Anoka EPP WorkshopDecember 14, 2006Paul Gutkowski, Printing Industry of Minnesota, Inc.

Printing Industry of Minnesota

Trade association supporting the state’s second largest employer.

Providing services to members inGovernment affairsEducation and technical trainingSafety and environmental services (Paul Gutkowski).

Supports printers with audits, training, etc.

Offers a unique position to interface between regulators and printers

Manages the “Great Printer” program

PIM/Safety and Environmental Services

Great Printers Key Objectives

Promote pollution prevention

Encourage the printing industry to protect the human and environmental health

MINNESOTA “GREATPRINTER” PROGRAM

Why Do They Do This ?

CustomersIt’s the right thing to doMaintains compliance with regulations

MN Hazardous WasteRegulations

Minnesota Great Printer Qualifications

Commit to following the Great Printer Principles –Pledge form signed by President, CEO, Owner, etc.

Complete a facility Environmental, Health and Safety assessment

Complete at least one “beyond compliance” project

Initiate at least two additional “beyond compliance” projects

Facility Environmental, Health and Safety Assessments

Must be completed annually by consultant outside the company.

PIM will be there ½ day to several days depending on the size of the printer.

Must correct issues identified in the assessment report.

Report is confidential.

Examples of “Beyond Compliance” Projects

Waste reduction or pollution prevention.

Improved energy efficiency (purchasing wind power).

Minimizing impact to the employees health and safety.

The “LOW VOC” Project

Identified interested printers (“Great Printers”) willing to share their results.

Identified three solvents to choose from with lower volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) and NON HAZARDOUS.

Non Hazardous Solvents

Have a flash point above 140° F.

Also avoid F-listed solvents like methyl ethyl ketone, toluene, etc.

Benefits for the Printer

Hazardous waste fees Less paperwork (annual training, contingency plans, etc.)Air permit fees

Benefits for the Environment

Less hazardous waste produced.

Less low level ozone/smog formed.

Great Printers Using the Low VOC or Non Hazardous Solvents

Applied GraphicsBolger Vision Beyond PrintFlaire Print Communications Franklin PressGLSJaps-OlsonJohn Roberts Summit Printing

Other Examples of “Beyond Compliance” Projects from Johnson Printing & Packaging

Lighting retrofit with better ballasts and lights

Installation of energy efficient roof

Reclaiming heat from air compressor

Examples of “Beyond Compliance” Projects from ECM Publishing

Waste newsprint sent to dairy operation for bedding

Converted solvent based parts washers to aqueous based parts washers

Other Pollution Prevention Activities

Use soy-based, agri-based or water-based inks.

Limit samples to smallest required amount and have supplier take back unused trial chemicals.

Recycle the used press wash solvents.

Recycle plastic containers, shrink wrap, etc.

Use solvents free of toluene, alcohol and methylene chloride.

Other Pollution Prevention Activities (Cont.)

Establish a waste minimization plan or committee.

Use the “direct-to-plate” or “computer-to-plate” process to develop your print job.

Have an energy usage audit conducted.

Use launderable shop towels.

Considerations for Customers

Evaluate your mailing lists.

Can use specify reduced margin widths and font size.

Print mailing information directly on the brochure.

Print using fewer colors.

Use recycled paper.

Print documents on both sides.

Why Purchase from Green/Great Printers

Why not, if the cost is the same.

You’re promoting businesses that protect the environment.

You’re supporting employers that care about the safety and health of the employees.

You partner with others that share your same values.

Get Your Information

Contact me – Paul Gutkowski paulg@pimn.org

“Great Printer” web site –www.pimn.org/environment/greatprinter.htm

Pollution Prevention and other printing information –www.pneac.org