Printing inks for packaging hold their own in a weak market environment
The VdL expects the total sales volume of printing inks to fall again in 2026.
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When packaging food, producers are subject to strict specifications in order to prevent damage to the product. This often also restricts product presentation. The ink manufacturer Hubergroup has now developed an ink series that is suitable for direct contact with food. A functional barrier is therefore no longer necessary.
Together with the matching dispersion varnish of the Bavarian company the new MGA Contact sheetfed offset ink series can be in direct contact with the food, so that no functional barriers are necessary. The colour gamut and colour fastness of the globally available ink series are comparable to those of conventional offset inks.
Ingredients suitable for food according to EU and FDA criteria
„With MGA Contact, brand owners and packaging designers now have twice as much space for their messages and information. Packaging for fruit, vegetables or chocolates can thus be made even more attractive„, explains Josef Sutter, Product Manager Sheetfed/UV Europe at the company. This is possible because the ink series only uses ingredients that are permitted for direct contact with food in accordance with EU regulations and FDA criteria, and the ink series is manufactured in a separate production facility at its plant in Celle, Germany.
MGA Contact achieves the same process stability in printing as other MGA colour series, so that no adjustments are necessary for printers. The colour series then only needs to be coated with an aqueous coating that is also suitable for direct food contact.
Source: Hubergroup
Further news from the packaging printing sector
ePac invests 50 million dollars
HP Indigo and the US digital print converter are further expanding their collaboration in flexible packaging printing.
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EyeC introduces new software for print image control
EyeC will be showcasing the new Graphic Connect proofing system for automated print image control and AI-supported inspection at Interpack 2026.
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Stratus Packaging integrates Freppel
In terms of content, the integration complements the activities in the wine, spirits and luxury goods segments in particular.
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Sparxell scales plant-based textured colours
For the packaging industry, the approach could be particularly relevant in the area of printing inks.
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SVI publishes guideline
The document is intended to support companies along the packaging value chain.
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