November 28, 2025 12:40

RecyClass, the European certification scheme for recyclability and recycled plastic content, has approved a new generation of nitrocellulose (NC)-free inks for both surface and reverse printing, compatible with polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) flexible packaging recycling streams.

Recyclability approval followed a series of tests conducted in collaboration with leading ink suppliers, involving four new-generation polyurethane (PU)-based formulations and one acrylic-based formulation.

According to RecyClass, the results showed positive recyclability performance, with no adverse effects on the quality of the resulting pellets or films.

Unlike nitrocellulose-based inks—currently the most widely used in flexible packaging—the new PU and acrylic formulations evaluated by the RecyClass PO Films Technical Committee showed no signs of color instability or volatile emissions during reprocessing.

A sample using a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) binder was also tested and delivered comparable results. Based on this evidence, both PU- and PVB-based inks have been deemed fully compatible with PE and PP flexible packaging recycling streams.

The RecyClass Design for Recycling Guidelines will be updated to reflect these innovations. The organization encourages industry players to adopt these new ink technologies and recommends limiting ink usage to below 5% of total packaging weight, in line with its guidelines.

© Polimerica -  Reproduction prohibited, all rights reserved