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NC-free ink toolbox
Inks & Coatings
High-performing and recyclable flexible packaging solutions
The challenge
Nitrocellulose (NC) based inks are widely used in packaging due to their fast drying properties and vibrant finishes. However, they come with several challenges:
- Recycling Issues: NC-based inks can interfere with the recycling process, especially when used with polyolefin laminated structures. They can cause thermal instability during recycling, leading to discoloration and impaired quality of the recycled material.
- Regulatory Constraints: New regulations, such as those in Germany, classify packaging with NC-based inks as non-recyclable, which can lead to additional costs for businesses under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes
- Thermal Stability: NC-based inks have limited thermal stability, which can result in odor and weakened mechanical properties of recycled materials
The solution
The new offering combines new developments with Siegwerk’s proven 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.
NC-free inks offer several benefits over traditional nitrocellulose (NC) based inks:
- Certified Recyclability: NC-free inks are designed to improve the recyclability of packaging materials, particularly polyolefin-based packaging like polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP).
- Compliance with Regulations: These inks meet the latest recycling guidelines and regulations, such as those from RecyClass and CEFLEX, which are aimed at promoting a circular economy.
- Versatile Applications: NC-free inks are available for both lamination and surface printing applications, making them suitable for a wide range of packaging need
- High Performance: NC-free inks offer comparable performance to NC-based inks, including excellent printability, high heat resistance, and quick drying capabilities
These advancements make NC-free inks a more sustainable and efficient choice for packaging, aligning with the growing emphasis on environmental responsibility.
NC-Free Inks: Frequently Asked Questions
Discover answers to common questions about NC-free inks, including nitrocellulose-free printing technologies, packaging recyclability, Design for Recycling guidelines, regulatory developments, and high-performance
NC-free inks are printing inks that do not contain nitrocellulose (NC) as a binder. Instead, Siegwerk's NC-free solutions utilize proprietary polyurethane (PU)-based binder technology to deliver excellent print performance while supporting the recyclability of flexible packaging
The packaging industry is increasingly focusing on recyclability, circular economy requirements, and future regulatory compliance. While nitrocellulose-based inks have traditionally offered strong printing performance, they can create challenges during the recycling of polyolefin packaging and may negatively impact recyclate quality. NC-free alternatives help address these challenges while maintaining high packaging and printing performance
What are the benefits of Siegwerk's NC-free ink solutions?
Siegwerk's NC-free ink toolbox offers several key advantages:
- Improved recyclability of flexible packaging
- Excellent printability and print quality
- High mechanical resistance
- Strong heat-seal resistance
- High print process stability
- Solutions for both lamination and surface printing
- Availability for flexographic and gravure printing
- Compliance with current recycling guidelines
- Support for circular packaging design strategies
During the mechanical recycling of printed polyolefin packaging, nitrocellulose can contribute to odor formation, discoloration, and reduced mechanical properties of recyclates. By eliminating nitrocellulose, Siegwerk's NC-free inks help preserve recyclate quality and support packaging designs that align with Design for Recycling principles.
Are NC-free inks suitable for surface printing?
Yes. Siegwerk has developed NC-free surface printing solutions for flexible packaging that offer high heat resistance, strong rub resistance, excellent printability, and sealing performance without compromising packaging functionality.
Can NC-free inks be used for both flexographic and gravure printing?
Yes. Siegwerk's NC-free toolbox includes solutions for both flexographic and gravure printing applications, enabling converters to adopt recyclable packaging solutions across a broad range of production environments.
What makes Siegwerk's NC-free technology different?
Siegwerk's technology is based on proprietary, self-developed PU binders designed to replace nitrocellulose while maintaining high print quality, mechanical resistance, heat resistance, and recyclability. The company offers a comprehensive toolbox that covers surface and lamination applications across multiple printing technologies
Do NC-free inks compromise print performance?
No. Siegwerk developed its NC-free solutions to meet market expectations for print quality, print speed, machine performance, heat resistance, and packaging functionality. The goal is to enable recyclable packaging without sacrificing performance.
How do NC-free inks help support circular packaging goals?
NC-free inks contribute to a circular economy by enabling more recyclable flexible packaging structures and supporting Design for Recycling guidelines. They help brand owners and converters improve packaging sustainability while preparing for evolving market and regulatory requirements.
What packaging trends are driving interest in NC-free inks?
Three major trends are accelerating market demand:
- Increasing recyclability requirements
- Growing circular economy initiatives
- Regulatory developments affecting packaging design and end-of-life management
In addition, supply chain concerns related to nitrocellulose availability have increased interest in alternative technologies.