Follmann joins FIA UK as Diamond Partner

Follmann has become a Diamond Partner of the Flexographic Industry Association UK, marking the next phase of the German water-based ink specialist's UK growth strategy as flexible packaging converters face pressure to reduce VOC emissions and assess alternatives to nitrocellulose-based ink systems.

Headquartered in Minden, Germany, Follmann develops water-based printing inks, coatings and adhesives for packaging applications and has focused on water-based chemistry since the mid-1990s. Through the FIA UK partnership, the company will collaborate with UK flexible packaging manufacturers evaluating water-based polyurethane ink systems as NC alternatives.

The announcement follows the Next Generation Sustainable Flexo Symposium held in May in Minden and Herford, Germany, attended by more than 120 industry professionals. A live press demonstration at Allstein used Follmann inks to print multiple recyclable and mono-material flexible packaging structures, completing five print jobs within two hours using automated press equipment.

'Many converters are now reviewing alternatives to nitrocellulose, but we believe the discussion should go beyond simply replacing one solvent-based system with another,' said André Altevogt, sales director of packaging solutions at Follmann. 'High-performance water-based PU inks are already commercially viable for many flexible packaging applications.'

'Joining FIA UK as a Diamond Partner marks an important milestone in our commitment to the flexographic sector and strengthens our ability to engage with packaging converters across the UK,' added Jacky Hoarau, regional sales manager at Follmann.

Follmann has joined FIA UK as a Diamond Partner, bringing more than 40 years of water-based ink expertise to UK flexible packaging converters reviewing NC alternatives. A recent live demonstration at Allstein GmbH showed five print jobs completed in two hours on recyclable and mono-material structures using water-based PU inks.