RecyClass approves inks without nitrocellulose for flexible packaging

The pan-European initiative, RecyClass, has given its approval to a new series of nitrocellulose-free inks designed for both surface and reverse printing on flexible plastic packaging. This validation followed rigorous testing that confirmed these inks are fully compatible with existing polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) recycling processes.

RecyClass is recognised by the Circular Plastics Alliance as an official auditing body, assessing the recyclability and traceability of plastic materials. Its PO Films Technical Committee conducted an extensive test programme under the Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for PE films, evaluating four polyurethane (PU)-based inks and one acrylic-based alternative.

Results showed that the tested inks did not compromise the quality of recycled pellets or the properties of resulting films. No reduction in colour stability was observed, and volatile emissions remained unchanged during processing. Additionally, a polyvinyl butyral (PVB)-based ink sample demonstrated similar performance. Based on these findings, RecyClass confirmed that both PU and PVB inks are fully suitable for integration into current PE and PP recycling streams.

Following these results, RecyClass plans to update its Design for Recycling guidelines to incorporate the new recommendations. The organisation emphasized that ink coverage on packaging should not exceed 5% of total weight to minimise any potential impact on recyclability.

In other developments, GS Caltex has become the first Asian company to obtain RecyClass certification for its end-of-life vehicle plastics recycling system. By 2025, RecyClass anticipates its framework will encompass over 60% of the European plastics recycling sector and continue to serve as an international reference for circular plastics practices.

Author's Analysis: New Inks Approved for Recyclable Plastic Packaging

The recent approval by RecyClass of nitrocellulose-free inks marks a significant step for recyclable flexible packaging. The inks, compatible with both polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) recycling processes, were rigorously tested under the Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for PE films, confirming they do not affect the quality of recycled pellets or film properties.

Both polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl butyral (PVB) inks demonstrated stable colour performance and unchanged volatile emissions during processing. This ensures manufacturers can adopt these inks without compromising the recyclability of their products. RecyClass plans to reflect these findings in updated Design for Recycling guidelines, specifying that ink coverage should not exceed 5% of total packaging weight.

These developments reinforce RecyClass’s growing influence in the circular plastics sector, especially with GS Caltex receiving certification for its end-of-life vehicle plastics system. By 2025, RecyClass expects its framework to cover over 60% of European plastics recycling, positioning it as a global benchmark for sustainable packaging practices.

Sources:

• RecyClass approves nitrocellulose-free inks for flexible packaging