Hazardous waste reduction for small printers (from the environment agency)

Hazardous waste reduction for small printers (from the environment agency)

Small printing companies in the UK are being offered an opportunity to become involved in a project, which could see them reaping savings through the reduction of hazardous waste. Increasingly stringent legislation, such as last year's Hazardous Waste Regulations, has brought with it an escalation in waste disposal costs, which is set to continue in the future, according to The Environment Agency. Continuing over-supply issues are also leading to a very competitive UK market and, coupled with an increased emphasis from print buyers on environmental credentials, printers are feeling the financial burden more than ever.

Hazred is an EU-Life funded project that aims to demonstrate the benefits of setting hazardous waste reduction targets and developing waste reduction plans in partnership with those industry sectors most in need, added The Environment Agency.

A maximum of 20 places are available to printers on the project, which will work with businesses to monitor and evaluate reduction in hazardous waste produced and cost savings achieved.

The agency said that the printing sector already benefits from a number of guidance documents and the Hazred project aims to take that one stage further by offering free consultancy support on implementing a range of environmental and cost reduction measures.

Participating businesses will receive access to the project's hazardous waste reduction plan, developed by a team that included regulators and industry trade associations, which includes reduction targets.

They will also benefit from on-site support with a specialist adviser,including help with implementation, monitoring and evaluating waste outputs and cost savings, said the agency.

Continuing support and advice will also be available from the Hazred team through its web site and a dedicated e- mail address.

Hazred Project Manager, Gill Ross-Jones, said: “The production of printing plates for lithography, flexography and screen printing mean that hazardous waste remains an issue for printers”.

Hazred represents an excellent opportunity for businesses in this sector to improve their productivity, as well as demonstrate good environmental credentials. Dale Wallis, the membership director-designate at the British Printing Industries Federation commented: “Approximately 90 per cent of our industry is comprised of businesses with less than 25 employees.

“Many of those businesses simply do not have time and resources to dedicate to environmental issues such as these.

“I would encourage any small printing company concerned about hazardous waste to apply to take part in Hazred”. For more information contact: The Environment Agency, 25th Floor, Millbank Tower 21-24 Millban, London, SW1P 4XL,United Kingdom. Tel: (UK) 08708 506506