2.D.3.h - Printing

This source category comprises NMVOC emissions from the use of solvent-based products during printing and in arts. The following technologies / applications / products are taken into consideration:

• Offset printing (coldset web presses)
• Sheetfed offset (conventional; UV colours)
• Offset printing (heatset)
• Endless offset printing
• Printing of books
• Flexography (solvent-based inks; water-based inks)
• Rotogravure package printing (solvent-based inks; water-based inks)
• Publication gravure printing
• Screen printing
• Other printing applications
• Inks / paints for artists
• Ink for writing and drawing

Solvent contents and emission factors for the different printing technologies are based on a study carried out in 1999 ¹⁾.

Until 1999, data of the present source categories 2.D.3.a, 2.D.3.h and 2.D.3.i were treated as one source group. Since 2000, a more detailed data collection enables to follow the development of source group 2.D.3.h, which accounts for about 8 - 15 % of total NMVOC emissions from solvent-based products. Emissions of this source group decreased in the whole time-series more than 70 % among others due to minor application of isopropanol and more environmentally friendly technologies. Furthermore, the importance of single technologies changed (e.g. printing of books got less important, digital printing raises gained in importance), which influences total emissions of 2.D.3.h.