Flint Group, a leading supplier of inks and coatings for the global print and packaging industry, has expanded its resin production facility in Caronno, Italy – a site that has been in operation for over 30 years and produces more than 20,000 tonnes of resins annually. This strategic investment addresses the growing demand for nitrocellulose (NC)-free ink technologies in the flexible packaging sector.
This strategic upgrade significantly increases the company’s capacity to produce important resin intermediates for polyurethane (PU) and acrylic-based inks, strengthening Flint Group’s vertically integrated supply chain and securing access to essential raw materials.
The expansion supports enhanced availability of Flint Group’s PU-based VertixCode (flexographic) and MatrixCode (gravure) ink solutions. These product lines contribute to improved packaging recyclability by offering high chemical stability, ensuring compatibility with recycling processes, and helping converters meet the forthcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
Key outcomes of the expansion include a 30% increase in production capacity – reinforcing Flint Group’s position in the growing PU inks market – and improved molecular weight distribution through precise raw material and reagent dosing, ensuring consistent, high-performance products.
This investment comes at a critical time as global NC supply becomes increasingly constrained, primarily due to the reallocation of NC production toward military-grade materials, causing pressure across supply chains, significant price increases and uncertain availability. Flint Group’s proactive investment delivers customers a stable, sustainable alternative.
Gonzalo Alas Pumarino, Executive Vice President – Operations and Supply Chain, Europe, said: “Flint Group is committed to delivering market-leading PU solutions that align with the packaging industry’s evolving needs and its transition towards more sustainable and recyclable packaging solutions. Scaling up our NC-free resin production was a strategic investment for Flint Group to ensure our ability to provide a forward-looking alternative that mitigates dependence on nitrocellulose, ensuring greater long-term stability and sustainability for our customers. This investment underscores Flint Group’s dedication to innovation and environmental responsibility.”
To find out more about Flint Group’s flexible packaging printing solutions, click here.
