Recycling Thermal Transfer Ribbons

 

Thermal transfer ribbons can be disposed of in a landfill like most other trash, but with 85% of label industry waste being sent to landfills each year, DNP recommends recycling instead.

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

Organizations like Convergen Energy and Pellet America convert non-recyclables like substrates and TTR into fuel pellets that can be used as alternative energy. Many paper, printing, converting, and label companies and DNP partners utilize these services. 

Feedstocks, which are largely polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, nylon, paper and adhesives from labels, are sampled and tested prior to approval for use. Accepted materials include:

  • Plastics
  • Coated papers
  • Obsolete films
  • Waxed corrugates
  • Construction paper
  • Pressure sensitive/matrix/stickers

The resulting pellets are burned in a boiler to produce steam which powers a turbine to generate electricity.

Convergen Energy Feedstock

Why use fuel pellets?

  • Fuel pellets are cleaner
  • Fuel pellets are more cost-effective.
  • Fuel pellets significantly reduce air emissions.
  • Fuel pellets are classified as non-waste fuel by the EPA.

These pellets are replacing coal, gas, and other fossil fuels at universities, paper mills, prisons, power plants and utility companies. 

Convergen Energy Pellets

DNP understands that sometimes complete destruction is necessary in order to maintain confidentiality or to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Due to the thin film used in TTR production, mechanical methods, such as shredding, are difficult and may generate a lot of dust. Incineration is an option, however, this method typically requires disposal as a special waste and is significantly more costly than landfilling. Thermal transfer ribbons are not toxic or hazardous, and any emissions from incineration would be normal byproducts of combustion and trace materials.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for DNP's thermal transfer ribbon formulations can be found on each Products page.

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