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.”

John Stolarz, product manager—carbonless, explained the creation of this technology has been in the works for years. It was a collaborative effort within the mill and a team of people from research, development, technical field service, quality assurance, engineering, product management and customer service.

“Glatfelter is continuously working with our extensive research and development group to find better ways to run our products, clean and leaner ways to manufacture and quality assurance that not only helps our customers serve the industry better, but that keeps us focused on reducing costs and continuing to be the best strategic partner in the paper business,” Stolarz added.

But, this isn’t the only eco-friendly move being made by Glatfelter. The company is dedicated to reducing its environmental footprint and, in turn, that of its customers. Some of the steps Glatfelter has taken to do this include incorporating recycled materials and creating production processes that conserve resources, Enser continued.

Currently, approximately 50 percent of the electricity the company produces is generated from biomass and is considered carbon-neutral. The company also is committed to reforestation by providing forest management services and quality timber harvests.

To learn more about CleanPressTMCF and Glatfelter products and technologies, visit www.cleanpresscf.com.