Printer Case Study: West Valley Graphics

West Valley Graphics (WVG), a Campbell printer, has reduced its hazardous waste generation and facilitated compliance with safety and environmental regulations by instituting material substitutions, process modifications, and good operating practices.

Material changes included eliminating alcohol and substituting soybean oil- based inks for petroleum-based inks. The Printers' Service and Technology for the Graphic Arts (PRISC0) assisted WVG in finding cost-effective alcohol substitute and adjusting press chemistry. The switch to soybean oil-based ink reduced WVG emissions and resulted in more vivid color.

An electrolytic silver recovery unit installed by West Valley Graphics limits silver-bearing waste pickups to approximately once per year. When silver prices increase the Unit will provide additional cost recovery.

WVG has also incorporated the following good operating practices:

• Using shop rags for cleanup and small spills and having them laundered for reuse by an industrial service mat recycles its wastewater

• Squeegeeing excess ink off the presses to reduce cleanup wastes

• Recycling empty containers (from press wash, film developer, and dark- room chemistry; cardboard boxes; used film; printing plates; and paper. (Recycling of the film, printing paper, and aluminum plates has saved WVG approximately $700 per year.l)

West Valley Graphics attributes much of its waste reduction success to the technical and educational support of me printers' trade association, Printing Industries of Northern California (see related story: Profile of a Progressive Trade Association: PINC).

For more information call
Santa Clara County Pollution Prevention Program
(408) 441-1195

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