{"id":12472,"date":"2026-03-30T06:37:02","date_gmt":"2026-03-30T10:37:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=12472"},"modified":"2026-03-30T06:37:02","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T10:37:02","slug":"siegwerk-secures-recyclass-approval-for-two-nc-free-inks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=12472","title":{"rendered":"Siegwerk secures RecyClass approval for two NC-free inks"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Siegwerk said it has systematically expanded its portfolio of NC-free ink solutions for flexible packaging. Credit: Siegwerk. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Siegwerk has secured RecyClass Technology Approval for its nitrocellulose (NC)-free flexo ink system UR 62 and gravure ink system UR 74.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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It said the move strengthens its \u201cRethINK Packaging\u201d strategy, which focuses on closing technical performance gaps and advancing circular packaging solutions.<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Despite these advantages, their limited thermal stability makes them a barrier to high-quality mechanical recycling.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Furthermore, NC inks can cause unpleasant odour, discolouration, and reduced recyclate quality during reprocessing.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

According to Siegwerk, the certification simplifies material selection, lowers risk, and helps accelerate the industry\u2019s shift to circular packaging.<\/p>\n

The approvals were issued following laboratory testing under RecyClass protocols and are accompanied by specific usage conditions detailed in the official approval letters.<\/p>\n

Siegwerk EMEA technology flexible packaging head Dr Bj\u00f6rn Ewig said: \u201cOur 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Last week, Siegwerk agreed to acquire<\/a> Indian company Hi-Tech Inks, which makes flexographic and gravure printing inks.<\/p>\n

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