Friday, October 31, 2025
Industry NewsSiegwerk introduces NC-free toolbox for high-performance, recyclable flexible packaging

Siegwerk introduces NC-free toolbox for high-performance, recyclable flexible packaging

-

Siegwerk introduces NC-free toolbox for high-performance, recyclable flexible packaging

-

Siegwerk, one of the leading global providers of printing inks and coatings for packaging applications and labels, has launched an NC-free toolbox bundling all its nitrocellulose (NC) free ink solutions for flexible packaging applications. The new offering combines new developments with Siegwerk’s NC-free ink portfolio and includes solutions for lamination as well as surface applications in gravure and flexo printing. The toolbox is designed to enable customers and brand owners – initially in the EMEA region – to realize recyclable flexible packaging across the full range of application segments.

“Focused on further improving packaging recyclability in the sense of a Circular Economy, the packaging regulatory landscape is continuously evolving, particularly in the European Union. In this context, packaging structures with NC-based inks are getting increasingly under pressure,” explains Dr. Björn Ewig, head of technology flexible packaging EMEA at Siegwerk. Although inks based on nitrocellulose offer many advantages such as high resistance, fast drying and excellent adhesion, which has made them a common solution in packaging printing for a long time, they can also significantly hinder the material recycling process. For example, they can cause unpleasant odors and discoloration, leading to a lower mechanical strength of the recyclates and thus to a reduced film quality.

Consequently, an increasing number of stakeholders along the value chain, such as RecyClass or the German minimum standard, have already adapted their regulations for polyolefin packaging structures, further restricting the use of NC content in packaging. “Here, our NC-free toolbox comes into play. The new set of ink series in the toolbox is a milestone in the development of NC replacement. They are based on a new generation of polyurethane (PU) resins that, for example, give them much better surface resistance. This enables our customers to realize NC-free flexible packaging that is not only recyclable but also offers comparable high packaging performance in lamination and surface applications,” adds Ewig.

As one of the leading ink experts worldwide, Siegwerk has been offering NC-free inks for a long time. The newly introduced toolbox for flexible packaging is now bundling its latest generations of NC-free inks, especially for the realization of recyclable polyolefin packaging. The toolbox offers customers the full range of color, white, and overprint varnishes for both lamination and surface applications in gravure and flexo printing. All the solutions are fully compliant with current recycling guidelines and are available as either ready-to-use ink or masterbatch system. “With our toolbox, customers can now easily find the right NC-free solution they need to realize recyclable PE and PP structures but without compromising on packaging or process performance,” says Dr. Hanns Martin Kaiser, vice president flexible packaging EMEA at Siegwerk.

Major enabler for the new NC-free toolbox is the company’s proprietary PU resin technology used as replacement for nitrocellulose. “The in-house development of a binder substitute that, on the one hand, enables high performances of our NC-free solutions and, on the other hand, supports a safe and easy recycling, once again proves the inventiveness and technology know-how of our ink experts,” says Kaiser. The company is continuously working on further optimizing its formulations towards recyclability to proactively support its customers in developing pioneering sustainable packaging solutions in the sense of a Circular Economy. Introducing the NC-free toolbox for flexible packaging is just another step to meet the demand for circular packaging designs that ensure an excellent recyclate outcome and comply with the latest Design for Recycling guidelines.

NewsDesk
NewsDesk
The editorial team of The Packman who handle all the press releases with Sunil Jain working as the desk editor.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Latest news

Brilliant Polymers wins two awards at IFCA Star Awards 2025

Brilliant Polymers, a leading manufacturer of high-performance laminating adhesives for flexible packaging, has secured a double win at the...

Chemical recycling – the road ahead for circular polymers

As the world grapples with the mounting challenge of plastic waste, the recycling landscape is undergoing a transformation. While...

Heidelberg taking prepress automation to next level

Heidelberg is committed to the goal of fully automating the print production value chain so that printing becomes an...

Fotograbados Longo enhances its prepress capabilities with Flexcel NX

Sebastian Longo, owner and managing director of leading Argentinian trade shop Fotograbados Longo, has a distinctive definition of quality....
- Advertisement -spot_img

Inkmaker recognized at official opening of DIC’S new ink manufacturing facility

The Inkmaker team in Pakistan was honoured recently at the official inauguration of DIC’s state-of-the-art ink manufacturing plant, a...

Government of India Press prints with Komori presses

Operated under the Directorate of Printing, which is controlled by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, Government of...

Must read

Sun Chemical to acquire Flint’s gravure ink business

Sun Chemical intends to acquire Flint Group’s European publication...

BillerudKorsnäs’ innovative solution helps Oatly cut packaging carbon footprint by half

In partnership with BillerudKorsnäs, Oatly has implemented an innovative...

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you