Sustainability Scorecard
Substance list clarifications
Mineral oil (>C15)
Mineral oil is commonly used in the formulation of printing inks. It serves various purposes, including acting as a carrier solvent for pigments and resins, improving ink flow, providing lubrication, and enhancing print quality. Mineral oil can help the ink spread evenly on the printing surface and aids in the transfer of ink from the printing plate or cylinder to the substrate, such as paper or cardboard, but only substances in the printing inks with a chain length from C10 to C20 can be used. In addition, the following high molecular weight compounds without solvent properties may be used if they have a carbon number of more than 35 and a proportion of C20 to C35 not more than 5%: microcrystalline waxes, vaseline, polyolefin, paraffin, or Fischer-Tropsch waxes.
2. The constituent components in the printing inks must contain less than 1 weight percent aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) from mineral oil until now. The content of MOAH in the printing inks should be not more than 0.1 % from 01. 01. 2025 In addition, the specific limit of the PAH as regulated by EU Regulation No. 1272/2013 applies.
It's important to note that the specific formulation of printing inks can vary depending on the printing process and application. Different types of inks, such as those used in offset printing, flexography, gravure printing, or inkjet printing, may have different ingredients and compositions.
Photoinitiators
Photoinitiators are substances that initiate a chemical reaction when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. In the case of UV-curable inks, photoinitiators are added to the ink formulation to facilitate the rapid crosslinking of the ink (=results in drying). When the printed ink is exposed to UV light, the photoinitiators absorb the energy and initiate a polymerization reaction, causing the ink to solidify or cure almost instantaneously.
The use of photoinitiators in UV-curable inks in combination with the right kind of monomers offers several advantages, including fast curing times, improved adhesion to substrates, and the ability to print on a wide range of materials. However, it's important to note that not all printing inks use photoinitiators (only the ones cured by UV light). Traditional solvent-based or water-based inks do not typically require photoinitiators for curing, they only need drying. The typical concentration of photoinitiators in liquid inks is higher than 10 % with a lot of migration potential. One exception is the durable toner which has less than 1 % of photoinitiator on board!
Reactive monomers
In UV-curable ink formulations, reactive monomers are combined with photoinitiators and other additives. When exposed to UV light, the photoinitiators initiate a polymerization reaction, causing the reactive monomers to react with each other and partially crosslink and form a solid polymer network. This rapid curing process enables the ink to dry almost instantly.
The choice of reactive monomers can vary depending on the specific application and desired ink properties. Commonly used reactive monomers in UV-curable inks include acrylates and methacrylates, such as trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) and VEEA ( 2- (2-Vinyloxyethoxy)ethyl acrylate). These monomers provide desirable properties such as adhesion, flexibility, hardness, and chemical resistance to the cured ink film.
Organic PFAS
PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that have been widely used in various industrial and consumer products due to their unique properties, including oil and water repellency, heat resistance, and chemical stability. However, there has been growing concern about the environmental persistence and potential health risks associated with some PFAS compounds.
The printing industry, along with regulatory bodies and organizations, has been working to reduce and eliminate the use of PFAS compounds in printing inks to enhance their environmental sustainability. Many ink manufacturers have implemented strict quality control measures to minimize the presence of PFAS compounds and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. Long lists of thousands of organic PFAS molecules have been made that are used as a kind of blacklist. Important not to use organic molecules in ink materials to reduce their spreading into the environment. Controlled use of fluoropolymers in parts of the engines with controlled collection and recycling is less of an issue
Tin
Tin compounds, particularly organotin compounds, have been used in the past as additives in certain types of printing inks or resins. These compounds were primarily employed as catalysts or stabilizers to enhance the ink's performance, such as improving adhesion or preventing microbial growth.
However, it's important to note that the use of certain organotin compounds has raised environmental and health concerns. Certain organotin compounds have been found to be toxic, hormone-mimicking, persistent in the environment, and capable of bioaccumulation. As a result, regulatory restrictions have been implemented in many regions to limit or ban the use of specific organotin compounds in printing inks and other consumer products. The most preferred option is to become completely Sn-free so that the metal is totally not present in the ink formulation.
BPA
some ink components, such as resins or other additives, may have been derived from materials that could potentially contain trace amounts of BPA. However, ink manufacturers are aware of the concerns surrounding BPA and strive to use alternative materials and ingredients that meet regulatory requirements and prioritize consumer safety. There was a big concern about BPA migrating towards foodstuff and therefore some countries or organisations opt for a complete ban (even if doesn’t migrate at all)
Latex
Natural latex can be present in certain types of printing inks. Synthetic latex inks are water-based and formulated using a dispersion of synthetic polymer particles in water. These inks are commonly used in various printing applications, such as flexography, gravure, and screen printing.
Latex inks offer several advantages, including low odor, low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, and the ability to adhere well to various substrates. They are often used for printing on paper, cardboard, fabric, and other porous materials.
Natural latex free is important because a lot of people show allergic reactions towards natural latex coming from rubber plants.
Plasticizer
In the context of printing inks, plasticizers are often added to make the polymers used in their ink more elastic at lower temperatures and improve their ability to adhere to different surfaces. Plasticizers can help prevent the ink from cracking or flaking off once it dries, ensuring that it remains flexible and adheres well to the substrate.
The specific types and amounts of plasticizers used in printing vary depending on the printing method, the desired characteristics of the printed material, and the substrate being printed on.
There’s growing concern over the use of certain plasticizers, particularly phthalates, due to their potential health and environmental and hormone-mimicking effects. As a result, there has been an increasing trend towards using alternative non-phthalate-based plasticizers or reducing their usage in printing inks and other applications.
Formaldehyde
Some additives or resins used in printing inks or related processes may release formaldehyde as a byproduct or upon drying. For example, certain binders or resins used in coatings or adhesives may contain formaldehyde-based compounds that can release it during drying or curing processes.
However, the use of such materials would typically be subject to specific regulations and safety precautions due to the potential health risks associated with formaldehyde exposure.
(candidate) SVHC
SVHC stands for Substances of Very High Concern, and it refers to a list of chemicals that are identified in the European Union as severely hazardous to human health or the environment.
Regulations such as the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) in the European Union impose restrictions on the use of certain SVHCs in various industries, including printing.
To ensure compliance and stay up to date with the latest regulations, printers and ink manufacturers often closely monitor the SVHC candidate list published by the ECHA and make necessary adjustments to their formulations and processes.
Fluorine
Fluorine is not commonly used as a direct ingredient in printing processes or inks. However, some printing applications may involve the use of fluorinated materials or coatings for specific purposes or inorganic fluorine-based materials can be used.
Fluorinated coatings, such as fluoropolymers or fluorochemicals, are known for their non-stick properties, high chemical resistance, and low surface energy. These coatings can be applied to printing equipment or substrates to improve ink adhesion, prevent smudging or sticking, and enhance overall print quality. Also here it means that the presence of the element Fluorine often could give an indication that organic PFAS is present. Some countries do not analyze for PFAS but just are checking the presence of Fluor. To be Fluorine free means that no discussion has to be held about twitch type of Fluorine is used in the inks or toner
Eupia
The European Printing Ink Association (EUPIA) is an industry association that represents the interests of the printing ink manufacturing sector in Europe and is also taking care of the safety and the health of coworkers in the ink and printing industry. EUPIA serves as a platform for collaboration, information exchange, and advocacy on behalf of its member companies.
EUPIA's main focus is on promoting the responsible and sustainable use of printing inks and related products. The association works closely with regulatory bodies, policymakers, and other stakeholders to ensure that the printing ink industry complies with relevant regulations and standards while maintaining high levels of health, safety, and environmental performance and is setting its own standards for the members to be followed.
Swiss ordinance
The Swiss Ordinance regulation, officially known as the "Swiss Ordinance on Materials and Articles in Contact with Food" (SR 817.023.21), is a set of regulations in Switzerland that governs the use of materials and articles intended to come into contact with food.
The purpose of the Swiss Ordinance is to ensure the safety and suitability of materials and articles that may come into contact with food, such as packaging materials, containers and processing equipment. It establishes specific requirements for these materials to prevent the migration of harmful substances into food and to maintain food quality and safety. The Swiss Ordinance has been the “ink” standard for the food packaging industry for many years but probably will align with the GIO in the near future.
German ink ordinance (GIO)
https://www.bfr.bund.de/en/german_ink_ordinance-147975.html
The German Ink Ordinance, known as "Verordnung über das Inverkehrbringen von Druckfarben" in German, is a regulation that governs the composition and labelling requirements for printing inks used in Germany. Its purpose is to ensure the safety of printed materials and protect human health and the environment. It has come on the initiative of Germany which was a bit frustrated by the lack of governmental guidance by Europe.
The German Ink Ordinance sets specific limits and requirements for various substances contained in printing inks, including heavy metals, aromatic hydrocarbons, certain solvents, and other harmful chemicals. The regulation aims to minimize the migration of these substances from printed materials to ensure that they do not pose a risk to consumers or the environment. This ink ordinance is a work in progress and should become final in the next months.
Californian Prop 65
Proposition 65, also known as Prop 65, is a California law officially called the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. It was enacted as a ballot initiative in California to protect residents from exposure to chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
Prop 65 requires businesses to provide clear and reasonable warnings to Californians about potential exposure to listed chemicals. The law mandates that businesses notify consumers if their products contain chemicals that are known to the state of California to cause harm.
Prop 65 doesn’t ban the sale or use of chemicals on the list. Its primary goal is to inform and educate the public about potential exposure risks so that individuals can make informed decisions. The presence of Prop65 chemicals should be mentioned on the Safety Data Sheets.
Nestlé packaging inks & materials
Nestle, like many other companies, has rigorous requirements for the safety and suitability of packaging materials to ensure the protection and quality of their products. These requirements often include considerations for the migration of substances from packaging materials into food or beverage products.
Throughout time, the Nestlé requirements have become a standard on their own.
EU toy safety regulations
https://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/toys/safety_en
The EU Toy Safety Directive (Directive 2009/48/EC) is a regulation established by the European Union (EU) to ensure the safety of toys sold within the EU market. Its primary objective is to protect children from potential hazards associated with toys and to ensure that only safe and suitable toys are available for sale.
ROHS heavy metals
The Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) sold in the European Union (EU). While RoHS covers several substances, including lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, and certain flame retardants, it does not specifically regulate heavy metals as a group. However, some heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, are included in the restricted substances under RoHS due to their hazardous nature.
De-inking foil (Cadel)
https://cadelrecyclinglab.com/en/
The need for recycling plastic foils used in (food)packaging is becoming more and more important since the need for reusing carbon atoms as much as possible and not burning them by converting them to CO2. Deinking of foils means that the printed image has to be removed from the basic material so it can be reused again to make the same plastic or be chemically recycled. The plastic is sorted (by type and by color and is shredded into small pieces. The deinking typically happens in washing processes where the temperature water pressure and chemicals are chosen as a function of the polymeric substrate. If done right, the washed plastic can be used immediately for making food-compliant packaging by using this cleaned plastic in the extrusion process to make new foil or bottles.
De-inking paper (Ingede)
The INGEDE process, also known as the International Association of the Deinking Industry process, is a method used for the de-inking of printed paper to remove ink and other contaminants from the paper fiber so it can be reused to make white paper again.
If this process fails the printed material only can be used to make brown cardboard which is shortcutting the paper recycling circle. INGEDE is an association that focuses on advanced de-inking technology and promoting the environmentally friendly recycling of graphic paper.
The INGEDE test involves several steps, which are well accepted and is trying to simulate the specific de-inking process that happens in deinking and recycling plants by giving a certain printed material a de-inkablity score. This score is mandatory for several important ecological standards (like Blue Angel, Nordic Swan, …).
On the INGEDE website, you will find information about the association, its activities, and research related to de-inking paper. They provide technical documents, publications, and guidelines that explain the de-inking process in detail.
No VOC during production & printing
VOCs stands for Volatile Organic Compounds. VOCs are a group of chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at room temperature, meaning they easily evaporate into the air. They are released from various sources, including household products, building materials, fuels, and industrial processes.
Due to their potential health and environmental impacts (“greenhouse gasses”), there are regulations and guidelines in place to limit VOC emissions in various industries and consumer products. These regulations aim to reduce VOC emissions and promote the use of low-VOC or VOC-free alternatives.
C black PAH/FDA
When carbon black is made, a lot of nasty and dangerous molecules can be present (the so-called Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons). In order to have a safe black ink these types of carbon black should not be used. There are FDA grades of carbon black available which are guaranteed free from these chemicals by analytical checks.
Renewable Carbon content
It is clear that we need to use more and more carbon which is already present in the top surface layer of the world. This means that we should not landfill, mismanage or burn carbon-containing material like plastics or chemicals and we should stop using this carbon for transportation. Electric cars or hydrogen-driven chemical processes are the future.
Therefore we also need to use more and more non-petrol/fossil-based molecules to make our inks for printing inks. Introducing valuable carbon through chemical recycling or using partially biobased carbon molecules will replace the fossil-based carbon content with renewable carbon content
Polyester resin
This resin has a lot of advantages in being used for (digital) ink making. It can be made more readily biodegradable. It has extremely good barrier properties for ink ingredients. It can be partially replaced by chemical recycled monomers and is made without the use of any solvent.
FDA approval for dry food contact
FDA approval for dry food contact refers to the approval granted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for materials, substances, or products that come into direct contact with dry food. The FDA is responsible for making a lot of guidelines that have to ensure the safety of food and food-related products in the United States, including packaging materials. Scientific law firms like Keller and Heckman are specialised in checking in a very detailed way the composition of marking materials against the demands of the FDA and formulating advice for use.
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