How your ink supplier can support FCM compliance

With constantly evolving regulations around food contact materials (FCM) in labels and packaging, printers require a partner they can trust to help ensure compliance.

FCM regulatory compliance is a topic that printers cannot overlook. Product safety is paramount in the food industry, and while packaging plays a vital role in protecting food from damage or spoilage in the supply chain, using non-compliant inks or coatings can have serious consequences. From environmental conditions during storage and handling to the specific ingredients used in the food, many factors can increase the risk of printing ink or coating constituents transferring from the packaging to the contents leading to potential contamination. Such risks can impair the product’s aroma or flavor and, in severe cases, could harm consumer health.

Legislation has evolved to tackle this threat whereby packaging and labels destined for food contact applications must be designed to mitigate migration risk. Specific regulations on FCM vary worldwide, but most prohibit or restrict the use of certain substances for food contact applications. For example, in the EU, food packaging must be designed to avoid transferring substances that could endanger human health; bring about an unacceptable change in the composition of the food; or negatively affect the food’s sensory characteristics.

Moreover, specific countries have introduced their own measures. For instance, both Switzerland and Germany have unique legislation targeting substances that can be used in inks for food contact applications, with the German Ink Ordinance expected to take full effect within the next few years. This means that packaging for various markets faces different restrictions on what can and cannot be used.

Packaging producers are ultimately responsible for regulatory compliance, and proving adherence is essential for legal operation in these markets. Given the differences between local laws on FCM, the packaging industry may need different solutions for each market—or a one-size-fits-all solution that meets all requirements.

This complexity underlines the importance of working with an experienced partner like Flint Group. Leveraging decades of formulation expertise in ink and print consumables, Flint Group’s leading product range for FCM applications supports printers worldwide in navigating the complexity of regulatory compliance.

With high-performance, versatile formulations, products like EkoCure® ANCORA give printers peace of mind when producing safe, high-quality food packaging.

EkoCure ANCORA is specifically designed for flexible food packaging and label applications. As a  dual-curing ink, it can be cured using both UV Hg and UV LED lamps, offering printers the flexibility to transition to high-speed, energy-efficient curing at a pace that suits their circumstances. The ink complies with Swiss Ordinance list requirements for food packaging applications, EuPIA Exclusion Policy, EuPIA PI Suitability list, Plastics Directive Regulation 10/2011, Regulation EC 1935/2004 and Regulation EC 2023/2006 on GMP. Additionally, it is produced and stored separately to non-FCM products at Flint Group’s facilities, ensuring complete compliance with regulations, whatever they may be.

Alongside its extensive experience in formulating FCM-certified inks, Flint Group’s position in the global print and packaging industry grants it useful oversight of a broad range of markets and their relevant regulations. The company is a member of the UV FoodSafe consortium and a member of EuPIA, which produces a guideline for recommended raw materials for printing on sensitive product packaging, including food-safe products. Flint Group adheres to the EUPIA Exclusion Policy, which mandates avoiding carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction substances in its formulations.

With the complex FCM regulatory landscape, having an ink supplier with proven expertise and verified FCM-compliant products is essential. A partner like Flint Group, with strong expertise in FCM compliance, takes the stress out of regulatory requirements, supporting printers to reach full compliance.

To find out more about how Flint Group can help your business manage migration in food packaging and label applications, please contact info.narrowweb@flintgrp.com