Flexo Printing Waste Streams Explained: What Offsite Solvent Recyclers Need to Know

January 26, 2026 by Colin Darcel

Why Flexo Waste Stream Knowledge Matters

Flexographic printing generates some of the most complex solvent waste streams in the industry. From blanket wash and press wash to alcohol blends and ink residues, these streams vary in contamination and recovery difficulty.

For offsite solvent recyclers, understanding these waste streams is critical to:

Improve solvent recovery yields
Reduce fouling and downtime
Maintain consistent solvent purity
Lower operating and disposal costs

Maratek’s Flexo 200 and Flexo 500 systems are purpose-built to handle these challenges safely and efficiently.

Common Flexo Printing Waste Streams & Recovery Challenges

Waste Stream	Typical Composition	Recovery Challenge	Maratek Solution
Blanket Wash Waste	Alcohols, glycol ethers, ink pigments	High solids and pigment buildup	Flexo 300 handles small, frequent batches with automated operation
Press Wash Waste	Fast-evaporating solvents, resins, adhesives	Highly variable contamination	Flexo 500 ensures stable recovery for large, continuous streams
Alcohol & n-Propanol Blends	nPA, water content	Requires precise temperature control	Both systems offer optimized distillation for alcohol-based waste
Ink & Resin-Contaminated Waste	Nitrocellulose binders, resins	Increased flammability and fouling	Explosion-rated systems with automated safety controls

Best Practices Before Recycling

To maximize efficiency and protect equipment:
✔ Segregate waste streams – Avoid mixing incompatible solvents
✔ Remove excess solids – Basic filtration improves recovery yield
✔ Proper storage & labeling – Use approved containers and clear identification
✔ Maintain consistent feed rates – Stabilizes distillation and reduces downtim

Beyond Flexo: Scalable Recovery Options

Maratek also offers a full range of industrial solvent recovery systems for recyclers handling multiple waste streams:

Who Benefits Most?

Offsite solvent recyclers servicing flexo printers
Waste management companies handling printing solvents
Flexographic printing groups with centralized recycling

If flexo waste makes up a significant portion of your solvent stream, using equipment designed for flexographic waste can dramatically improve safety, efficiency, and profitability.

Start Recovering Value from Flexo Waste Streams

Maratek helps recyclers and printers turn complex flexo waste into a recoverable resource through:

Flexo-specific solvent recovery systems
Zero-capital rental options
Share-the-Savings programs
Free waste stream evaluations

Ready to improve recovery efficiency and reduce downtime?

Learn about Maratek's Share The Savings program and request a free evaluation. Discover how Flexo 200 and Flexo 500 can transform your recycling process.