RecyClass certifies nitrocellulose-free inks to boost flexible packaging recyclability

EUROPE – European sustainability initiative RecyClass has certified a series of nitrocellulose-free inks suitable for surface and reverse printing on flexible plastic packaging.

The decision follows rigorous testing that verified the inks’ compatibility with standard polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) recycling processes.

According to details from the evaluation, RecyClass’s PO Films Technical Committee conducted trials under its Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for PE films. 

The program assessed four polyurethane (PU)-based ink variants and one acrylic-based option. Results showed no adverse impact on the quality of recycled pellets or the films produced from them. 

Color stability remained consistent, and processing trials detected no rise in volatile emissions.

A polyvinyl butyral (PVB)-based ink sample also performed similarly, leading RecyClass to confirm full compatibility for both PU and PVB inks with existing PE and PP streams. 

“These findings open practical pathways for converters to adopt cleaner printing solutions without compromising end-of-life recyclability,” said Philippe Dirickx, RecyClass Technical Manager, in a recent statement.

In response, the organization plans to update its Design for Recycling guidelines to incorporate these test outcomes. 

It has also reiterated that ink coverage on packaging must stay under 5% of total weight to limit any risks to recycling efficiency. This threshold helps maintain high material purity in sorted waste streams.

The certification aligns with broader efforts to expand circular practices in the plastics sector.

RecyClass, endorsed by the Circular Plastics Alliance as an audit framework, now influences over 60% of Europe’s plastics recycling capacity by 2025. 

In Asia, GS Caltex marked a milestone last week by earning the first RecyClass certification for its end-of-life vehicle plastics recycling chain, as reported by industry observers. 

This achievement covers automotive components and sets a precedent for regional supply chains.

A report by The Korea Herald highlighted how such validations drive international benchmarks for circular economy transitions. 

European packaging associations echoed this momentum on November 26, pressing for uniform regulations to streamline compliance and accelerate recycling rates across borders.

These steps come amid rising demand for traceable, recyclable materials in consumer goods.

Dirickx added indirectly that ongoing collaborations with global partners will prioritize innovations like these inks to scale up adoption. 

With flexible packaging comprising a significant share of plastic waste, the approvals could reduce contamination in sorting facilities and improve overall recovery yields. 

Industry experts anticipate wider ink supplier uptake, potentially cutting reliance on traditional nitrocellulose formulations that have posed recycling hurdles.

This development underscores RecyClass’s role in fostering verifiable sustainability claims.

As converters integrate the certified inks, packaging producers stand to gain from smoother integration into closed-loop systems, supporting EU targets for 55% plastics recycling by 2030.

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