Md. Code Regs. 26.11.19.10-1

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 24, December 2, 2024

Section 26.11.19.10-1 - Flexible Packaging Printing

A. Definitions. In this regulation, the following terms have the meanings indicated:

(1) Flexible Packaging.

(a) "Flexible packaging" means any package or part of a package the shape of which can be readily changed, including but not limited to:

(i) Bags, pouches, liners, and wraps utilizing paper, plastic, film, aluminum foil, metalized or coated paper or film, or any combination of these materials; and

(ii) Shrink-wrap labels or wrappers printed on a printing press or in-line with a flexible package printing, coating, and laminating operation.

(b) "Flexible packaging" does not include self-adhesive labels, folding cartons, gift wraps, wall coverings, vinyl products, decorative laminates, floor coverings, and tissue products.

(2) "Flexible packaging coatings" means inks, coatings, and adhesives applied to flexible packaging using a flexible package printing installation.

(3) "Flexible packaging printing" means to use a flexographic or rotogravure press to print on flexible packaging.

(4) "Flexible packaging printing line" means a flexographic or rotogravure press and all equipment associated therewith to print on flexible packaging.

B. Applicability. A person who owns or operates a flexible packaging printing line is exempt from §D of this regulation if a permit issued by the Department limits the potential to emit VOC emissions from the flexible packaging printing line to less than 25 tons per year.

C. Emission Standards and Requirements for Major Stationary Sources that Perform Flexible Packaging Printing. A person who owns or operates a printing press that uses flexographic, packaging rotogravure, or publication rotogravure methods for flexible packaging printing and is a major stationary source as defined in Regulation .01B(4) of this chapter, shall:

(1) Reduce emissions by using water-based inks that contain less than 25 percent VOC by volume of the volatile portion of the ink, or high solids inks that contain not less than 60 percent nonvolatiles; or

(2) If compliance with the requirements of §C(1) of this regulation cannot be achieved, reduce the VOC content of each ink, or reduce the average VOC content of inks used at each press, as follows:

(a) 60 percent reduction for flexographic presses;

(b) 65 percent reduction for packaging rotogravure presses; and

(c) 75 percent reduction for publication rotogravure presses.

D. Additional Emission Standards and Requirements. A person who owns or operates a flexible packaging printing line with the potential to emit VOC of 25 tons or more per year shall comply with the additional emissions standards of this section by:

(1) Limiting the VOC content of each flexible packaging coating or limiting the average VOC content of flexible packaging coatings of the line to not more than:

(a) 0.8 lb VOC/lb or kg VOC/kg solids applied; or

(b) 0.16 lb VOC/lb or kg VOC/kg materials applied; or

(2) Venting the dryer exhaust of the line through a control device that is constructed, operated, and maintained to achieve an overall control efficiency of:

Overall Control for Efficiency of Flexible Packaging Printing Line (%)	Flexible Packaging Printing Line First Installation Date (For Each Line)	Air Pollution Control Device First Installation Date
(1) 65	Prior to March 14, 1995	Prior to July 1, 2009
(2) 70	Prior to March 14, 1995	On or After July 1, 2009
(3) 75	On or After March 14, 1995	Prior to July 1, 2009
(4) 80	On or After March 14, 1995	On or After July 1, 2009

Md. Code Regs. 26.11.19.10-1

Regulations .10-1 repealed effective August 16, 1983 (10:14 Md. R. 1262)
Regulations .10-1 adopted effective August 16, 1983 (10:14 Md. R. 1262)
Regulation .10-1 adopted effective April 19, 2010 (37:8 Md. R. 622)