{"id":6022,"date":"2025-03-20T04:52:13","date_gmt":"2025-03-20T08:52:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=6022"},"modified":"2025-03-20T04:52:13","modified_gmt":"2025-03-20T08:52:13","slug":"flint-group-commits-to-nc-free-ink-for-flexible-packaging-recycling-in-europe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=6022","title":{"rendered":"Flint Group commits to NC-free ink for flexible packaging recycling in Europe"},"content":{"rendered":"


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The move is in alignment with the PPWR. Credit: Iaremenko Sergii via Shutterstock.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Flint Group, a supplier of inks and coatings for the print and packaging industry, has reaffirmed its commitment to developing nitrocellulose-free (NC-free) ink systems, aiming to enhance the recyclability of flexible packaging in Europe.<\/p>\n

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The move aligns with the EU\u2019s updated Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which mandates that all packaging must be 100% recyclable by 2030.<\/p>\n

The legislation also emphasises the need for seamless integration of all components of the packaging value chain with recycling infrastructure.<\/p>\n

Flint Group Europe flexible packaging product manager Stephen Butler said: \u201cWe already have market-proven PU [polyurethane]-based products delivering outstanding results for our customers. Our comprehensive portfolio of NC-free inks is successfully used in real production environments, producing consistent high-quality print at high speeds.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis proves that flexible packaging printers don\u2019t need to compromise performance for sustainability.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur focus remains on delivering sustainable, regulatory-compliant technologies that anticipate future needs as regulations continue to evolve. By switching to our proven PU-based inks, printers aren\u2019t just meeting compliance requirements \u2013 they\u2019re actively contributing to more effective and economically viable recycling systems.\u201d<\/p>\n

Flint Group recently explained how traditional NC-based inks may break down during mechanical recycling, possibly leading to the contamination of recycled materials.<\/p>\n

The company offers VertixCode (flexo) and MatrixCode (gravure) inks in PU-based, NC-free, and traditional NC formulations.<\/p>\n

These inks are suitable for surface, reverse, and lamination printing, delivering strong colours and high-opacity whites for flexible packaging.<\/p>\n

Flint Group technology and product management vice-president Paul Winstanley said: \u201cThe recycling infrastructure represents a significant investment that must function efficiently to achieve the circularity goals of initiatives such as PPWR, and whilst NC-based printing inks are recyclable, NC-free solutions offer improved compatibility with the mechanical recycling process.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cAdditionally, under PPWR, producers \u2013 including packaging printers \u2013 are subject to extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes, which impose fees based on how easily their packaging materials can be recycled.<\/p>\n

\u201cTherefore, the ink industry is proactively developing new solutions to improve the ability to recycle packaging materials.\u201d<\/p>\n

Earlier this month, Flint Group opened a distribution hub<\/a> in Montreal, Qu\u00e9bec, to better serve its label and narrow web customers in Canada.<\/p>\n

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