BIS finally published the long awaited revision of the Indian standard IS 15945 in July 2020. The major highlight of the revised standard IS 15495:2020 (First Revision) is the inclusion of toluene in the negative list or Annexure A. Additionally, the addition of titanium acetylacetonate, di-n-butylphthalate (DBP), di-isononyl phthalate (DINP); some modifications in the segment of responsibility of ink manufacturers are few other changes that are included in the newly revised standard.

The Indian Standard was first published in 2004. This standard was formulated with a view to assist the manufacturers of printing inks to produce inks, which are intended for use on food packages and which do not contain any hazardous chemicals that may get transferred to the food packed, and help food packers and manufacturers of packages in selecting proper quality printing ink. General guidelines for exclusion of certain substances from printing ink formulations intended for use on food packages have also been prescribed in this standard.

The committee responsible for development of the standard has reviewed the standard in view of overall impact of constituent chemicals of the ink formulation considering their reported toxicological profile, hazardous to environment and health of human being and possible contamination of food product while food products are being packed in the printing packages.

The committee, therefore, decided to revise this standard by incorporating prohibition of toluene under ‘solvents’ category, phthalates (di-n-butylphthalate, di-isononyl phthalate) under ‘plasticizers’ category and titanium acetylacetonate under ‘various compounds’ category in Annex-A of exclusion list on the basis of their hazards to health and environment. Provision also incorporated in the revised version to restrict limit of the sum of concentration levels of lead, cadmium, mercury and chromium (VI) to 100 ppm for printing inks. Also, technical advancements that have taken place since the publication of this standard have been considered in this revision.

“The Yansefu team enthusiastically welcomes IS 15495:2020 (First Revision) and the bold decision of implementing a ban on the use of toluene in the printing inks by BIS. The ban on toluene in food packaging inks is a revolutionary decision which will not only promote and strengthen the food safety in India, but has also provided an impetus to manufacturers present in the industry, particularly printing ink formulators to design innovative solutions which would be eventually safe for the consumers of end application. Yansefu is and will always be in the support of BIS to strengthen the food safety in India,” says JK Sharma, CEO, Yansefu Inks & Coatings.

Sharma adds, “Yansefu is ready with safe and compliant toluene-free (TF) / non-toluene (NT) range of products. Yansefu has not only supported BIS to revise the standard, as an one-point solution provider, but also creates a difference by providing its helping hands to its customers, in order to make a smooth transition from toluene-based to toluene-free printing, with the help of its technical team experienced with inks, coatings, adhesives, packaging films and raw materials. Further, Yansefu can support other ink manufactures in terms of providing its wide range of polyurethane binders and additive packages for manufacturing toluene-free inks.”

Ashish Pradhan, president, Siegwerk India and Greater China, says, “The BIS announcement to ban toluene in food packaging inks is a landmark development. The steps taken by BIS towards promoting food safety are very commendable and progressive. We welcome this move. India will now join the list of countries that do not use toluene in food packaging inks. Siegwerk has banned the use of toluene across global operations, including India a few years ago. This self-regulation is in line with Siegwerk’ s commitment to be a responsible corporate citizen.”

Pradhan adds, “Siegwerk has made significant investments in its process and machinery to change to toluene-free production ensuring zero cross contamination from toluene based products. This also means our products are already meeting the toluene ban regulations and customers will benefit as they do not have to experience any down time, that could have otherwise resulted due to adjustments in the process/ upgrading of technology, to meet the regulatory requirements. Siegwerk has always been on forefront of packaging safety and hence offers inks which are free not only from toluene but also ketones. Siegwerk inks are formulated to be non-toluene and non-ketone (NTNK).”