Question 1

Is there a “green” chemistry that works as good as my current non-green formula?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! The key is making sure the detergent is classified as non-hazardous, does not contain any caustic ingredients or RCRA metals, and has no or low VOC content.  It is easy to check out this information – make sure that you ask for a product’s SDS as this document must identify any of the above mentioned compounds.

Question 2

Do I need to consider the pH of the chemicals that I use on my rolls/sleeves?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is important to know the pH levels (inks vs. cleaners) of your products. Most water based inks range from 8.5-9.4.  For safe practice, it is recommended to use a cleaning chemistry that does not go below 5.5 or exceed 11.8.  You may consider owning a pH meter.

Question 3

Does Product Chemistry Matter?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the chemistry of your cleaner does matter, especially with your ceramic roll. Ceramic is porous which can allow a too aggressive product to get “inside” your roll.  Other methods of entry include chips on the ends of rolls, damaged and worn rolls, or getting inside of sleeves while being cleaned.

It is important to know the pH levels (ink vs. cleaners) of your products.  Most water based inks range from 8.5 – 9.4.  For safe practice, it is recommended to use a cleaning chemistry that does not go below 5.5 or exceed 11.8.   Other considerations include ventilation, PPE and disposal.  Consider owning a pH meter.

Question 4

Does my process require a certified Food Grade product?

Accepted Answer

If your plant is subject to either USDA or FDA regulatory requirements and your packaging or product is used in conjunction with food or food applications, chances are the liquid cleaner used in your plant should be Food Grade. This does not apply to all situations, but most companies we talk to who are under USDA jurisdiction just use water to keep their rolls wet and hope it will rinse off the leftover ink found on their rollers.

We have one client, the largest tissue plant in North America, who was using the water-only method. It was in working with them that we discovered the need for a product like this. After a rigorous testing process, we successfully formulated a liquid cleaner that removes their ink and complies with all CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) requirements. Click here for more information on this product.

Question 5

Many of your product descriptions seem to be duplicates.  Why?

Accepted Answer

Although there seems to be overlap in some of the product descriptions, each formula is unique. There are many types of inks, adhesives and coatings that would fall under the same basic category but, when looking at your particular residue and considering your cleaning application, we can narrow the choices down further.

For example, there are SO MANY types of UV-Curable Inks featuring various characteristics such as: coating thickness, cure time due to the UV-Light intensity and curing temperature which makes it impossible for us to guide our customers and/or claim that a single cleaner such as Ink Blaster FG removes all UV-Curable Inks.Therefore, we recommend our customers to evaluate both Ink Blaster FG, Ink Blaster OS (on the solvent side) and Optima 2000GP Aqueous Ink Remover on the detergent side.  The same concept/philosophy is valid for other types of inks such as: Flexo Inks, Polymeric, Solvent-based, etc.

Therefore, we always offer 2-3 of our ink & adhesive removers to our customers so that they may try these products side-by side in their cleaning equipment (immersion, immersion with ultrasonic, high pressure cabinet washers, etc.) to determine which product will serve their needs the best.

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