Managing Ink, Solvent and Chemical Spills in Printing and Packaging Facilities
The printing and packaging sector presents some of the most challenging spill control environments in UK industry. From flexographic inks and UV-curable coatings to aggressive cleaning solvents and adhesive compounds, facilities handle a wide range of hazardous substances daily. Getting spill management right is not just good practice — it is a legal obligation under the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations 2001, COSHH Regulations 2002, and the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.
A single unchecked solvent spill can result in Environment Agency enforcement action, significant fines, and reputational damage. More critically, many printing solvents are flammable — making inadequate spill response a fire and explosion risk as well as an environmental one.
Understanding Your Chemical Profile
Before selecting spill control equipment, you must understand the nature of the substances you handle. Printing and packaging facilities typically work with a broad range of hazardous materials including solvent-based inks containing toluene, xylene or isopropanol; UV and EB inks with photoinitiators and acrylate monomers; cleaning solvents such as MEK, acetone and blanket washes; adhesives, varnishes and laminating compounds; and fountain solutions containing IPA or IPA substitutes. Each chemical has a distinct hazard profile, and solvent-based substances in particular require chemical-resistant, antistatic containment to prevent ignition from static discharge.
Recommended Spill Control Equipment
| Chemical Type | Recommended Absorbent | Containment Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Solvent-based inks | Chemical sorbent pads (grey) | Antistatic spill pallet or bunded cabinet |
| UV/EB inks | Chemical sorbent granules | Chemical-resistant IBC bund |
| Cleaning solvents | Chemical sorbent socks | Flammable goods storage cabinet |
| Water-based inks | Universal sorbent pads (white) | Standard spill pallet |
| Adhesives and varnishes | Chemical sorbent pads | Drip trays with high-lip edging |
Secondary Containment Requirements
Under PPG 26 guidance from the Environment Agency, all drum and IBC storage areas must have secondary containment capable of holding 110% of the largest container or 25% of the total stored volume — whichever is greater. For printing facilities storing large quantities of ink and solvent, this typically means bunded spill pallets, IBC bunds, or purpose-built bunded flooring systems.
Chemical Spill Kits for the Press Floor
COSHH regulations require employers to have adequate emergency response provisions in place. For printing environments, this means positioning chemical spill kits within 10 metres of storage and dispensing points. A correctly specified print-room spill kit should include chemical sorbent pads, socks for bunding floor drains, heavy-duty disposal bags, and nitrile gloves rated for the chemicals in use. Standard universal or oil-only kits are not suitable for solvent environments — always specify chemical (grey) spill kits.
Protecting Floor Drains
One of the most serious consequences of a solvent spill is contamination of the drainage network. Under the Water Resources Act 1991, polluting controlled waters — even accidentally — is a criminal offence carrying unlimited fines. Drain seals and modular drain covers should be installed at all floor drain locations in solvent storage and press areas. These deploy in seconds during a spill event to prevent run-off reaching surface water or the foul sewer.
COSHH Training and Documentation
Equipment alone is insufficient. Every employee who handles or works near hazardous chemicals must receive COSHH training covering spill response procedures. This must be documented, refreshed annually, and supplemented with practical drills. Ensure COSHH assessments reference the specific spill kits and containment equipment available on-site, and that all staff know their precise locations. In fast-moving print environments, embed spill response into standard operating procedures so it becomes routine rather than reactive.
Need expert advice? Call 01744 520 110