Flint Group has confirmed that its Novasens Prime sheetfed packaging inks and Novaset water-based coatings made in Europe now comply with the composition requirements of the German Printing Ink Regulation (GIO).  

The update covers Novasens Prime vegetable oil-based process inks, bases and speciality products, together with Novaset. All are designed for use on the non-food contact side of food packaging and related materials. 

The majority of products within these portfolios were already consistent with the new compositional rules, but selected formulations were reviewed and modified where needed to conform with GIO provisions. 

From October 2025 onwards, all Novasens Prime and Novaset products produced in Europe have been manufactured in accordance with the regulation. 

In July, Flint Group upgraded its resin manufacturing plant in Caronno, Italy, to meet nitrocellulose (NC)-free inks demand in the flexible packaging business segment. 

The facility, which was operational for more than three decades, produces more than 20,000t of resins each year. 

The upgrade boosted Flint Group's ability to manufacture critical resin intermediates for polyurethane (PU) and acrylic-based inks, fortifying its vertically integrated supply chain and ensuring access to vital raw materials. 

In March, Flint Group reaffirmed its commitment to developing NC-free ink systems, aiming to enhance the recyclability of flexible packaging in Europe. 

The move aligns with the EU’s updated Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which mandates that all packaging must be 100% recyclable by 2030.