The Value of Inks & Coatings in a Circular Economy (part 2 of 2)

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2020/04/24 The Value of Inks & Coatings in a Circular Economy (part 2 of 2)

The Value of Inks & Coatings in a Circular Economy
How recyclability, bio-renewability and compostability play a critical role.

Source from: https://www.flexpackmag.com/articles/90399-the-value-of-inks-coatings-in-a-circular-economy

Bio-renewability

There are several components of the label that are considered contaminants that impact the recycling process — inks and pigments included. There are procedures that help to minimize the impacts of these contaminants, but the more eco-efficient the substances are, the easier the recycling process will be and the more sustainable the process becomes. Bio-renewable inks based on renewable natural resources and new eco-friendly materials can play a key role in how sustainable a package may be.

It is important that claims of bio-renewable materials are verified by a separate third-party lab to avoid misconceptions and false claims. The National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers (NAPIM) has a comprehensive program to verify bio-renewable claims and help ink manufacturers with their verification needs.

According to NAPIM, bio-renewable inks are derived from tree, plant, insect, and/or animal materials. These include gums, resins, waxes, solvents, oils, and other polymer building blocks. Independent verification that an ink contains a certain percentage of bio-renewable content can be achieved through NAPIM’s bio-renewable content program, which assigns inks with an index number. An index number of 60, for example, means that the ink contains 60 percent renewable content.

Compostability

Compostability refers to the ability of materials to biodegrade naturally within a specified timeframe under controlled conditions. The overall compostability of a package, labels included, directly relates to its components — inks, substrates, and more — which must comply with set rules determined by region.

The ink itself would be considered an “additive,” meaning it does not exceed a certain percentage in weight. While additives are not expected to play an active part in the composting process, they still undergo strict eco-toxicity and chemical analysis tests carried out by independent accredited laboratories to make sure that they don’t negatively affect the process by introducing contaminants which would affect plant growth.

Furthermore, brands can ensure they are working with a partner who is certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI), DinCertco or TUV Austria. These are private certification bodies that carry out laboratory tests on the finished packaging product, or on its separate components (including the inks), to prove that it fully meets the European EN 13432 or North American ASTM D6400 and D6868 compostable criteria standards. If BPI-certified, for example, the material used is considered compostable without leaving any toxins or plastic residues in the soil.

To receive the certification, three tests are conducted to understand if the material meets standards. The first is to understand if the material can be converted to carbon dioxide by organisms already at a compost pile in a reasonable timeframe. The second tests the ability to fragment, meaning the products do not clog screening equipment. The third tests the material and its ability to support plant growth.

Brands can be certain that using partners who are certified will ensure the materials used will biodegrade completely when composted.

The Role of Other Inks and Solutions

Energy curable inks can also play a role in sustainability efforts. While energy curable inks are traditionally cured with mercury lamps, new technology allows for an eco-friendlier alternative—LED lamps. This energy-efficient technology is an option that quicker and results in reducing the carbon footprint in the overall printing process. Inks were developed for LED curing that both meet food and safety standards and print at the highest quality.

Another alternative is water-based inks, which are used when UV-inks cannot. Many water-based inks incorporate 80 percent plant-based or natural materials and utilize natural resins and mineral-based colorants.

Other solutions offer printers the ability to mix only the inks they need, ensuring that they are using the right kind and the right amount of ink for each print. Managing the overabundance of ink used makes it so less ink is wasted throughout the entire printing process.

By introducing bio-renewable and compostable inks, brand owners can improve the sustainability of their converting operations without sacrificing cost or performance. The impact is almost immediate, helping brands to reduce the carbon footprints of their printing operations.

Whether it be adopting a more bio-renewable or compostable ink or adding adhesives that can contribute to the recyclability of a plastic bottle, partnering with an environmentally friendly ink manufacturer can contribute to a brand’s goal of becoming more sustainable.

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