A few days ago, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment released a new standard on gravure inks and flexo inks, which will be implemented from October 1st! In the industry has caused widespread concern, many readers in the background message to ask about the implementation of this new standard, how should flexo companies respond?

In order to implement the "Environmental Protection Law of the People's Republic of China" and reduce the impact on the environment and human health during the production, use and disposal of gravure inks and flexo printing inks, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment has issued the "Technical Requirements for Environmental Labeling Products". Flexo Printing Ink (HJ 371-2018) (attached in full text), this standard puts environmental protection requirements on the raw materials, production process and toxic and hazardous substances in gravure inks and flexo inks, starting from October 1, 2018. Implementation.

Since the date of implementation, the technical requirements for environmental labeling products, gravure ink and flexo ink (HJ/T 371-2007) have been abolished.

The platform specially connected with Shi Jianping, secretary general of the Flexographic Printing Branch of China Printing Technology Association, asked him to talk about the impact of the new standards of gravure ink and flexo ink on the flexo printing enterprises in the paper packaging industry and how the flexo printing enterprises should respond. Waiting for everyone's concerns.

Shi Jianping, Secretary General of Flexographic Printing Branch of China Printing Technology Association

This latest ink standard is indeed a good thing for the development of China's flexo business, and will definitely promote the industry.

For carton printing, most printing companies use flexo printing to produce 90-95%. As long as the inks that meet the technical requirements of the national environmental labeling products are used, the requirements of the environmental protection department can be met, and the environmental protection tax will be reduced, which will bring benefits to the printing enterprises in reducing costs and increasing efficiency.

In the process of using flexo ink, sewage will be generated. Generally, the sewage treatment device is used to solve the problem. This treatment will produce a certain amount of sludge. What we are doing is to reduce the sludge, the first thing to look for. The method is to dehydrate and reduce the weight of solid waste. It is to help printing companies to spend less and avoid paying for the water in the silt.

In addition, the new standard limits inks to 5% of VOCs, so solvent-based inks are excluded. This makes it possible for printing companies to find VOCs that do not need RTO-like treatments, which reduces investment and daily operating expenses.