BAT for Printing, Varnishing and Adhesive Coating in Germany: Study Contributing to the Revision of the Best Available Techniques Reference Document for Surface Treatment Using Organic Solvents (BREF STS) (FKZ 33714 43 312/ 5)
Background
Based on the Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU), the European Commission has scheduled the start of an information exchange in 2015 on best available techniques for printing and coating processes. The EU Directive and the information exchange aim at the establishment of a harmonized basis for industrial permits. Information collected will serve as the basis for the revision of the BAT Reference Document on "Surface Treatment Using Organic Solvents" (printing, adhesive coating, coating of wood, metal, plastic and others); its first version was published by the European Commision in 2007.
BAT Reference Documents (BREFs) determine European-wide standards for integrated pollution prevention and control as well as sustainable production. They attract also worldwide attention. BREFs include "BAT Conclusions" as a result of the European information exchange. BAT conclusions comprise best available techniques (BAT) and emission levels achieved with these techniques. Latest four years after the publication of the conclusions, existing industrial installations need to comply with the European-wide harmonized emission levels. In this way, affected industries achieve a high level of environmental protection by the use of economically viable techniques.
The German Federal Environment Agency (UBA) is the National Focal Point for the discussion about best available techniques (BAT). Before the start of the information exchange of the European Commission, the UBA created a national expert group with representatives of the federal states. Additionally, since April 2014, the UBA organizes regular meetings of a national advisory group, consisting of additional experts from authorities, industry and research institutes.
Aim and expected results
In the project, Ökopol researches and documents information for the UBA from four reference plants. The main focus is on the description of techniques and related emission data.
Compiled information is translated by Ökopol into English language for subsequent availability to the European Technical Working Group.
The aim of the project is a documentation of the high level of environmental standards achieved in Germany as a contribution to a high level of environmental protection in all EU Member States.
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