Siegwerk secures RecyClass approval for two NC-free inks

Siegwerk has secured RecyClass Technology Approval for its nitrocellulose (NC)-free flexo ink strategy UR 62 and gravure ink strategy UR 74.

In a statement, the German institution said that the support confirms that the 2 inks conscionable recyclability requirements for surface-printed PE and PP flexible packaging successful Europe.

It said the determination strengthens its “RethINK Packaging” strategy, which focuses connected closing method show gaps and advancing circular packaging solutions.

NC-based inks are commonly utilized successful flexo and gravure printing, offering improved printability, high-temperature resistance, speedy drying, and beardown adhesion to assorted substrates.

Despite these advantages, their constricted thermal stableness makes them a obstruction to high-quality mechanical recycling.

Furthermore, NC inks tin origin unpleasant odour, discolouration, and reduced recyclate prime during reprocessing.

With tightening Design for Recycling rules crossed Europe and globally, the institution highlighted that replacing nitrocellulose has go a captious measurement toward much recyclable flexible packaging.

Siegwerk has truthful systematically expanded its portfolio of NC-free ink solutions for flexible packaging. These alternatives enactment recyclable structures portion delivering the precocious printing and converting show demanded successful concern flexo and gravure applications.

Conventional PU-based lamination inks person already provided reliable NC-free options and are afloat recognised by RecyClass. Yet they are not suitable for aboveground printing, creating the request for caller NC-free aboveground systems to screen a wider scope of demanding applications.

Siegwerk bundles these solutions successful its NC-free toolbox, giving converters and marque owners a wide model for adopting NC-free printing crossed some aboveground and lamination uses.

For each its NC-free solutions, Siegwerk uses proprietary, self-developed polyurethane binders to regenerate nitrocellulose. The institution noted that these binders person proven fantabulous printability on with precocious vigor and mechanical resistance.

According to Siegwerk, the certification simplifies worldly selection, lowers risk, and helps accelerate the industry’s displacement to circular packaging.

The approvals were issued pursuing laboratory investigating nether RecyClass protocols and are accompanied by circumstantial usage conditions elaborate successful the authoritative support letters.

Siegwerk EMEA exertion flexible packaging caput Dr Björn Ewig said: “Our absorption has been to make NC-free alternatives that enactment reliably successful concern accumulation and conscionable recyclability requirements without compromising connected people oregon packaging performance.”