Inks & coatings

The critical role of cryogenic labels in modern science

Adyasha Sinha — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 09:52:35 +0000

Market trends 12 December 2025

The critical role of cryogenic labels in modern science

Find out how cryogenic labels are preserving the precious data in an environment where temperatures drop as low as -196 deg C.

In the quiet, climate-controlled heart of a modern laboratory, a small vial holds the potential for a cure, a new diagnostic tool or a lifeline for a patient. Within a biobank, millions of such vials are stored, each containing a unique and irreplaceable biological sample. These samples are preserved at the most extreme of temperatures, often in the vapor phase of liquid nitrogen at a chilling -196 deg C. At this frontier of scientific preservation, the integrity of a tiny, unassuming component is non-negotiable: the cryogenic label. Cryogenic labels are highly engineered products that must withstand conditions that would cause a standard sticker to crack, peel or fade into illegibility within minutes.

The failure of a cryogenic label is not a mere inconvenience. It can lead to the misidentification or loss of a sample, compromising years of research, invalidating a clinical trial, or jeopardizing patient safety. As the fields of personalized medicine, cell and gene therapy and biobanking expand at an exponential rate, the cryogenic label has transformed from a simple accessory into a foundational component of the scientific and medical cold chain.

The growth of the cryo market

The demand for reliable cryogenic labels is a direct reflection of the surging industries they support. According to a market analysis by Grand View Research, the global cryogenic label market was valued at 1.12 billion USD in 2024 and is projected to reach 2.15 billion USD by 2034, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.64 percent. This growth is not uniform but driven by specific, high-stakes applications.

As Paavo Sillanpää, senior manager at UPM Adhesive Materials, notes: ‘The cryogenic label market has enjoyed a healthy growth rate in recent years due to an increase in the number of biobanks, advances in research for biological drugs, cell therapies, genomics and regenerative medicine.’

Paavo Sillanpää, senior manager, ecosystem pharma and healthcare, EMEIA, UPM Adhesive Materials

Other industry experts echo this sentiment. Gabriela Gregor, senior marketing manager, pharma and specialty, Avery Dennison, shares: ‘We have seen an increased number of requests for labels used for cryogenic applications over the past years. It started during Covid-19 as the delivery of vaccines required low temperatures. Since then, the ultra-low temperature products have been steadily rising due to the advancement in biologic and genetic therapeutics.’

The science behind cryogenic labels

When selecting a cryogenic label, several key features are paramount to ensuring long-term success.

It goes without saying that labels must be certified to perform reliably at the full range of cryogenic temperatures, from -20 deg C (standard freezer), to -80 deg C (ultra-low temperature freezer), to the ultimate challenge of -196 deg C (liquid nitrogen).

“The primary challenge is achieving sufficient adhesion level at such a low temperature. A crucial aspect of this is the wide temperature range a label must endure."

The labels must also be able to withstand exposure to common laboratory solvents without smudging or peeling. What makes a label capable of surviving a liquid nitrogen bath? It is a complex, engineered system where every component is chosen for its ability to function under extreme duress. This is often achieved through a combination of the right facestock, a robust thermal transfer ribbon, cryogenic adhesives and a protective topcoat.

Adhesion at sub-zero temperatures

The adhesive is arguably the most critical component. A standard adhesive loses its tackiness and becomes rigid below its glass transition temperature. In this temperature range, a polymer-based adhesive undergoes a transition from a hard, brittle, glassy state to a soft, flexible, rubbery state or vice versa. It can’t conform to the shrinking surface of a vial, causing it to peel or delaminate. Cryogenic adhesives are formulated to remain flexible and functional at extremely low temperatures. Most cryogenic adhesives are specialized acrylics formulated for this purpose.

A key challenge is the difference in thermal contraction between the label material and the surface to which it’s applied, such as a polypropylene vial. The label and the vial will shrink at different rates, creating immense stress on the adhesive bond. A properly engineered cryogenic adhesive possesses a specific degree of flexibility that allows it to accommodate this movement without peeling or losing its grip.

As Gregor of Avery Dennison points out: ‘The primary challenge is achieving sufficient adhesion level at such a low temperature. A crucial aspect of this is the wide temperature range a label must endure, from application at room temperature to storage at -196 deg C, and in some cases, cryogenic cycles and thawing in a water bath at body temperature.’

For Soichiro (Sushi) Fujinaga, technical manager at Lintec, the chemistry behind these adhesives is proprietary information and a closely guarded secret. However, he states: ‘The performance hinges on a specialized formulation that allows the adhesive to accommodate the thermal expansion and contraction differences between the label and the container.’

The unbreakable facestock

In cryogenic applications, the facestock is far from a simple piece of paper. The material must be able to endure extreme cold without becoming brittle, cracking or losing its ability to hold ink. It must also resist chemical solvents, abrasion and moisture, all of which are common in a laboratory setting.

Avery Dennison sample

Standard paper and vinyl face stocks are generally not recommended for use in cryogenic applications. Paper, being porous, absorbs moisture, which then freezes and can cause the label to delaminate. Vinyl becomes brittle and loses its flexibility in low temperatures. This has led label manufacturers to adopt a range of specialized synthetic fi lms that offer superior performance.

Polyester is the most common material for cryogenic label face stocks due to its exceptional dimensional stability, thermal resistance and durability. It is a strong, rigid film that resists temperature-induced shrinkage and maintains its mechanical strength even at -196 deg C. Polyester’s chemical resistance makes it ideal for environments where labels may be exposed to harsh solvents like ethanol, isopropanol or xylene. It is also highly compatible with thermal transfer printing, which is standard for creating durable, smudge-proof labels. Gregor indicates that polyester films are ‘rigid and less conformable than polyethylene, making it ideal for flat and semi-rigid surfaces where labels must remain secure for years.’

Polyolefin films, such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE), are primarily chosen for their conformability and flexibility. This is particularly important for small-diameter vials and tubes, as a flexible face stock can more easily wrap around a curved surface without flagging or peeling at the edges. Gregor further notes that ‘although PP and PE have better resistance to freezing and thawing, they may not be as reliable as polyester for long-term storage or the most extreme cryogenic conditions.’

While less discussed, the liner is essential for protecting the adhesive before application. A good liner ensures the adhesive remains pristine and ready to form a secure bond with the substrate.

Printing best practices

The most advanced label is useless if the information printed on it is unreadable. This has made thermal transfer printing among the most suitable techniques for cryogenic labels.

This method uses a heated printhead to melt a solid resin-based ribbon onto the face stock. ‘At UPM, we always recommend using a resin ribbon with our cryogenic label materials. Resin ribbons are designed to withstand extreme cold and chemical exposure,’ shares Sillanpää. ‘The resulting print is exceptionally durable and resistant to common lab solvents and abrasion.’

While TTR is dominant, other technologies are also used. Fujinaga mentions: ‘We also sell desktop laser printable and water-based inkjet versions for cryogenic labels.’

Gregor from Avery Dennison notes that ‘each technology has trade-offs; for instance, direct thermal printers do not use a ribbon, which can be an advantage if you want to ensure no personal information is left on a ribbon that needs to be securely disposed of.’

Even with the best materials, an improperly applied label will fail. Material manufacturers emphasize that a label requires ‘a clean surface with sufficient pressure and dwell time to adhere properly.’

Sillanpää notes that they ‘always recommend attaching labels in room temperature, if possible.’

Gregor echoes the same sentiment, stating: ‘We primarily print at room temperature and ensure long enough dwell time in order to let the adhesive bond with the substrate before cryogenic storage.’

“Each technology has trade-offs.”

The consensus among experts is that applying a label to a frozen, frosted, or wet vial is a major risk factor for failure. Brien Christopherson, vice president, research and development at Brady Corporation, a Milwaukee, US-based manufacturer of labels, signs, safety devices, printing systems and software, notes: ‘The biggest mistake we see is when customers try to apply our labels to vials that have already been frozen. It’s a natural instinct, but it’s crucial that the adhesive has a chance to form a strong initial bond before the temperature plummets.’

Trying to apply a standard label to a frosted vial will result in immediate and catastrophic failure, as moisture and temperature differences prevent any bond from forming. However, some specialized adhesives do exist. As Sillanpää notes: ‘Specialized cryo adhesives also allow labeling in sub-zero temperatures.’ For containers with small diameters, Gregor recommends an ‘overlap for test tubes in order to prevent label lifting.’

The crucial applications

The demand for high-performance cryogenic labels is inextricably linked to the rapid advancements in the medical and scientific fields. In these environments, every sample is a potential source of a cure, a vital piece of evidence or a key to understanding a disease.

FreezerBondz ultra-thin cryogenic polyester labels from Brady Corporation

In the medical field, cryogenic labels are widely used in biobanking. The global biobanking market is projected to reach over 182 billion USD by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 8.16 percent. Biobanks are vast repositories that store millions of biological samples such as blood, plasma, tissue and DNA for future research. The National Institute of Health in the US notes that in a large-scale biobank with millions of samples, one cannot afford a single mix-up. The entire value of a biobank is in its ability to retrieve and identify a sample decades later. The label is the most important part of that chain of custody.

The integrity of these labels is fundamental to the long-term viability of personalized medicine, which relies on accessing patient-specific biological data. Cryogenic labels are also used in clinical diagnostics, where patient samples need to be labeled with absolute precision to ensure accurate test results. The need for a label that can withstand rapid freezing and thawing cycles and resist common lab chemicals is non-negotiable for patient safety and diagnostic reliability.

Another area of application is in cell and gene therapy. The global cell and gene therapy market is projected to reach 117.46 billion USD by 2034, and each of these treatments requires meticulous labeling to ensure the right patient receives the right therapy.

Corinna Endres, product manager, drug protection at Schreiner MediPharm, states: ‘Due to the rise in novel therapies such as cell and gene, mRNA, etc, there has been a growing demand regarding cryogenic labels.’ These therapies, such as CAR-T cell therapy, use a patient’s own living cells. These precious, one-of-a-kind samples are frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen during transport and processing. A labeling error could have devastating consequences, rendering the therapy unusable or, in a worst-case scenario, leading to a patient receiving the wrong treatment. The label here is not just an identifier; it is a direct safeguard of the patient’s life.

Other than the medical arena, cryogenic labels play a major role in genomics and proteomics. Research labs that perform high-throughput screening may process thousands of samples a day. Automation and robotics are critical, and they depend on scannable barcodes on labels that are reliable and will not fail. The failure of a single label can disrupt an entire research workflow, leading to costly delays and the potential loss of irreproducible data.

Drug discovery is also an area where cryo labels are gaining popularity. Pharmaceutical companies rely on cryogenic storage to preserve vast libraries of chemical compounds and reagents. The ability to accurately track and retrieve specific compounds is essential to the lengthy and expensive process of discovering new drugs.

No room for error

The critical nature of cryogenic labels becomes painfully clear when they fail. A patient sample mix-up or loss can have catastrophic consequences, as documented by organizations like the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and the Center for Phlebotomy Education. These agencies conclude that mislabeled specimens are a frequent problem, resulting in serious consequences, including the need for additional treatment or temporary or permanent harm to the patient.

The cost of these errors is staggering. The College of American Pathologists (CAP) estimates that a single mislabeled specimen costs an institution about 712 USD. For a large hospital, the cost of mislabeling can exceed one million USD per year.

The challenges of the cold chain are not static, and neither are the solutions. The market is constantly evolving to meet new demands.

Gregor highlights the growing need for tamper-evident labels for secondary packaging, such as cardboard boxes and plastic storage boxes. This adds another layer of security to the cold chain, ensuring samples have not been compromised during transport or storage. Fujinaga, too, notes: ‘There’s the constant need to develop new products to match our customers’ requirements as clinical technologies like syringes and test tubes evolve.’

The ultimate goal for many in the industry is automated tracking. The integration of RFID or NFC chips into cryogenic labels would allow for the simultaneous scanning of entire racks of samples without ever needing to open a freezer.

‘RFID/NFC have already been integrated into cryogenic labels for tracking, but there are significant challenges with extremely low temperature ranges and reliable functionality of the integrated chip,’ comments Endres. ‘The thermal shock can cause stress on the chip and wire bonds, leading to failure. However, many companies are actively working to overcome these hurdles. We, at Schreiner MediPharm, have advanced test capabilities to verify that RFID readability is possible even at minus 80 deg C.’

“The biggest mistake we see is when customers try to apply our labels to vials that have already been frozen. It's a natural instinct.”

RFID cryogenic labels are engineered to withstand extreme conditions, remaining scannable even when submerged in liquid nitrogen at -196 deg C. These labels, provided by manufacturers such as US-based AssetPulse, feature a flexible UHF inlay and permanent adhesive securely identifying vials and tubes in long-term cryogenic storage. Unlike traditional barcodes, passive RFID labels can be read without direct line-of-sight, reducing the need for freeze–thaw cycles that risk sample integrity. This consistent and reliable tracking minimizes errors, while also supporting strict regulatory compliance in sensitive environments such as hospitals, where RFID is used to access the right sample for life-saving procedures.

Similarly, Identiv and InPlay are co-developing a portfolio of BLE-enabled smart labels for high-value logistics, including cold-chain, pharmaceuticals and food. Powered by InPlay’s ultra-lowpower IN100 NanoBeacon SoC, the labels provide real-time tracking, visibility, and condition monitoring (temperature, humidity, motion). With extended read ranges, smartphone compatibility, and built-in AES-EAX encryption, the labels are designed for secure, scalable use in specialized environments such as cryogenic logistics. Commercial launch for these labels is planned for late 2025.

Cryogenic labels are no longer just for vials. Schreiner MediPharm has developed a Freeze-Light-Protect label to address the challenge of light-sensitive drugs. This innovative solution combines cryogenic durability with multi-level UV and light protection. This is critical for biologics and other sensitive substances stored in transparent containers, where maintaining drug efficacy is just as important as maintaining sample identification.

Freeze light protect cryogenic labels from Schreiner MediPharm

Small label with a monumental impact

Cryogenic labels are a hidden but indispensable part of modern science and medicine. They are not mass-produced commodity items but highly specialized, engineered solutions designed to function under the most punishing conditions imaginable. From the microscopic scale of a single cryovial to the massive scale of a national biobank, these labels are the silent guardians of integrity, ensuring that a sample collected today can be reliably identified and used a decade from now.

The market for these labels is thriving, fueled by unprecedented growth in fields that rely on the preservation of biological materials. As cell therapies become more patient-centric and personalized medicine moves into the mainstream, the need for reliable, secure, and smart labeling will only increase.

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Adyasha Sinha

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Sun Chemical releases sustainability report

Piotr Wnuk — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 22:56:50 +0000

Sun Chemical has released its fifteenth annual Sustainability Report, detailing progress toward advancing circular product innovation and industry collaboration.

The report outlines Sun Chemical's ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve net carbon neutrality by 2050. The company has reached 86 percent of the way toward its 2030 target. Sun Chemical's 'five Rs' framework of Reuse, Reduce, Renew, Recycle and Redesign guides sustainable innovation across its global operations, products and partnerships.

'This year's report showcases the tangible outcomes of our sustainability strategy, from breakthrough low-carbon products to new partnerships that support our customers' environmental goals,' commented Michael Simoni, director of global sustainability at Sun Chemical. 'Our commitment to transparent sustainability progress ensures we continue to deliver meaningful results.'

The 2025 report highlights several achievements, including breakthrough product innovations such as a negative Product Carbon Footprint biorenewable black pigment and recycle-ready inks, coatings and adhesives. Sun Chemical also demonstrated continued leadership in supplier sustainability through strong performance in the EcoVadis scoring system.

The company has expanded circular partnerships to advance closed-loop packaging systems and collaboration with value chain partners to accelerate the transition to a circular economy. The report emphasizes executive commitment to transparency through data-driven reporting and measurable outcomes in sustainability performance.

Sun Chemical has achieved operational efficiencies including reductions in energy use, waste generation and water consumption across its global manufacturing network. The company continues to invest in renewable energy projects and certification programs.

'Our progress reflects a company-wide effort to innovate how we formulate, produce and deliver our products,' added Daniel Grell, vice president of environmental, health and safety at Sun Chemical. 'Through collaboration and innovation, we're building the foundation for a circular, low-carbon future that benefits both our customers and the planet.'

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Flint Group publishes whitepaper on food packaging regulations

Will Drysdale — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 14:11:26 +0000

Flint Group, a supplier of inks and coatings for the global print and packaging industry, has launched a new whitepaper to guide printers through changing food packaging regulations.

Released in response to strong interest following the launch of Flint Group's Flexocure Leap ink system, Managing Changing Food Packaging Regulations with Advanced Ink Technology offers valuable insight into evolving regulatory landscapes. The paper provides guidance on how new legislation is impacting food packaging safety.

The whitepaper outlines the critical role of ink and coating selection in minimizing migration risk. It highlights the unique, future-proof performance of Flexocure Leap in designing safer, standout food packaging. With the incoming German Printing Ink Ordinance (GIO), the whitepaper arrives at a crucial time for the packaging industry.

Developed to answer these upcoming challenges, Flexocure Leap is engineered with a revolutionary resin system that stabilizes photo initiator compounds and reduces the risk of migration. Its chemistry simplifies migration testing, delivering measurable efficiency while ensuring the highest safety standards.

Pierre Dogliani, technical director of Narrow Web Europe, said: 'Flexocure Leap is an entirely new technology, unlike anything else in the industry. Thanks to its breakthrough formulation, this UV Hg curing technology meets and exceeds emerging regulations for food-safe packaging and labeling.

'Both this product and our new whitepaper demonstrate Flint Group's ongoing commitment to supporting our customers as they prepare for the future and achieve safe, compliant, high-quality packaging.'

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Fujifilm wins RadTech award

Piotr Wnuk — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 22:25:19 +0000

Fujifilm has been awarded the RadTech Europe Innovation Award 2025 for its Aquafuze technology.

The award was presented during the RadTech Europe Conference & Exhibition 2025 in Warsaw, within the plenary session of the RTE Conference, which brought together the entire value chain of UV/EB energy curing technologies, from raw material suppliers to brand owners, under one roof.

Aquafuze was recognized for its innovative chemistry and its ability to merge the strengths of water-based and UV-curable inkjet systems. The technology introduces a unique UV-curable emulsion that achieves high image quality, strong adhesion, reliable performance and enhanced sustainability, all while curing at low temperatures with LED UV lamps. Following a decade of R&D, Aquafuze allows ink to adhere effectively without primers, maintaining stability over extended periods while producing low-odor, non-hazardous prints.

The RadTech Europe Innovation Award highlights companies that are redefining what is possible with energy-curing technologies. This latest achievement further reinforces Fujifilm's dedication to advancing sustainable inkjet offerings and addressing the evolving requirements of the print industry.

'Aquafuze represents a new category of wide format inkjet technology. By rethinking ink formulation from the ground up, we've created a product that responds directly to what print service providers have been asking for. It offers durability, flexibility, sustainability and safety without compromise. Winning the RadTech Europe Innovation Award is a significant recognition for our team and a strong validation of the work we have done to push the boundaries of inkjet chemistry. It demonstrates that Aquafuze is not only a technical breakthrough, but a meaningful step forward for the future of sustainable, high-performance print,' commented Shota Suzuki, lead developer of Aquafuze.

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Flint Group confirms compositional GIO compliance

Akanksha Meena — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 11:01:00 +0000

Flint Group has confirmed its compliance with the compositional requirements for the German Printing Ink Ordinance (GIO) for inks and coatings designed for food contact materials.

The portfolio includes inks and coatings for flexible packaging, paper and board, narrow web, and sheetfed packaging applications that meet the compositional requirements of the 21st Ordinance amending the Consumer Goods Ordinance (known as the GIO). This position reinforces the company's proactive commitment to providing compliant, high‑performance inks and coatings ahead of the regulation's full implementation on 1 January 2026.

Paul Winstanley, vice president, technology and product management at Flint Group, said: ‘Our mission has always been to stay ahead of regulatory developments rather than simply respond to them. Our chemists and regulatory teams have collaborated closely to review and confirm that our inks and coatings comply with the most rigorous packaging safety standards. We want our customers to feel assured that, as new regulations - such as the GIO - come into effect, Flint Group will continue to design products that keep food packaging materials unrestricted by the use of our inks and coatings. Just as important, we are committed to maintaining our ability to support ongoing packaging development and innovation while fully complying with the requirements of the new GIO legislation.’

The GIO will mandate specific compliance requirements for printing inks used on food contact materials. It covers all food contact material applications: inks applied on the food contact side, inks not intended to be in food contact but foreseeable coming in direct food contact, as well as inks printed on the non-food contact side (surface print and in the middle of laminates). The GIO takes full effect on January 1, 2026.

Flint Group's GIO compositionally compliant products apply to the following European-manufactured inks and coatings, designed for printing on the non-food contact side of food-contact materials, labels, and packaging.

Its solvent-based ONECode flexographic and rotogravure inks and coatings Its water-based AquaCode series of inks and coatings Its flexographic UV Hg and UV LED-curable inks and coatings, covering Flexocure Ancora and EkoCure Ancora ranges, as well as the company's latest innovation, Flexocure LEAP Its Novasens PRIME series of vegetable oil-based sheetfed packaging process inks, bases and speciality inks, as well as Novaset water-based coatings Its dedicated coatings that are specifically designed for direct food contact applications

Heiner Klokkers, CEO packaging inks Europe at Flint Group, said: ‘The GIO regulation represents an important step for the packaging industry, and Flint Group is proud to be at the forefront of compliance. Our customers rely on us to help them navigate complex regulatory landscapes, and this achievement underlines our industry leadership and reinforces the trust that converters and brand owners place in our inks. GIO compliance across packaging segments is a clear signal of our readiness for the future.’

Flint Group advises that, in accordance with EU and GIO regulations, the organization placing the food contact material on the market should assess the final package suitable for the intended use. Also, whilst the raw materials used in Flint Group’s FCM products meet the compositional requirements of the GIO, certain packaging structures may still require additional migration testing.

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The GIO, coming into effect from January 1, 2026, will mandate specific compliance requirements for printing inks used on food contact materials.

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EuPIA publishes Swiss ordinance guidance

Piotr Wnuk — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 23:23:46 +0000

EuPIA has published guidance on the Swiss Ink Ordinance and declaration of conformity requirements, clarifying the role of Statement of Composition documents in the packaging supply chain.

Since 2017 the Swiss Ordinance (Ordinance on Materials and Articles in contact with Food SR 817.023.21) has set standards for printed food packaging materials in Switzerland. With the revision from December 2023, Swiss authorities implemented major changes including the requirement for a declaration of conformity. In line with the provisions of the EU food contact legislation and the relevant guidance documents of the Council of Europe, each actor in the value chain has to provide the information needed by the next actor for compliance work.

For printing inks, EuPIA members already provide what is called a Statement of Composition. This SoC lists those substances with the potential to migrate along with the applicable migration limits and the amount of that substance in the ink or coating, providing all the information the converter needs.

'Our SoC also mirrors what has been agreed within the Packaging Ink Joint Industry Task Force, an industry forum created by all stakeholders involved, and what is written in their Guidance on Information and Transparency,' explained Christof Walter, EuPIA's food contact manager.

Under the revised Swiss Ordinance, the SoC remains the relevant tool to pass the adequate information from the ink manufacturer to the converter. An SoC prepared according to the recommendations and standards of EuPIA provides all information that has to be communicated for the stage of the ink production as set out in Annex 15 of the SIO and becomes an 'ink DoC'. The converter then needs to issue a 'converter DoC' by including additional parameters like surface-to-volume ratio, film weight and substrate.

This information is part of the overall risk assessment of the final article and can only be provided by the converter as the ink manufacturer might not know about all end applications for the ink.

EuPIA and VSLF have issued additional guidance to provide further clarity on this and other questions.

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EuPIA publishes Swiss ordinance guidance

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Wacker opens silane technology center

Piotr Wnuk — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 21:23:55 +0000

Wacker and Chinese specialty silane producer and joint-venture partner SICO Performance Material have opened a new application development center for organofunctional silanes in Jining, China.

The approximately 2,300 sqm facility features several laboratories where high-performance additives for the plastics, coatings and adhesives industries will be developed. The technology center acts as an interface between research, technical support and production. SICO's production and scale-up resources, which are likewise located in Jining, can be fully leveraged for development work. The technology center enables the rapid market launch of new products. Investments in the Wacker SICO Application Development Center facility total a mid-six-figure euro sum.

'As a provider of innovative silicone specialties, we can use this development center to achieve a key milestone for our business in China. Our focus is on high-margin specialty silanes, for which demand in China is rising continuously. This investment together with our partner SICO strengthens our presence and commitment to the region,' stated Tom Koini, president of Wacker's silicones business division.

Wacker and SICO Performance Materials have decades of experience in organofunctional silanes. They are used as adhesion promoters for the production of high-performance adhesives, sealants and coatings, as binders for composite materials or as additives to enhance plastics. Because specialty silanes improve the mechanical and chemical properties of products, demand for such hybrid polymers has been rising for many years.

'The opening of our Application Development Center in Jining enables us to strengthen our position as a specialties manufacturer in China. In partnership with SICO, we can now support customers even better in the development and marketing of innovative products,' Koini added.

Kevin Qu, general manager of SICO Performance Material, praised the new laboratories as an investment in the future and the cornerstone of a new era of cooperation between Wacker and SICO.

'We can now pool all of our silane expertise here at our application development center. This know-how ranges from chemical product properties and supply chain matters through to questions of process engineering and current marketing trends. We will leverage this in-depth knowledge to develop forward-looking innovations for our customers. This marks a new chapter of success in the history of our joint venture,' Qu commented.

The application development center is located in Jining, not far from SICO Performance Material's own production site. The center's focus is on the development of additives, adhesion promoters and stabilizers based on organofunctional silanes and functional silicone fluids. Such specialty silanes make it possible to formulate high-quality adhesives and sealants, coatings and plastic products, which in turn are used in sectors such as electromobility, electronics, power engineering, telecommunications and coatings.

Wacker has held a majority stake in SICO Performance Material since 2022.

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Flint Group cuts emissions by third

Piotr Wnuk — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 22:45:21 +0000

Flint Group has cut greenhouse gas emissions by 34 percent against its 2019 baseline, according to its 2024 Sustainability Report covering the period from January 1 to December 31, 2024.

The supplier of inks, coatings, and service offerings for the global packaging and print industry has achieved a 31 percent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, marking progress towards its 2030 target of a 46.2 percent reduction. The company achieved a 24 percent reduction in total electricity consumption versus its 2022 benchmark, with 23 percent now coming from renewable sources, while water consumption is 24 percent lower than in 2022.

The report details gains against Flint Group's Prism framework, which is centered on Product, Planet and People. In 2024, the company received a Gold Rating from EcoVadis and approval of its greenhouse gas reduction targets from the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). Flint Group also achieved a B rating for Climate Change and Water Security and an A- for Supplier Engagement in the CDP indices.

'Our 2024 Sustainability Report highlights Flint Group's unwavering commitment to a more responsible future - not just for ourselves, but for our customers and communities as well,' stated Pepyn Dinandt, CEO of Flint Group. 'Through our PRISM framework, we're delivering measurable impact that supports circularity, drives transparency and contributes to a healthier planet.'

The company launched ink and coating developments tailored for narrow web, flexible packaging, paper, board and sheetfed offset applications. Flint Group's 360°ServiceCode platform helped customers save over 650 tons of CO2 emissions in 2024.

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EuPIA publishes updated GMP

Piotr Wnuk — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 23:49:29 +0000

The European Printing Ink Association (EuPIA) has published the fifth version of its Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guideline for inks, varnishes and coatings designed for food contact materials.

Two expert groups focused on chemical and operational management have completely reworked and updated the guideline, which has set standards for controlling food safety hazards in the design and manufacture of food contact material inks since 2009.

The updated GMP assists manufacturers in complying with European legislation for materials intended to come into contact with food, including Framework Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 and GMP Regulation (EC) No 2023/2006.

'It has been quite a journey as many aspects needed to be verified, but thanks to our members' experts and their strong support, we are proud to have an up-to-date GMP that not only aligns it to the governing ISO standard but sets a milestone for an entire industry,' commented Christof Walter, EuPIA food contact manager.

Major changes include modification of the EuPIA GMP structure to align with ISO9001:2015, expanded geographical scope to recognize global implementation by member companies, and definition of a competent person, including training requirements.

The guideline now includes references to relevant EuPIA documents such as migration guidelines, photoinitiator suitability list and risk assessment for non-intentionally added substances. It also provides clarification on the raw material composition and non-intentionally added substances that raw materials may reasonably be expected to contain.

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3 weeks 2 days ago

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EuPIA publishes updated GMP

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The fifth version of guidance sets new standards for food contact material inks.

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The fifth version of guidance sets new standards for food contact material inks.

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Europe

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Flint Group to spotlight sustainable technology at Labelexpo Asia

Selah Zighelboim — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 14:37:52 +0000

Flint Group, together with its digital business Xeikon, will spotlight technologies supporting more sustainable label printing at Labelexpo Asia 2025, where they will showcase their portfolio of inks, coatings and digital technology at booth E4-Q7.

As label converters across Asia accelerate their transition to more efficient, sustainable production, Flint Group will highlight technology designed to help narrow web printers meet evolving brand and regulatory expectations. Among these are the EkoCure dual-curing range, which enables converters to achieve the flexibility, energy and cost savings of UV LED curing without sacrificing press productivity or print quality, and the Evolution De-inking Primer and Varnish, which enable better recyclability of printed materials.

The company will also showcase inks for FCM (food contact materials), including the Flexocure Ancora range, and the recently launched Flexocure Leap, which advances safe and compliant printing of food packaging.

Xeikon will present its digital label technology at Labelexpo Asia, driving automated workflows and converting options designed for short runs, variable data and rapid turnaround. By offering both toner and inkjet platforms for labels, Xeikon enables converters to address a wide range of end-use applications, from self-adhesive to heat-transfer, wet-glue to in-mold.

Visitors at the stand will be able to view production samples and speak directly with application experts, gaining insight into how Xeikon supports the complete value chain, including equipment, software, consumables and service.

Lina Gu, general manager China and Southeast Asia at Flint Group, said: 'Labelexpo Asia is a foundational event for our industry, offering printers a close look at the innovations driving label and narrow web printing forward. This year’s event will continue with that tradition. As one of the most trusted names in the label and narrow web field, Flint Group continues to deliver proven, trusted technologies that help customers achieve outstanding quality while meeting changing market demands.

'We are delighted to be exhibiting at Labelexpo Asia 2025 and look forward to demonstrating the strength of our end-to-end approach, combining inks, coatings and deep technical knowledge to enable smarter, more sustainable production.'

Posted date

3 weeks 3 days ago

Short title

Flint Group to spotlight sustainable technology at Labelexpo Asia

Short summary

Flint Group and Xeikon will showcase their portfolio of inks, coatings and digital technology.

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Flint Group and Xeikon will showcase their portfolio of inks, coatings and digital technology.

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Asia-Pacific

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