EasyTeesK

I'm fairly new in the screen printing business. We have a small shop in my brother-in-law's basement where we have a one-color press, a darkroom, a homemade exposure unit, and a homemade screen dryer. We're using plastisol ink and Franmar (and other) soy-based reclaiming chemicals. Of course, we're not "officially" setup as a business. But, we're wanting to move to the next step. We're located in Missouri.

My concerns are are environmental laws and impact from the ink and chemicals we use. First off, I'm trying to find information about the requirements in Missouri (or any state) for how chemicals and the results of using them (i.e.: reclaiming screens) should be dealt with. I've only started the research, so haven't found much, yet. I've seen some information in the threads about plastisol vs. water-based ink. At this point, I think we're going with plastisol ink and the soy-based products from Franmar and Lawson.

Can someone direct me to sources of information (or just tell me outright) what kinds of things we need to deal with as far as reclaiming screens, using emulsion, types of emulsion, environmental laws concerning the emulsion and ink, and other general concerns? A good place to start would be nice.

Just in case anyone needs to know, we're using ProChem CCI DXP Diazo-Photopolymer Dual-Cure emulsion, and a choice between Multi-Tech, Union, and International Coatings inks.


Any and all information is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Kevin

__________________
Kevin Swanner
EasyTees (by Timeless Gifts)

 

Reply With Quote

studog79

I would talk to you ink distributor. Also get the MSD sheets.

 

Reply With Quote

fdsales

The first big issue is what's going "down the drain" when you reclaim. At very least, you should have some type of filtering system to filter out the solid particles from the water. Check w/ your local water dept. (would not give them your name or address, just in case) to check what restrictions your local town has regarding what's dumped into the sewer system.
Also, check with your state DEQ (Dept. of Envir. Qualtity) office. They should have info on how to dispose of these types of products. Also ask them how to handle almost empty ink containers, clean up rags w/ ink on them, as to disposing, as most of this cannot go into landfills.

 

Reply With Quote