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Nitrocellulose Shortage Drives Up Ink Prices

Increased military spending in the EU is impacting the availability of a key ingredient for solvent-based packaging inks.

Source: drx/Adobe Stock

Nitrocellulose (NC) is an interesting chemical. It is manufactured from cellulose and a mixture of nitric acid and sulfuric acid; it is used for, among other things, munitions, and has been used as a replacement for gunpowder. Nitrocellulose is the raw material for, among other things, the charges for artillery shells. Interestingly, nitrocellulose is also a key ingredient for wood coatings and solvent-based packaging inks, as it quickly evaporates, allowing for faster press speeds. The suppl...

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