Siegwerk Launches First NC-Free Inks for Surface Printing on PE and PP Packaging
Siegwerk has introduced the first nitrocellulose (NC)-free ink series designed for surface printing on polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) packaging. This innovation includes NC-free solutions for both flexo and gravure printing, created to meet the latest packaging design guidelines from organizations like RecyClass and CEFLEX, aligning with the push for a circular economy in packaging design.
These NC-free inks are part of Siegwerk's new toolbox for flexible packaging, which also includes lamination inks. The company's goal is to enable printers and converters to meet the growing demand for NC-free packaging solutions that ensure recyclate quality while maintaining high performance.
Nitrocellulose inks have been widely used for their printability, heat resistance, and adhesion, but they pose a challenge for recycling due to their limited thermal stability, which can lead to poor recyclate quality. Siegwerk's new solutions replace NC with proprietary polyurethane binders, maintaining high print and mechanical performance while being fully recyclable.
The new inks are compliant with current recycling standards and are available as ready-to-use inks or masterbatch systems. This innovation solidifies Siegwerk's commitment to sustainable packaging solutions and the circular economy.