Flint Group inks earn RecyClass approval

Flint Group has received RecyClass Technology Approval for three of its nitrocellulose-free ink technologies designed for flexible packaging, confirming their compatibility with established European recycling streams for colored, flexible PE.

The approved products, VertixCode Star SC WB1U, MatrixCode Star SC WBU5 and MatrixCode Print WBU8, are developed for flexographic and gravure printing on flexible packaging substrates. The inks deliver enhanced chemical stability at the high temperatures encountered during mechanical recycling, supporting higher-quality recyclate and reducing waste throughout the recycling process.

Testing was commissioned by the RecyClass PO Films Technical Committee in-line with the Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for PE films, with assessments covering extrusion, odor, discolouration and the mechanical performance of films produced from recycled materials.

'With the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, printers and converters must ensure that their packaging components align with today's recycling infrastructure and circular economy targets,' said Eddy Arbogast, senior director flexible packaging R&D and technology at Flint Group. 'Achieving RecyClass Approval for our flexible packaging products means our customers can meet that requirement with a verified, NC-free ink technology that makes recycling simpler and enables them to deliver circular-ready packaging to market with confidence.'

The approval provides converters and brand owners with independent assurance of recyclability, with no negative impact on the quality of resulting pellets or films.