Inks and Chemicals — Environmental Challenges

"The low VOC cleaners have not met with much success in the marketplace—in general, they do not work effectively," Jones says, noting that the low VOCs are somewhat successful with automatic blanket washers. "The average general commercial printer has had a difficult time with low VOC cleaners, for a variety of reasons."

* Coatings and adhesives. There are several different applications of high VOC containing coatings and adhesives that will be closely examined as a way to reduce emissions.

The new ozone standards could mean substantial changes for those printers who will need to use various substitutes, according to Jones. "Even though a lot of larger printers are comfortable working with them, it's not like taking a 60-watt light bulb out and putting a 40-watt light bulb in. You're changing a basic press chemistry, and that's significant. It may not be difficult for some printers, but it can be horrendous for others. It can be a significant shock to the system from a chemistry perspective.

"If we look beyond that, I don't see a big change in the area of fountain solution, other than going from alcohol to alcohol substitutes," he adds. "People who have been using alcohol substitutes for awhile have been successful at reducing the concentration down to 2 and 3 percent for substitutes. So JWT could be huge."

The Big Picture

The nuts and bolts of the new standard—defining compliance areas, implementation of rules and regulations—will be seen over a large timetable. Among the deadlines, at press time, individual states were due to recommend to EPA the areas that will be considered non-attainment for the new ozone standard. The EPA will study its data and confirm the non-attainment areas in April of 2004.

Targeted cities can opt for an Early Action Compact that would defer EPA rules and regulations if the cities can show compliance with the new standard by the year 2007.