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Exhaust air purification in film and paper finishing – reliably eliminate VOCs, solvents, and odors

Solvent-based adhesives, varnishes, paints, and primers are frequently used in the industrial finishing of films, paper, and cardboard. Laminating, coating, and printing processes generate VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that are harmful to health, have a strong odor, and are sometimes explosive.

Typical processes such as laminating, printing, varnishing, drying, or embossed film lamination result in high volumes of exhaust air—often with varying levels of pollution and diffuse emissions. Oxytec supplies customized exhaust air purification systems that can be seamlessly integrated into your facilities—reliable, low-maintenance, and compliant with regulations.

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Typical VOC sources in film and paper finishing

Process Typical VOCs / emissions Special features
Lamination (solvent-based) Ethyl acetate, toluene, cyclohexane High exhaust air volumes due to evaporation during heat input
Print finishing (flexo, gravure) Isopropanol, glycol ether, MEK VOC emissions from inks, cleaners, dampening solutions
Embossing foil lamination VOCs, paraffins, solvent residues Thermal emissions during hot stamping processes
Dryer and tunnel exhaust air VOC mixtures, additives if applicable Temperature peaks, some of which are explosive (ATEX)
Cleaning processes Acetone, ethanol, IPA Short-term high peak loads, e.g., during color changes

Why is exhaust air purification so important in finishing?

VOCs such as ethyl acetate or MEK are harmful to health and have a strong odor.

Many solvents are highly flammable – ATEX risk.

VOCs contribute to ozone formation and environmental pollution.

Strict requirements apply under TA Luft, the VOC Directive, and 31. BImSchV.

Without exhaust air purification, there is a risk of licensing problems and complaints from residents.

With Oxytec, you get a stable solution that is tailored to your processes – with low maintenance and high availability.

Legal requirements & approvals

  • TA Luft 2021: VOC limits & reduction obligations
  • 31st BImSchV (VOC Regulation): Emission reduction plans from 2 t VOC use per year
  • VOC Directive (2010/75/EU): Obligation to treat or substitute exhaust air
  • ATEX requirements for flammable vapors from solvents

We support you in obtaining approval, planning measurements, and providing evidence to authorities.

Get advice now – for emission-proof finishing lines

Would you like to operate your laminating or printing equipment in compliance with legal requirements, avoid VOCs, and protect your employees?

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Oxytec technologies for exhaust air purification

UV ozone systems

Decompose VOCs through photochemical oxidation – ideal for medium concentrations and continuous exhaust air.

Advantages:

  • No thermal energy consumption
  • Compact design, can be retrofitted
  • Odor reduction including germicidal action

activated carbon filter

Adsorbs residual VOCs – particularly efficient with fluctuating pollution levels or as a safety measure after UV treatment.

Advantages:

  • Proven technology
  • Modular integration into exhaust air ducts
  • Can also be easily integrated as a retrofit

KAT Industry

Activated carbon filter as a storage reactor for air post-treatment

Scrubbers or electrostatic precipitators

For special cases with particularly high loads or condensing exhaust air – project-specific design possible.

Clean Washer Air

Counterflow scrubber for removing odors and particles

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Packaging industry: laminated films, bags, blister packs

Label and paper finishing: hot foil, spot varnish, structural embossing

Print finishing: varnishing, drying, UV coating

Cardboard production: laminating, laminating, glue application

Technical films: e.g., membranes, decorative substrates, protective films

Advantages of Oxytec systems

  • Effective against VOCs, odors, germs, and additives
  • Energy-efficient, low-maintenance, and scalable
  • Can be integrated into existing systems
  • Quick retrofitting or system modernization
  • Support with expert reports, authorities, and subsidy applications

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

How do Oxytec systems handle fluctuating VOC concentrations during job changes?

Our systems are designed for variable loads – the combination of UV ozone and activated carbon systems in particular can:

  • buffer peak loads during ink or adhesive changes,
  • switch between laminated and unlaminated materials,
  • and also capture diffuse emissions from cleaning or production downtime.

How can different exhaust air sources (e.g., printing, laminating, coating) be cleaned centrally?

We can combine multiple sources via a central duct system with differentiated pre-extraction.
In doing so, we pay attention to:

  • Humidity and temperature compatibility of the air flows
  • Possible ATEX hazards due to mixing of VOCs
  • Separate air flow in case of incompatibility
    The solution can be cleaned centrally or divided into multi-stage zones.

What needs to be considered with regard to ATEX requirements in paper processing?

Many solvents such as ethyl acetate or MEK are highly flammable. Our systems meet the following requirements where necessary:

  • ATEX-compliant design of system components
  • Grounding and discharge of electrostatic charges
  • Sensors for monitoring explosion limits (LEL)
    We support you with zone classification and technical documentation for your risk assessment.

How can I document and monitor the operation of the exhaust air purification system?

All systems can be equipped with sensors, data logging, and control technology interfaces (e.g., Modbus, OPC UA).
This allows you to:

  • Record operating times and air volumes
  • Monitor filter changes or malfunctions
  • Create reports that comply with official requirements, e.g., for TA Luft (Technical Instructions on Air Quality Control)
    We also offer optional remote access or automated fault notifications.

What happens if paper dust or fibers get into the exhaust air system?

Paper dust or fiber residues can clog filters or UV tubes. That is why we offer:

  • Pre-separators or dust filter stages upstream of the UV system
  • Customized maintenance cycles for high mechanical loads
  • If required: robust industrial design that is easy to clean

Are the systems designed for continuous operation in a 3-shift system?

Yes—all Oxytec systems are designed for continuous operation and can work reliably even under high running times with short downtimes.
The components are industrial-grade, low-maintenance, and are tailored to your production times.

Can I retrofit our existing laminating lines or dryers?

Yes – our systems are compact, modular, and retrofittable. They can be:

  • be connected directly to the dryer exhaust air
  • be integrated into existing exhaust air ducts
  • be set up outside as a container solution
    We plan the integration individually according to your process layout.

What funding opportunities are available?

Funding opportunities exist for:

  • Investments in air pollution control and emission reduction
  • Retrofitting existing plants to increase energy efficiency
  • VOC reduction as part of environmental or innovation programs
    We provide support with subsidy reviews and applications.

How is effectiveness demonstrated to authorities?

We provide the following on request:

  • VOC measurement reports in accordance with VDI 3880 / 3881
  • Air volume and operating data recording
  • Interfaces to control technology & plant control
    This allows you to reliably document all requirements according to TA Luft, 31. BImSchV, and the VOC Directive.