Flex Printing Declared Green Category Under Pollution Control Board Guidelines

Thiruvananthapuram | 14 May 2025
📰 Arnon Media – OOH & Signage Live News

In a major relief to the signage and printing industry, the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has officially classified digital flex printing units under the Green Category, provided they use government-approved materials and meet specific conditions.

As per Circular No. KSPCB/258/2025-SEE-1, dated 14/05/2025, digital printing units that do not generate wastewaterand use flex, vinyl, or PVC for printing are now recognised as Green if they operate with more than five machines.

Importantly, units with five or fewer machines are exempted from needing consent from the Pollution Control Board.

📌 Key Highlights from the Circular:

✅ Digital printing on flex/vinyl/PVC (with more than 5 machines) = Green Category
✅ Units with 5 or fewer machines = No consent required
✅ Only applicable if no wastewater generation is involved
✅ Printing on government-approved materials is recognised as compliant

📷 Visuals:

One image shows a large-scale flex printing machine in operation
Another shows the highlighted section of the official circular confirming this new categorisation

🎯 Industry Impact:
This move streamlines permissions for sign board manufacturers, advertising agencies, and digital printers across Kerala. It promotes ease of doing business while ensuring eco-compliance.

🔍 For units printing other than digital (e.g., newspapers, magazines, gravure printing), the categorisation remains in the Orange Category.