Siegwerk has secured RecyClass Technology Approval for its nitrocellulose (NC)-free flexo ink system UR 62 and gravure ink system UR 74.
In a statement, the German company said that the approval confirms that the two inks meet recyclability requirements for surface-printed PE and PP flexible packaging in Europe.
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It said the move strengthens its “RethINK Packaging” strategy, which focuses on closing technical performance gaps and advancing circular packaging solutions.
NC-based inks are commonly used in flexo and gravure printing, offering improved printability, high-temperature resistance, quick drying, and strong adhesion to various substrates.
Despite these advantages, their limited thermal stability makes them a barrier to high-quality mechanical recycling.
Furthermore, NC inks can cause unpleasant odour, discolouration, and reduced recyclate quality during reprocessing.
With tightening Design for Recycling rules across Europe and globally, the company highlighted that replacing nitrocellulose has become a critical step toward more recyclable flexible packaging.
Siegwerk has therefore systematically expanded its portfolio of NC-free ink solutions for flexible packaging. These alternatives support recyclable structures while delivering the high printing and converting performance demanded in industrial flexo and gravure applications.
Conventional PU-based lamination inks have already provided reliable NC-free options and are fully recognised by RecyClass. Yet they are not suitable for surface printing, creating the need for new NC-free surface systems to cover a wider range of demanding applications.
Siegwerk bundles these solutions in its NC-free toolbox, giving converters and brand owners a clear framework for adopting NC-free printing across both surface and lamination uses.
For all its NC-free solutions, Siegwerk uses proprietary, self-developed polyurethane binders to replace nitrocellulose. The company noted that these binders have proven excellent printability along with high heat and mechanical resistance.
According to Siegwerk, the certification simplifies material selection, lowers risk, and helps accelerate the industry’s shift to circular packaging.
The approvals were issued following laboratory testing under RecyClass protocols and are accompanied by specific usage conditions detailed in the official approval letters.
Siegwerk EMEA technology flexible packaging head Dr Björn Ewig said: “Our focus has been to develop NC-free alternatives that work reliably in industrial production and meet recyclability requirements without compromising on print or packaging performance.”
Last week, Siegwerk agreed to acquire Indian company Hi-Tech Inks, which makes flexographic and gravure printing inks.
