BLOG TOPIC: Flint Group inks support printers to comply with Germany’s nitrocellulose restrictions

The new restrictions on nitrocellulose (NC) based inks introduced in Germany may leave some printers asking how they can ensure their packaging is still recyclable. As a result, ink choices are becoming more critical for businesses committed to circularity.

In June 2023, Germany’s Central Office for Packaging Recycling (ZVSR) published a new minimum standard against which packaging recyclability will be assessed. Among other measures, this change means that NC-based inks are now classed as non-recyclable when used with polyolefin laminated structures.

The new measures were introduced in response to research showing how NC-based inks can interfere with recycling processes when used with certain materials, specifically those with polyolefin composite structures. High temperatures can affect NC inks, which can cause thermal instability during the extrusion stage of mechanical recycling, which may lead to the recycled material being discoloured or otherwise impaired, rendering it unsuitable for reuse.

While the change to the minimum standard by the ZVSR does not prohibit using NC-based inks, it does mean that any packaging using NC inks cannot be recycled, and businesses involved may face additional charges as part of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

Both external studies and Flint Group’s research show that inks using polyurethane (PU) as a binder do not suffer from the same problems as NC-based solutions during recycling. As a result, at Flint Group, we recommend both flexographic and rotogravure printers consider switching to our NC-free solutions.

Both the VertixCode (Flexo) and MatrixCode (Gravure) ink series are PU-based and provide optimised colour strength and opacity, ensuring consistent print quality at high print speeds. Both series are available as ready-to-use or with Flint Group’s ‘universal base concept’, with Whites also offered in both ranges.