Packaging Industry Faces New Challenges in VOC Emissions Management
In an exclusive interview, Anoosheh Oskouian, CEO of Ship & Shore Environmental, highlighted the evolving landscape of VOC emissions management in the packaging sector. Increasing regulatory scrutiny, customer demands, and rising energy costs are compelling manufacturers to prioritize emissions control as a critical operational focus.
Oskouian identified three key factors driving this shift: heightened regulatory attention on supply chain emissions, improved enforcement capabilities, and the economic impact of energy costs. As major consumer brands demand transparency regarding production emissions, packaging converters are under pressure to enhance their sustainability practices.
Investing in emissions-control technology is no longer viewed as an optional expense but a necessity for operational efficiency. Oskouian emphasized that modern regenerative thermal oxidizers (RTOs) can achieve over 99% destruction efficiency and significantly reduce operating costs through energy recovery. This approach not only ensures compliance but also offers substantial long-term savings.
The misconception that compliance hinders productivity was also addressed. Oskouian noted that effective emissions management often uncovers inefficiencies in production processes, leading to increased throughput and reduced energy costs.
While innovations in water-based and energy-curable inks are emerging, solvent-based systems remain dominant in high-speed flexographic printing due to their superior performance. Oskouian believes that the future lies in smarter emissions capture and treatment technologies, which can coexist with ongoing advancements in printing chemistry.
As energy prices continue to rise, RTOs and heat recovery systems are becoming essential for manufacturers looking to lower operating costs while meeting stricter environmental standards. Oskouian pointed out that well-designed systems can achieve high thermal energy recovery, effectively minimizing overall energy expenses.
The packaging industry is seen as both ahead in awareness and behind in integration compared to other sectors like automotive and semiconductor manufacturing. Oskouian advocates for a cultural shift within packaging plants to treat emissions control as a core operational function rather than a compliance obligation.
Looking ahead, Oskouian anticipates a regulatory shift towards continuous emissions monitoring throughout the manufacturing process. He advises manufacturers to proactively integrate measurement capabilities into their operations to stay ahead of future compliance requirements.
In conclusion, Oskouian recommends that mid-sized packaging manufacturers prioritize thorough emissions and energy audits, invest in scalable abatement systems, focus on energy recovery, and enhance their environmental data capabilities to remain competitive and compliant in the evolving landscape.