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As long ago as 1995 the Berufsgenossenschaft Druck und Papierverarbeitung ('Institution for statutory accident insurance and prevention in the printing and paper processing industry"; BG) responsible for the printing industry in Germany realized that a totally new approach to the control of chemicals was required if the industry and authorities were to respond positively to the challenges ahead. Environmental and health concerns had been growing, and many printers needed simple guidelines to help them achieve a healthier and safer working environment. So was born the 'Branch Initiative". The Branch Initiative is designed to promote the use of higher boiling point solvents by the substitution of low boiling point VOCs with safer alternatives. From its launch at DRUPA in 1995 the BGDP worked closely with the social partners in Germany to romote their new scheme and help develop new ways of working that were both safer and more cost effective. The success of the Branch Initiative drew widespread interest from suppliers, manufacturers and printers from around Germany and more widely in the European Union.
Over the same period, work was underway in the UK and in Europe to develop on an existing technology involving the use of inks cured by UV light. These, so called, "UV inks" have many advantages over conventional inks, not least that they are virtually solvent free. However, like many things in life there are also disadvantages associated with UV inks and early experience had been mixed, with some concerns being raised about health effects from early formulations including respiratory sensitization. Nevertheless existing guidance from the UK's Printing Industry Advisory Committee (PIAC) on UV inks and an industry based agreement on the elimination of the most reactive acrylates has resulted in a technology which was rapidly demonstrating that it can be used safely.
