efficiency means using raw materials, water and energy more effectively and cutting down on waste whenever possible – one of the core building blocks to a well performing business.
The principles in this article are relevant to many companies but as an example we are looking at printing companies for the purposes of this article. So, what are the key issues for printers? Well, 2005's Hazardous Waste Regulations brought in new controls and procedures for the movement of wastes, as well as increased responsibility on the producer for the wastes generated. Wastes of particular concern to printers include photochemical solutions, etching solutions, disperse oil and printing inks (where they contain dangerous substances such as metallic pigments or organic solvents).
Another area printers should consider is the use of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These are commonly used across the industry in the form of ink thinners and retarders, and wash-up and reclamation solvents. Some VOCs are classified as hazardous and even those that are not, are still regulated under several pieces of legislation.
As a result of these measures, the cost of waste disposal is likely to increase for many printing firms and the true cost of waste to a business is more than the price of disposal.
The additional cost of raw materials, energy and labour involved in the generation of waste can bring the total cost to between 5 and 20 times more than that of disposal.
Green procurement is an industry-wide issue and an important first step for printers looking to make efficiencies in their operations. Largely driven by Government and consumer trends, buyers are placing increased pressure on printers to address the fibre source of the substrate, the use of solvents and other chemicals, as well as their carbon emissions. Envirowise recommends that printers consider these factors early on in their own procurement stage and identify where greener alternatives can be used and materials that become waste can be reduced at the outset.
Water is also an issue for the sector and a particularly important issue for screen printers – who use large volumes in screen preparation and reclamation. As water becomes an increasingly expensive resource, printers should consider whether there is an opportunity to reduce their water use, and save money.
There are opportunities for the digital print sector to make a difference too. Paper, for example, represents a significant purchasing and disposal cost to the sector, yet it is a cost that can be brought down easily through reduction, reuse and recycling.
As a first step, printers can benefit from free and confidential advice from Envirowise.
The programme can provide support on practical ways companies can boost profits, minimise waste and reduce environmental impact through the effective use of resources.
A number of publications providing detailed advice, step-by-step guidance and case studies can be accessed from the Envirowise website (www.envirowise.gov.uk). Firms may also be eligible for an on-site resource efficiency review from a specialist advisor.
For more information, visit www.envirowise.gov.uk More articles from Water Technology List: | 
