Navigating Evolving Environmental Regulations for Printing

Staying ahead of environmental regulations for manufacturers is crucial not only for compliance but also for label and packaging converters that want a competitive edge. In a recent interview with Anoosheh Oskouian, CEO and president of Ship & Shore Environmental, Packaging Impressions delved into the key trends and challenges that label and package printers must be aware of. Here’s what you need to know to ensure your company remains compliant and sustainable in this ever-changing landscape.

Anoosheh Oskouian, CEO and president of Ship & Shore Environmental | Credit: Ship & Shore Environmental

The Importance of Collecting and Destroying VOCs

To minimize the health and environmental impact of volatile organic compounds, government agencies such as the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency are becoming increasingly stringent about the capture of industrial pollutants — particularly in regions with high levels of manufacturing activity. (For more information, read the EPA final ruling of the three types of actions in the Clean Air Act and the 28 areas classified as marginal for the National Ambient Air Quality Standards at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-10-07/pdf/2022-20460.pdf.)

This, Oskouian explains, has led to a regulatory climate that encourages individual states to move toward requiring manufacturers to aim for nearly 100% capture rates of manufacturing VOCs. In particular, she notes strict mandates for high VOC capture and destruction efficiencies in California, especially in regions such as the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD).

Existing and up-and-coming environmental regulations are also helping drive sales of new printing equipment, Oskouian explains, which often have environmentally friendly features such as high capture systems. “Regulators are very focused on making sure that they have almost 100% capture, which has been the driving force behind a number of the newer presses that are coming online,” Oskouian explains.

A new press often isn’t enough, she says, to head off noncompliance when potential 100% capture legislature is on the horizon. Oskouian emphasizes the need for comprehensive collection systems, including floor sweeps and ink room controls, to achieve the forthcoming high-capture mandates. “If you collect as much as possible from direct sources of emission, whether presses, laminators, and others, by having enclosures around them [that are part of an elimination system], you can often report the facility to be a 100% capture location,” she says.

The overall system must have high destruction efficiency, though. Modern pollution control equipment can achieve destruction efficiencies of 98% to 99%, Oskouian explains, depending on the region’s reporting protocols. This level of efficiency not only helps companies stay compliant but also reduces their overall environmental footprint.

In addition to VOC capture, Oskouian explains that some regions are beginning to focus on capturing ozone generated by presses and laminators. While this is not yet a widespread requirement, it is something that label and package manufacturers should be mindful of when planning new installations or expansions. “It’s a lot easier to have that included in a system from the beginning than it is to go back in and modify it,” Oskouian advises.

Considering Environmental Compliance in Facility Design

When expanding or designing label and package printing factories, it is crucial to consider environmental compliance from the outset. Oskouian highlights the importance of integrating pollution control measures into the design of new facilities. “Anytime someone expands their operation, it’s a chance for the agencies, wherever they may be, to review the overall permit,” she says. By planning for compliance from the beginning, companies can avoid disruptions and ensure their operations remain within regulatory limits.

Furthermore, integrating environmental considerations into initial building designs and expansion plans of facilities can avoid the cost of retrofits down the road. “With proper planning, especially with brand-new constructions or building expansions, systems really can be more economically designed, managed, handled, and much more,” Oskouian explains.

A further benefit, she says, is that these systems can help customers qualify for government incentives if the equipment is also engineered to maximize energy efficiency, “There are a lot of regions in the country that incentivize companies to use a highly efficient system in lieu of a low efficient system,” Oskouian notes. Some energy-saving features automatically built into Ship & Shore Environmental systems include heat recovery systems, variable-frequency drives, and the ability to use VOCs.

The Dollars and Sense Behind Proactive Compliance

When asked if there were any common myths about environmental regulations, Oskouian responds, “The myth is, oh, it’s so expensive. The cost is really not as much as what people think it is.”
With proper planning and investment in well-designed systems, companies can achieve compliance cost-effectively.

Moreover, Oskouian emphasizes that investing in compliance technologies can lead to significant long-term savings and potential branding benefits for manufacturers. A proactive approach to compliance can position a label converter or package printer as a leader in sustainability. This can be a powerful differentiator in the market when attracting new CPGs as customers or potential investors — especially those from the private equity market — when looking at entering the M&A market.

In fact, she urges PE investors to conduct thorough audits of potential printing company acquisitions to ensure environmental compliance measures are in place. Having a checklist of the environmental rules and regulations and the business’ equipment list that addresses those specific regulations is due diligence that can prevent costly surprises down the line and ensure a smoother transition for new owners.