Safety comes first in food packaging. Every component—from films and coatings to inks—must meet strict regulatory standards to ensure that no harmful substances come into contact with food. Among the various printing methods available, flexographic (flexo) printing has become one of the most widely used technologies for food packaging. Speed, versatility, and the ease with which it can be changed and set up simply make it the perfect answer for direct and indirect food contact applications.
Understanding Flexo Printing
Flexo printing relies on flexible relief plates and quick-drying inks to produce high-quality images on substrates such as paper, plastic films, and foils. It is a go-to process for manufacturers of pouches, wrappers, and labels, thanks to its high efficiency and compatibility with different materials.
Advancements in ink technology have allowed flexo inks to also comply with the stringent safety and migration requirements for direct food contact. These advancements have opened new opportunities for packaging that is not only safe but also visually appealing and sustainable.
What Makes Flexo Ink Safe for Food Contact
To qualify for direct food contact use, flexo inks must comply with international regulations such as the FDA, EU Framework Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004, and regional food safety standards. Several factors contribute to their suitability:
1. Safe Raw Materials
Inks intended for direct food contact are formulated with specially selected pigments, resins, and additives that do not release harmful substances or migrate into food.
2. Low Migration and Odour
Formulations are designed to minimize migration under various conditions, ensuring product safety and freshness.
3. Rigorous Compliance Testing
Each ink system undergoes comprehensive testing for chemical composition and migration to guarantee compliance with evolving safety regulations.
4. Sustainability Considerations
Water-based and low-VOC flexo inks are increasingly preferred for reducing environmental impact and improving workplace safety.
Advancing Packaging with DIC’s Food-safe Ink Technology
DIC Asia Pacific has taken food-safe ink technology a step further with its specialized SunPak DirectFood Plus.
Due to the special raw materials used within its formulation, SunPak DirectFood Plus enables safe printing on the inside of food packaging, where direct contact with food or confectionery is an option. The product has received DFC (Direct Food Contact) approval in the European region, reflecting its compliance with some of the world’s most stringent food safety standards.
SunPak DirectFood Plus offers brilliant color vibrancy and accuracy with an extensive color gamut, while maintaining lithographic stability for high-speed production environments. When paired with SunSpec SunStar DFC water-based adhesives, it allows printers and brand owners to replace plastic barriers and inserts in paper packaging. This enables vibrant color printing on the inside of packages, creating a more engaging unboxing experience and opening new opportunities for creative marketing and messaging.
If you’re looking to elevate your packaging with safe, vibrant, and sustainable printing solutions, click here to learn more or contact DIC Asia Pacific today to discover how their advanced flexo ink technologies can redefine your packaging possibilities.
