Green Piece: A Green Impression

It’s everything a printing company could want in a press—it’s cleaner, greener and more energy-efficient.

In July, Glatfelter, based in York, Pa., launched a new technology for carbonless CF rolls, the CleanPressTMCF. The technology is made using a more energy-efficient manufacturing process; the reformulation runs cleaner on Glatfelter’s machines and requires fewer shut downs, requires less clean-up and reduces the amount of waste.

“These benefits are also seen at the printer,” said Greg Lovensheimer, director of commercial operations. “It leads to less downtime while running, fewer wash ups during their run and then a cleaner wash up as very little solvent needs to be used when clean-up is required. The product also has decreased VOCs versus traditional CF grades [and] is more biodegradeable and fully-recyclable.”

This technology is especially important because carbonless CF paper has long been problematic for large jobs, noted Courtney Enser, marketing programs manager. For instance, the buildup of blanket dust, on average, has required printers to shut down after every roll for a 15-minute wash up with harsh solvents.

“With the new technology and less dust, the press can run longer and save the printer from unnecessary downtime,” enthused Enser. “For short-run jobs, the blanket is usually cleaned in between jobs when they are setting up, therefore, there aren’t any additional stops to take into consideration. Short-run jobs can rely on the environmental benefits and continued high quality image, but won’t be able to quantify the press efficiencies as easily.”

Glatfelter stressed the importance of adopting environmentally-friendly practices and reinforced how its technology accomplished this goal.

“Sustainability means striking the appropriate balance between our environmental responsibilities, financial performance and social commitments,” Enser said. “Through these new technologies that run cleaner and greener, plus performing better in manufacturing, we can assure you that Glatfelter is committed to the environment and will be truly sustainable over time.”