After extensive testing with leading suppliers of inks, RecyClass approves a new generation of nitrocellulose (NC)-free inks for surface and reverse printing, which are fully compatible with the PE and PP flexible packaging recycling streams.
Most flexible packaging in Europe is currently surface-printed using nitrocellulose (NC)-based inks, which hinder plastic recycling processes. To identify more circular solutions, the RecyClass PO Films Technical Committee commissioned a test campaign in line with the Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for PE films. The testing targeted four different ink technologies based on new polyurethane (PU) chemistry and one acrylic-based ink technology.
The results demonstrated positive recyclability performance, with no negative impact on the quality of the resulting pellets or films. Unlike NC-based inks, the new PU and acrylic inks showed no signs of degradation in colour stability or volatile emissions during processing.
Additionally, an ink sample based on a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) binder was tested, yielding similar results. Based on these findings, both PU-based and PVB inks are considered fully compatible with the PE and PP flexible streams. The RecyClass Design for Recycling Guidelines will be updated accordingly.
RecyClass urges all industry stakeholders to adopt new ink technologies that have been tested and shown not to affect conventional recycling processes, while adhering to its design for recycling recommendation of limiting ink use to below 5%wt. This transition is essential for improving the quality of flexible packaging waste streams and strengthening the circularity of recycled PE and PP materials.