Solvent Emissions Directive - impact on UK Reconditioning

The Solvent Emissions Directive

The specific elements of this Directive that are relevant to the UK steel drum reconditioning industry (ie; existing installations) came into force on 31st October 2007.

The UK steel drum reconditioning industry is faced with significant problems, as suitable coatings and the associated equipment (paint products and paint spraying technology) have not yet been developed to the stage where they can be sucessfully used to provide the required finish and robustness (eg; to cope with the british weather) using the equipment currently available.

The only other options available to gain compliance - Solvent Emissions Abatement (filtration systems such as activated carbon or solvent afterburning / combustion systems) - are currently so expensive that they would be prohibitive to install and maintain for the small to medium sized companies that make up the UK's reconditioning industry - effectively making the costs of operating a steel drum reconditioning plant unsustainable in the UK.

The reconditioning and multiple re-use of steel drums is one of the most environmentally efficient solutions to todays concerns with packaging waste - especially considering the hazardous products often contained by steel drum packaging. 

The IPA and our UK reconditioner members are working closely with DEFRA, the EA and the coatings and coatings equipment manufacturers, to develop sustainable and affordable methods by which solvent emissions can be reduced and still provide a high quality product for the customer.

The IPA's reconditioning members have agreed a programme of to continually trial and test the best coatings available within the UK market in order to provide updated information to DEFRA (contact; Mike Etkind) and the EA Local Authority Unit (contact; Martin Leach), with the ultimate intention of meeting the requirements of the Solvent Emissions Directive and also maintaining the future viability of the UK steel drum reconditioning industry. These coatings trials will continue to progress forward with intention of developing / finding a suitable range of paints for use in compliance with the Directive.

More information on the Directive and Guidance Notes on the UK implementation can be found at the DEFRA website via the following link:

http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/airquality/eu-int/eu-directives/solvents/index.htm

Since the SD came into force our industry has seen some useful developments, with specific colours such as black and oxford blue being much improved but not yet comparative to previous products. Unfortunately, the quality, finish and adhesion of most colours is not yet suitable for commercial acceptance against the expected standard - especially relevant in consideration of the safety requirements for retention of surface markings and labels for the container contents - which may be Dangerous Goods or Hazardous Wastes.

Updated details will be provided on this page as the IPA progresses its discussions with DEFRA over the coming months.

Enquiries relating to information on the latest trial data and updated compliance requirements should be directed to the IPA.

 

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