Print consumable company, Flint Group, has announced a commitment to nitrocellulose-free (NC-free) ink systems for flexible packaging in Europe. The move is in response to the European Union’s updated Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

The PPWR, which sets out requirements for all packaging to be fully recyclable by 2030, places an emphasis on the compatibility of packaging materials with the existing recycling infrastructure. Ink systems play a critical role in determining how well materials perform in the recycling process.

Flint Group’s NC-free initiative focuses on polyurethane (PU)-based chemistries that are more stable at high temperatures. This chemical stability helps avoid the degradation issues associated with conventional NC-based inks during mechanical recycling, which can compromise the quality of recovered materials.

Paul Winstanley, vice president of technology and product management at Flint Group, said the move to NC-free alternatives aligns with the broader push for circularity in packaging. Mr Winstanley added: “NC-free solutions offer improved compatibility with the mechanical recycling process.  Additionally, under PPWR, producers – including packaging printers – are subject to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, which impose fees based on how easily their packaging materials can be recycled. Therefore, the ink industry is proactively developing new solutions to improve the ability to recycle packaging materials.

Stephen Butler, European product manager for flexible packaging at Flint Group, added that the company already offers a comprehensive range of PU-based inks that are well-established in the market. Mr Butler continued: “Our comprehensive portfolio of NC-free inks is successfully used in real production environments, producing consistent high-quality print at high speeds. This proves that flexible packaging printers don’t need to compromise performance for sustainability. Our focus remains on delivering sustainable, regulatory-compliant technologies that anticipate future needs as regulations continue to evolve.”