Alignment with the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR): Our commitment to high performance alternatives to Nitrocellulose-based inks
At Flint Group, we are committed to addressing next-generation challenges in printing sustainability. In response to recent legislative developments, we are pleased to address the latest updates to the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) formally approved by the European Parliament in December 2024.
Flint Group is committed to developing sustainable innovations. This focus includes polyurethane (PU)-based inks for flexographic and rotogravure printing, as well as water-based technology for film printing. Our aim is to help customers meet the stringent requirements of the PPWR.
Understanding the PPWR and its impact
Although recently adopted by the European Parliament, the PPWR obligations will apply on a gradual basis with the first obligations applicable from the 12th of August in 2026 . This regulation, which is now published in the Official Journal of the Union , revises the current packaging and packaging waste rules throughout the European Union (EU).
Historically, the main regulatory framework for packaging has been the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD), established in the 1990s and revised several times. In 2022, the European Commission proposed an overhaul of the PPWD, finding it insufficient to slow the rise in packaging waste. To combat this, the PPWR was introduced with greater ambition and impacts every part of the printing and packaging supply chain.
The PPWR will significantly change the design, consumption, and disposal of packaging across the EU, impacting all value chains and marking a substantial shift in the printing landscape.
The PPWR aims to reduce the environmental impact of packaging while standardising packaging rules across Europe, addressing the current inconsistencies and lack of cohesion. Its key objectives include:
- Preventing packaging waste generation
- Boosting high-quality recycling
- Creating uniform regulations on labelling, recycled content, and more
The challenge of NC-based Inks
Recent restrictions imposed by The Central Office for Packaging Recycling (ZVSR), also known as the “LUCID Packaging Register” in Germany classify packaging as ‘non-recyclable’ if it does not meet ZVSR’s current Minimum Standards. The LUCID Packaging Register sets these standards through the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system, requiring companies to register their packaging and pay fees based on the quantity and type of materials they place on the market. Companies need to comply with the set recycling targets to avoid penalties.
Studies have shown[1],[2] that NC-based (Nitrocellulose) printing inks interfere with the mechanical recycling of polyolefin structures. In response, RecyClass updated its Design for Recycling Guideline for coloured polyethylene and polypropylene (PE & PP) streams in January 2025, setting a limit of 0.8 wt% NC dry for surface and reverse printed packages. Additionally, Flint Group is closely monitoring CEFLEX’s upcoming agenda related to a set limit of Nitrocellulose within their guidelines.
Flint Group is proactively adapting to these changes by focusing on PU-based inks, which are likely to be classified as fully recyclable. PU-based technologies provide a high-performance alternative to NC-based inks, helping businesses across Europe prepare for the upcoming regulations and enhance recyclability.
Flint Group’s PU-based ink solutions
It’s vital that printers are able to adapt and change with evolving regulations, and we stand ready to help make it simple for our customers. We offer a comprehensive portfolio of NC-free inks for flexographic and rotogravure printing applications that are designed to meet the high standards of quality and sustainability required by the PPWR.
Please contact us today to discuss the PU-based inks best suited for your application info.packaginginks@flintgrp.com
Flint Group’s PU-based ink products provide optimised colour strength as well as excellent opacity for whites, ensuring consistent printing quality at high speed with excellent bond strengths. They perform superbly on various substrates with both solvent-based and solvent-free adhesives, making them ideal for a wide range of packaging structures.
In addition to the PU-based products that Flint Group currently offers, we are actively developing our range of flexographic and rotogravure NC-free printing inks to ensure that no matter how market needs change and develop, our customers are always prepared ahead of time. Our focus in this area aligns with our broader sustainability goals and our PRISM approach [https://www.flintgrp.com/sustainability/] to environmental and social governance (ESG).
Furthermore, to address requests from Flexible Packaging printers who may want to reduce solvent content and VOC emissions, Flint Group offers water-based technology under its OctaCode and TerraCode brand names, which are suitable for flexible packaging applications on film, foil and paper substrates. These products demonstrate high bond strength, consistent quality, and excellent speed and drying performance, making them suitable for surface printing, reverse printing for shrink sleeves, reverse printing and lamination, and full- and half-tone printing results.
While the PPWR recycling guidelines are still being developed and finalised, Flint Group is already paving the way for businesses to move forward with comprehensive NC-based alternatives to ensure our partners stay ahead of the curve.
Our proactive approach prioritises a smooth transition from NC-based to NC-free solutions, allowing businesses to adapt seamlessly without disrupting operations. Our team is dedicated to developing high-performance PU-based printing inks, while continuously enhancing NC-based systems. This ensures our customers benefit from NC-free solutions that meet emerging recycling standards, while maintaining the reliability of established NC-based technology solutions.
Flint Group continues to drive the future of flexible packaging and stay tuned for more key and important practical examples showing the progress already obtainable. With NC-Free Technology, support your strategy, embrace sustainability, and future-proof your flexible packaging requirements—all with minimal hassle.
Learn more about our range of PU-based inks and coatings.
[1] Flexo + Tiefdruck, Volume 2, 2023, pages 10-11
[2] Ceflex, Inks, varnishes and lacquers subgroup, pre-screening for mechanical recycling