Sector Compliance Branch: Inspections

Printing on Plastics Sector

• Background
• The Inspections
• Inspection Results

Background

Ontario accounts for over 50% of the plastics processed in Canada, and Printing on Plastics is one sub-sector of the printing sector. The printing industry releases 99% of its total toxic chemicals to the air, while the remaining 1% of releases is split between water and land disposal (including discharges to drains and water bodies). The industry has a high ratio of small operations, with nearly one half of printing facilities employing less than five employees.

The main processes involved in the printing on plastics sub-sector are flexography, screen, jet and pad ink transfer techniques, and lithography. The main environmental issues in the printing industry are the release on Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and the management of hazardous and non-hazardous waste.

The Inspections

When conducting inspections of printing on plastic facilities, the inspectors typically:

• ensure that the discharge of air contaminants is within the limits set out on the company's certificate of approval (Air),
• ensure that the companies have proper spill management practices,
• ensure that the company is using proper waste management practices.

Click here to view the Printing on Plastics Public Report (pdf)

Resources
Environmental Compliance in the Printing on Plastics Sector Report (2005 Inspection Sweep)

Inspection Results

Of the total companies inspected, 86% were non-compliant. The main non-compliance issues identified were:

• no certificate of approval (air) to operate equipment ,
• waste generator manifesting errors,
• failure to submit required waste storage reports.
  

View a summary of Printing on Plastics sector inspection results.