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:
Maratek’s Flexo 200 and Flexo 500 systems are purpose-built to handle these challenges safely and efficiently.
|
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 |
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
Maratek also offers a full range of industrial solvent recovery systems for recyclers handling multiple waste streams:
Who Benefits Most?
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.
Maratek helps recyclers and printers turn complex flexo waste into a recoverable resource through:
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.