Although the type of ink (ink ribbon) referenced in this NIOSH evaluation is not manufactured by any of NAPIM’s members, the ink ingredients used to manufacture the ink ribbon may be similar to those used by NAPIM’s members. The NIOSH occupational health and industrial hygiene recommendations from this evaluation are appropriate for many chemicals used throughout the industry. Download a copy of the here
December 2011 market data for polymer substrates and ad pages are posted in the members area of the NAPIM website.
On January 24, 2012, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) extended its review period for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s final rule, which adopts the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) for its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). The OMB extension of review is on a one-time basis for no more than 30 days. The OMB also has the option of returning the final rule to OSHA for reconsideration during the review. The status of OMB extension of review became publicly available on January 24, 2012.
For additional information, please go to: http://www.reginfo.gov/public/jsp/EO/eoDashboard.jsp; click on the bar graph for “DOL”; find “DOL-OSHA” RIN: 1218-AC2
01/18/2012
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics Producer Price Index for finished goods declined 0.1 percent in December. Prices for finished goods moved up 0.3 percent in November and fell 0.3 percent in October. The index for finished goods less foods and energy increased 0.3 percent.
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01/19/2012
On a seasonally adjusted basis, the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers was unchanged in December, as it was in November. The index for all items less food and energy rose 0.1 percent in December after increasing 0.2 percent in November.
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The European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) recently concluded, based on an extensive risk assessment, that the use mineral oil based printing inks on food packaging does not present a health hazard. Additional is available here. Please contact George Fuchs at the NAPIM office is you have any questions.
The American Society for Testing and Materials recently announced its approval of a test method (ASTM D7767 – 11) for measuring volatiles from thin-film UV coatings. This test method provides a means to measure the volatile content of individual acrylate monomers, oligomers, and blends commonly used to formulate radiation curable coatings such as printing inks. The new method is an extension of ASTM D5403 which measures volatile content from non-thin film UV coatings.
The Brazilian Association of Graphic Arts (ABIGRAF) named Sun Chemical the “Best Printing Ink Supplier” in Brazil for the seventh year in row at the Fernando Pini Awards ceremony. Read more on What They Think
The Chicago Printing Ink Production Club (CPIPC) selected Rick Westrom of INX International as its “Ink Person of the Year”. Suresh Mahajan of Modern Printing Colors was selected for the CPIPC Supplier of the Year. NAPIM offers its congratulations to both recipients.
NAPIM partnered with Printing Industries of America, Specialty Graphic Imaging Association and the Flexographic Technical Association to submit comments on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposed rule to amend the Guidelines for Designating Biobased Products for Federal Procurement. The USDA is proposing to set minimum biobased content standards for various printing inks as part of the Bio Preferred Labeling Guidelines. A copy of the comments is available in the NAPIM Members areas NAPIM Members areas
Commodity and resin prices continue to be dramatically higher than a year ago. There doesn’t appear to be any relief anticipated in the near term although a few of the supply disruptions have been alleviated. Volatility has been the norm as supply remains snug in many areas and market speculation continues to drive very dynamic commercial behaviors. The supply of many critical raw materials and feedstock’s continues to be constrained due to operational, market, and weather related issues. The drivers for these supply issues were the same factors we were challenged with in 2010, increased demand from developing markets, feedstock volatility, supply disruptions, and environmental and regulatory constraints in India and China. These dynamics will most likely continue to a degree through 2012. Due to demand, the recent cost reduction of crude had almost no effect on the fundamental cost structures. For example, carbon black with growth in the tire markets and pigments due to shortages of some key intermediates and pressure of environmental costs in India and interest charges in China. [Read more....]
