Dr. Pinaki Ranjan Samanta, Dr Ruchi Gupta, Ms. Ritu Gupta, Ms Shweta Chauhan and Mr. Anuj Johri. Regulatory Affairs and Instrumentation Department. Uflex Ltd (Chemical Division)01.21.20
Abstract
The record for safe food packaging shows that proper guidance of appropriate printing ink materials is designed and used but at the same time, consumer concern and expectations around environmental issues are on the rise. The brand leaders now emphasize more on the sustainability of packaging materials including printing inks. Choosing suitable materials are of top priority in food packaging ink for direct or indirect contact as the solvents, resins, additives, pigments and other chemicals may harm the safety of foods. We have seen a lot of manufacturer interest in sustainable inks since sustainable inks could be as a constituent part of completely biodegradable packaging concepts. Due to increasing environmental awareness, numerous regulations and laws and scarcity of resources, there is a great demand for sustainable inks and work is being carried out according to sustainability guidelines with a small ecological footprint.
This article sheds light on the macro issues related to sustainable inks, global regulations on packaging and provides a checklist that helps to develop sustainable inks for food packaging applications.
Introduction
Sustainability and the environment have been at the forefront of public consciousness in recent years, with the effect of climate change and other factors sparking increased consciousness in public and private sectors. This is one of the reasons why “green” ideas have become prominent for business leaders and manufacturers.
The growing market for eco-friendly inks checks out some of the industry’s most innovative ways to improve ink’s environmental credentials, from biodegradable and soy-derived inks to water-based techniques. The use of eco-friendly inks and printing techniques is on the rise as the packaging world continues its drive to reduce its environmental impact. National and international governments are now adopting environmental regulations which specifically address the content of ink, like the European Union’s EN 134323 standard on packaging compostability.[1]
As with all eco-friendly ink technologies, the benefits of biodegradability are tied into the environmental credentials of the packaging. In this sense, the future of biodegradable ink could be a constituent part of completely biodegradable concepts.
Inks can be any color these days as long as they are “green.” Without a doubt, sustainability has become a major issue in packaging converting, and much of the focus has been on substrates. We’ve all seen stories that it’s the substrate that takes up a lot of room in those landfills. If it isn’t easily biodegradable, then it needs to be recyclable.
Many people believe that inks are the next big issue in sustainable packaging. Even though inks constitute a small part of the package, their impact is huge. After all, inks provide the product’s marketing message. Ink makers and printers need to take note that printing end users are starting to demand that their packaging be printed with inks that contribute to the package’s sustainability. Of course, these inks are expected to perform equally at an economical price. [1-3]
When it comes to packaging, inks and substrates are married to each other. Once the two materials are bound, they are difficult to separate. But it does happen in recycling and in disposal, and the results can contribute to worsening conditions.
Due to increased government regulation, public pressure and a desire to make production practices more efficient, the manufacturing community has been at the forefront of creating a new, sustainable green world. The printing industry is no exception.[4–6]
The three key regulatory terms that are commonly used in the packaging industry are biodegradable, bio-renewable and eco-efficiency. Biodegradability is the ability of a material to be broken down by microorganisms. More relevant for sustainability is compostability, where that microorganism breakdown occurs within a set time and with the important parameters of water, oxygen and temperature defined.
A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Biomaterials and Functional Materials tested the quality of vegetable-based inks and petroleum-based ink used for offset printing. They found that linseed-soybean oil-based ink gave the highest brightness value, and vegetable inks containing linseed oil are glossier on all types of paper than mineral oil-based ink. While mineral-oil based inks have less color change on coated papers, vegetable oil-based inks change less on uncoated papers. The study also found that mixing vegetable oils can produce the desired print results. The paper’s authors recommended that vegetable-based inks should replace the petroleum-derived mineral oil-based inks due to their quality, environmental and health benefits, and comparable costs. [3]
What is sustainability?
Sustainability is the capacity to endure long maintenance of well-being. It has three pillars: Social, Environmental, and Economical. It should be measured. Detailed Standards and Certifications should be established. [7]
As per market research study on packaging by one of market leader on packaging - five clear themes emerged from this research as follows:
• Consumers are more concerned about environmental issues and more demanding about environmentally sound products.
• Consumers expect information and action from the packaging industry.
• Doing something ‘good’ is an important motivation.
• Packaging with environmental features conveys “uniqueness.”
• Recyclability is important and impact on climate change is attracting more interest.
What is “Green” Policy?
(A) Source materials that do not contain toxic, hazardous or suspect raw materials. (B) Reduce energy use and CO2 emissions. Target being carbon neutral. (C) Source ‘green’ materials. (D) Minimize environmental impact by
• Waste reduction.
• Improved recyclability.
• Improved biodegradability.
• No toxic waste, even more no toxins when waste is incinerated.
• Reduce CO2 emissions.
Sustainable Inks guidance
Petroleum is a non-renewable resource, while the plants used for vegetable-based ink are fast-growing and renewable. Oil-producing plants can be widely cultivated and oils can be easily extracted and refined. In addition, VOC-free inks eliminate the release of greenhouse gases. Finally, vegetable-based inks are easier to remove during recycling’s deinking process than petroleum-based inks.
Requirement for Sustainability Inks:
• Elimination of toxic/hazardous raw materials in inks.
• Non-toxic waste.
• Biodegradability and recycling/de-inking: improved due to chemistry and no toxic materials.
• Work towards zero Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC);
• Improved biodegradability of binders/resins and waste.
• Improved compostability of binders/resins and waste.
• Reduced CO2.
• Waste reduction of binders and resins.
• No dioxin during burning waste.
• Halogen-free pigments.
• Nanoparticles not favored for pigments.
• Avoid natural pigments that contain toxic materials.
• Avoid ban items like Phenol-based resins (BPA/PF), Tin catalyst.
• Use bio solvents (Mostly used esters of fatty acids, derived from vegetable oils. Example: FAME, which is Fatty Acid Methyl Ester).
• GMO-free and not based on animal fat: preferable.
• Additives from bio raw materials.
• Bio Renewable Content (BRC) should be more than 75%.
• Ecologically friendly.
Suitable for safe printing of the non-food contact side of primary food packaging
It provides the highest level of safety from an ink point of view both for the printer as well as the end consumer and is superior to all other offset ink series in this regard. Sustainable Inks complies with all three technical requirements of primary food packaging, regarding ink, it should be:
• Low odor;
• Low swelling;
• Low-migration/migration harmless.
Sustainable inks must be migration harmless as the absorbing and therefore potentially migratory components are of themselves, foodstuffs.
We are focusing on the development of next-generation inks/adhesives in preparation for achieving the reduction of solvent residue/VOC and printing quality that enhances product values. We also developed NTNK inks which are toluene-and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)-free, and especially responds to the food packaging regulations in Europe (Swiss Ordinance). Furthermore, it also secures high printing quality with a small amount of solvent due to the fact that it has low viscosity and high concentration, enabling VOC and CO2 reduction in the printing process.
We are also worked on sustainable inks, towards the inclusion of renewable sourced vegetable oil rather than mineral oil as an ink solvent. Advantages include possible faster degradation during recycling, lower rates of VOC emissions, and lower levels of contaminants such as heavy metals. Optimization of CO2 footprint is a key trend that may mean logistics optimization. We are striving for increased compliance with regulatory laws and industry guidelines to give greater transparency and accountability to our customers. The raw materials and production of inks are regulated by EuPIA (the European printing ink association/Swiss guidelines and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) for inks and varnishes which are designed to be printed onto contact materials. This includes the safety of the raw materials, their potential to migrate, the composition of the inks as well as quality control and hygiene management.
Regulations / Legislation on Packaging Materials
Raw materials inventory lists available globally which are published by EuPIA, Swiss Ordinance, China, etc. vice versa exclusion list also available along with existing regulations, but there are no specific regulations on sustainable inks and their life. It must follow existing regulations only. Over the past few decades, scientists and regulatory agencies have become concerned about consumer protection from possible food toxicity caused by the migration of compounds from food contact plastics/materials into food. Hence, many countries have formulated their own guidelines and regulations for testing of those substances and specified the limit of migration. Therefore, various approaches from different countries can be considered. This section is briefly focused on the general framework and legislative aspects of different countries.
Key requirements for a new system to protect public health
For many food contact materials - including paper, board, coatings, inks and adhesives – there is no harmonized EU legislation on the chemicals that can be used. There are harmonized rules on food contact plastics and some other materials.
• Regulations for all Food Contact Materials like Printing Ink, Coatings, Adhesives, paper, etc.)
• Integration with REACH information on chemicals and include action on substances of very high concerns (SVHC), cut of criteria, mixture and grouping to avoid regrettable substitution.
• No hormone disruptors.
• The system must address all Food Contact Materials and finished food contact articles including non-intentionally added substances.
• Contribute to creating a clean circular economy must be considered in regulations.
• Innovations to safer materials/services.
• Publish a nontoxic environment strategy,
• Regulation of chemicals in non-harmonized materials is dependent on national legislation.
• It’s estimated that more than 6,000 chemicals are used in inks, and Germany is working on an inks ordinance.
If Germany bans inks used in other EU countries, how will this affect the internal market in food products?
In addition to thousands of deliberately used chemicals, a wide range of other chemicals migrates into food from food contact materials
These ‘Non-Intentionally Added Substances’ (NIAS) come from impurities in chemicals, and reaction and degradation products. They are often of unknown structure and can be at levels higher than residues. NIAS add to the complexity of the mixture of chemicals we are exposed to and need to be addressed with urgency.
Conclusion
Sustainable packaging and printing inks are continuously becoming more advanced and looking for changes and improvements. It aims not only on recycling but also incorporates the boost of life cycle inventory and life cycle assessment to assist in the use of packaging and printing inks and make it more environmentally sustainable and ecological footprint. Hence it emphasizes improving the ability to work and quality for the safety of humans and the longevity of natural ecosystems. In the future, food packaging industries are looking for sustainable inks due to their economical motives as per the following:
• Highly added value in the areas of health, sustainability and environment.
• The use of biological ink is responsible entrepreneurship and is part of image-strategy.
• Comparing to industry investments in the areas of energy reduction, waste reduction, etc.
• Reduce the bill for chemical waste.
• Get new customers with this strategy, or lose customers because you don’t “think” sustainable.
• Sell your green image as big customers world leaders do the same.
• Fulfill all regulations/compliance.
As with all eco-friendly ink technologies, the benefits of biodegradability or sustainability are tied into the environmental credentials of the packaging. In this sense, the future of sustainable ink could be a constituent part of completely biodegradable packaging concepts. This kind of eco-integration has been foreshadowed by the partnership between films, adhesives and printing ink suppliers to develop a packaging product that combines biodegradable or sustainable film, ink and adhesives.
At last, our aim is to develop “Green,” biodegradable or sustainable printing inks that are renewable, recyclable, reusable or in any way to be good for the environment, human health and natural ecosystem.
Acknowledgement
The authors are thankful to Uflex Chemical Division for providing infrastructure and constructive criticism which have helped to accomplish this work. It is a genuine pleasure to express our deep sense of thanks and gratitude to our management for their timely advice, meticulous scrutiny, scholastic advice and scientific approach to a very great extent.
References
(1) Articles from www.packaginglaw.com 2013
(2) Presentation of Sustainability of Printing Inks in Packaging by Jack Baarends (Green 4 Print-June 2013).
(3) Cem Aydemir, Semiha Yenidogan, Arif Karademir, and Emine Arman Kandirmaz, “The examination of vegetable- and mineral oil-based ink’ effects on print quality,” Journal of Applied Biomaterials & Functional Materials.
(4) Producing Food Packaging Printing Ink via Green Emulsion Aggregation Method - Maryam Ataeefard and Shohre Rouhani – Journal of applied Packaging Research – Vol 9, 2017.
(5) EuPIA ,2012, Printing Ink Market Statistics. www.eupia.org.
(6) EUPIA ,2011, EuPIA guideline on printing inks applied to the non-food contact surface of food packaging materials and articles. www.eupia.org
(7) Tetra Pak research study Consumer Environmental Trend Report – Sustainable Packages- October 2019 www.tetrapack.com
Authors
Dr. Pinaki Ranjan Samanta has more than two decades of experience in the areas associated with Industrial research of coating. He received M. Sc and Ph. D in the field of organic chemistry, also done PG diploma in paint technology. He has published more than 15 papers in national and international journals and two patents in his cap in the field of high-performance coatings.
Dr. Ruchi Gupta, masters in industrial chemistry and Ph.D. in chemistry, has research experience of more than 13 years and her areas of interest include inks, adhesives, coatings, nanomaterials, nanophotocatalysts, optical polymers, natural polymers etc. She has published 12 papers in reputed international journals and has published four chapters in national and international handbooks.
Ms. Ritu Gupta, masters in chemistry, has research experience of more than two years with the expertise in the area of analysis of and cross-verification quality checks of inks, adhesives, coatings, and multi components coatings by using state-of-the-art instruments like Py- GC-MS, GC-HS, FTIR, UV-spectrophotometer.
Ms. Shweta Chauhan is an engineering graduate and has done B.Tech. in chemical engineering, taking training from ONGC (R&D, IDT) Dehradun. She worked on a project which was based on block copolymers which are assembled on ultra-filtration membranes to increase their efficiency.
Mr. Anuj Johri is a post graduate in chemistry and MBA in operations management and certified internal auditor of ISO 9001 with 17+ years of industrial experience of quality management and design and development of packaging inks.
The record for safe food packaging shows that proper guidance of appropriate printing ink materials is designed and used but at the same time, consumer concern and expectations around environmental issues are on the rise. The brand leaders now emphasize more on the sustainability of packaging materials including printing inks. Choosing suitable materials are of top priority in food packaging ink for direct or indirect contact as the solvents, resins, additives, pigments and other chemicals may harm the safety of foods. We have seen a lot of manufacturer interest in sustainable inks since sustainable inks could be as a constituent part of completely biodegradable packaging concepts. Due to increasing environmental awareness, numerous regulations and laws and scarcity of resources, there is a great demand for sustainable inks and work is being carried out according to sustainability guidelines with a small ecological footprint.
This article sheds light on the macro issues related to sustainable inks, global regulations on packaging and provides a checklist that helps to develop sustainable inks for food packaging applications.
Introduction
Sustainability and the environment have been at the forefront of public consciousness in recent years, with the effect of climate change and other factors sparking increased consciousness in public and private sectors. This is one of the reasons why “green” ideas have become prominent for business leaders and manufacturers.
The growing market for eco-friendly inks checks out some of the industry’s most innovative ways to improve ink’s environmental credentials, from biodegradable and soy-derived inks to water-based techniques. The use of eco-friendly inks and printing techniques is on the rise as the packaging world continues its drive to reduce its environmental impact. National and international governments are now adopting environmental regulations which specifically address the content of ink, like the European Union’s EN 134323 standard on packaging compostability.[1]
As with all eco-friendly ink technologies, the benefits of biodegradability are tied into the environmental credentials of the packaging. In this sense, the future of biodegradable ink could be a constituent part of completely biodegradable concepts.
Inks can be any color these days as long as they are “green.” Without a doubt, sustainability has become a major issue in packaging converting, and much of the focus has been on substrates. We’ve all seen stories that it’s the substrate that takes up a lot of room in those landfills. If it isn’t easily biodegradable, then it needs to be recyclable.
Many people believe that inks are the next big issue in sustainable packaging. Even though inks constitute a small part of the package, their impact is huge. After all, inks provide the product’s marketing message. Ink makers and printers need to take note that printing end users are starting to demand that their packaging be printed with inks that contribute to the package’s sustainability. Of course, these inks are expected to perform equally at an economical price. [1-3]
When it comes to packaging, inks and substrates are married to each other. Once the two materials are bound, they are difficult to separate. But it does happen in recycling and in disposal, and the results can contribute to worsening conditions.
Due to increased government regulation, public pressure and a desire to make production practices more efficient, the manufacturing community has been at the forefront of creating a new, sustainable green world. The printing industry is no exception.[4–6]
The three key regulatory terms that are commonly used in the packaging industry are biodegradable, bio-renewable and eco-efficiency. Biodegradability is the ability of a material to be broken down by microorganisms. More relevant for sustainability is compostability, where that microorganism breakdown occurs within a set time and with the important parameters of water, oxygen and temperature defined.
A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Biomaterials and Functional Materials tested the quality of vegetable-based inks and petroleum-based ink used for offset printing. They found that linseed-soybean oil-based ink gave the highest brightness value, and vegetable inks containing linseed oil are glossier on all types of paper than mineral oil-based ink. While mineral-oil based inks have less color change on coated papers, vegetable oil-based inks change less on uncoated papers. The study also found that mixing vegetable oils can produce the desired print results. The paper’s authors recommended that vegetable-based inks should replace the petroleum-derived mineral oil-based inks due to their quality, environmental and health benefits, and comparable costs. [3]
What is sustainability?
Sustainability is the capacity to endure long maintenance of well-being. It has three pillars: Social, Environmental, and Economical. It should be measured. Detailed Standards and Certifications should be established. [7]
As per market research study on packaging by one of market leader on packaging - five clear themes emerged from this research as follows:
• Consumers are more concerned about environmental issues and more demanding about environmentally sound products.
• Consumers expect information and action from the packaging industry.
• Doing something ‘good’ is an important motivation.
• Packaging with environmental features conveys “uniqueness.”
• Recyclability is important and impact on climate change is attracting more interest.
What is “Green” Policy?
(A) Source materials that do not contain toxic, hazardous or suspect raw materials. (B) Reduce energy use and CO2 emissions. Target being carbon neutral. (C) Source ‘green’ materials. (D) Minimize environmental impact by
• Waste reduction.
• Improved recyclability.
• Improved biodegradability.
• No toxic waste, even more no toxins when waste is incinerated.
• Reduce CO2 emissions.
Sustainable Inks guidance
Petroleum is a non-renewable resource, while the plants used for vegetable-based ink are fast-growing and renewable. Oil-producing plants can be widely cultivated and oils can be easily extracted and refined. In addition, VOC-free inks eliminate the release of greenhouse gases. Finally, vegetable-based inks are easier to remove during recycling’s deinking process than petroleum-based inks.
Requirement for Sustainability Inks:
• Elimination of toxic/hazardous raw materials in inks.
• Non-toxic waste.
• Biodegradability and recycling/de-inking: improved due to chemistry and no toxic materials.
• Work towards zero Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC);
• Improved biodegradability of binders/resins and waste.
• Improved compostability of binders/resins and waste.
• Reduced CO2.
• Waste reduction of binders and resins.
• No dioxin during burning waste.
• Halogen-free pigments.
• Nanoparticles not favored for pigments.
• Avoid natural pigments that contain toxic materials.
• Avoid ban items like Phenol-based resins (BPA/PF), Tin catalyst.
• Use bio solvents (Mostly used esters of fatty acids, derived from vegetable oils. Example: FAME, which is Fatty Acid Methyl Ester).
• GMO-free and not based on animal fat: preferable.
• Additives from bio raw materials.
• Bio Renewable Content (BRC) should be more than 75%.
• Ecologically friendly.
Suitable for safe printing of the non-food contact side of primary food packaging
It provides the highest level of safety from an ink point of view both for the printer as well as the end consumer and is superior to all other offset ink series in this regard. Sustainable Inks complies with all three technical requirements of primary food packaging, regarding ink, it should be:
• Low odor;
• Low swelling;
• Low-migration/migration harmless.
Sustainable inks must be migration harmless as the absorbing and therefore potentially migratory components are of themselves, foodstuffs.
We are focusing on the development of next-generation inks/adhesives in preparation for achieving the reduction of solvent residue/VOC and printing quality that enhances product values. We also developed NTNK inks which are toluene-and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)-free, and especially responds to the food packaging regulations in Europe (Swiss Ordinance). Furthermore, it also secures high printing quality with a small amount of solvent due to the fact that it has low viscosity and high concentration, enabling VOC and CO2 reduction in the printing process.
We are also worked on sustainable inks, towards the inclusion of renewable sourced vegetable oil rather than mineral oil as an ink solvent. Advantages include possible faster degradation during recycling, lower rates of VOC emissions, and lower levels of contaminants such as heavy metals. Optimization of CO2 footprint is a key trend that may mean logistics optimization. We are striving for increased compliance with regulatory laws and industry guidelines to give greater transparency and accountability to our customers. The raw materials and production of inks are regulated by EuPIA (the European printing ink association/Swiss guidelines and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) for inks and varnishes which are designed to be printed onto contact materials. This includes the safety of the raw materials, their potential to migrate, the composition of the inks as well as quality control and hygiene management.
Regulations / Legislation on Packaging Materials
Raw materials inventory lists available globally which are published by EuPIA, Swiss Ordinance, China, etc. vice versa exclusion list also available along with existing regulations, but there are no specific regulations on sustainable inks and their life. It must follow existing regulations only. Over the past few decades, scientists and regulatory agencies have become concerned about consumer protection from possible food toxicity caused by the migration of compounds from food contact plastics/materials into food. Hence, many countries have formulated their own guidelines and regulations for testing of those substances and specified the limit of migration. Therefore, various approaches from different countries can be considered. This section is briefly focused on the general framework and legislative aspects of different countries.
Key requirements for a new system to protect public health
For many food contact materials - including paper, board, coatings, inks and adhesives – there is no harmonized EU legislation on the chemicals that can be used. There are harmonized rules on food contact plastics and some other materials.
• Regulations for all Food Contact Materials like Printing Ink, Coatings, Adhesives, paper, etc.)
• Integration with REACH information on chemicals and include action on substances of very high concerns (SVHC), cut of criteria, mixture and grouping to avoid regrettable substitution.
• No hormone disruptors.
• The system must address all Food Contact Materials and finished food contact articles including non-intentionally added substances.
• Contribute to creating a clean circular economy must be considered in regulations.
• Innovations to safer materials/services.
• Publish a nontoxic environment strategy,
• Regulation of chemicals in non-harmonized materials is dependent on national legislation.
• It’s estimated that more than 6,000 chemicals are used in inks, and Germany is working on an inks ordinance.
If Germany bans inks used in other EU countries, how will this affect the internal market in food products?
In addition to thousands of deliberately used chemicals, a wide range of other chemicals migrates into food from food contact materials
These ‘Non-Intentionally Added Substances’ (NIAS) come from impurities in chemicals, and reaction and degradation products. They are often of unknown structure and can be at levels higher than residues. NIAS add to the complexity of the mixture of chemicals we are exposed to and need to be addressed with urgency.
Conclusion
Sustainable packaging and printing inks are continuously becoming more advanced and looking for changes and improvements. It aims not only on recycling but also incorporates the boost of life cycle inventory and life cycle assessment to assist in the use of packaging and printing inks and make it more environmentally sustainable and ecological footprint. Hence it emphasizes improving the ability to work and quality for the safety of humans and the longevity of natural ecosystems. In the future, food packaging industries are looking for sustainable inks due to their economical motives as per the following:
• Highly added value in the areas of health, sustainability and environment.
• The use of biological ink is responsible entrepreneurship and is part of image-strategy.
• Comparing to industry investments in the areas of energy reduction, waste reduction, etc.
• Reduce the bill for chemical waste.
• Get new customers with this strategy, or lose customers because you don’t “think” sustainable.
• Sell your green image as big customers world leaders do the same.
• Fulfill all regulations/compliance.
As with all eco-friendly ink technologies, the benefits of biodegradability or sustainability are tied into the environmental credentials of the packaging. In this sense, the future of sustainable ink could be a constituent part of completely biodegradable packaging concepts. This kind of eco-integration has been foreshadowed by the partnership between films, adhesives and printing ink suppliers to develop a packaging product that combines biodegradable or sustainable film, ink and adhesives.
At last, our aim is to develop “Green,” biodegradable or sustainable printing inks that are renewable, recyclable, reusable or in any way to be good for the environment, human health and natural ecosystem.
Acknowledgement
The authors are thankful to Uflex Chemical Division for providing infrastructure and constructive criticism which have helped to accomplish this work. It is a genuine pleasure to express our deep sense of thanks and gratitude to our management for their timely advice, meticulous scrutiny, scholastic advice and scientific approach to a very great extent.
References
(1) Articles from www.packaginglaw.com 2013
(2) Presentation of Sustainability of Printing Inks in Packaging by Jack Baarends (Green 4 Print-June 2013).
(3) Cem Aydemir, Semiha Yenidogan, Arif Karademir, and Emine Arman Kandirmaz, “The examination of vegetable- and mineral oil-based ink’ effects on print quality,” Journal of Applied Biomaterials & Functional Materials.
(4) Producing Food Packaging Printing Ink via Green Emulsion Aggregation Method - Maryam Ataeefard and Shohre Rouhani – Journal of applied Packaging Research – Vol 9, 2017.
(5) EuPIA ,2012, Printing Ink Market Statistics. www.eupia.org.
(6) EUPIA ,2011, EuPIA guideline on printing inks applied to the non-food contact surface of food packaging materials and articles. www.eupia.org
(7) Tetra Pak research study Consumer Environmental Trend Report – Sustainable Packages- October 2019 www.tetrapack.com
Authors
Dr. Pinaki Ranjan Samanta has more than two decades of experience in the areas associated with Industrial research of coating. He received M. Sc and Ph. D in the field of organic chemistry, also done PG diploma in paint technology. He has published more than 15 papers in national and international journals and two patents in his cap in the field of high-performance coatings.
Dr. Ruchi Gupta, masters in industrial chemistry and Ph.D. in chemistry, has research experience of more than 13 years and her areas of interest include inks, adhesives, coatings, nanomaterials, nanophotocatalysts, optical polymers, natural polymers etc. She has published 12 papers in reputed international journals and has published four chapters in national and international handbooks.
Ms. Ritu Gupta, masters in chemistry, has research experience of more than two years with the expertise in the area of analysis of and cross-verification quality checks of inks, adhesives, coatings, and multi components coatings by using state-of-the-art instruments like Py- GC-MS, GC-HS, FTIR, UV-spectrophotometer.
Ms. Shweta Chauhan is an engineering graduate and has done B.Tech. in chemical engineering, taking training from ONGC (R&D, IDT) Dehradun. She worked on a project which was based on block copolymers which are assembled on ultra-filtration membranes to increase their efficiency.
Mr. Anuj Johri is a post graduate in chemistry and MBA in operations management and certified internal auditor of ISO 9001 with 17+ years of industrial experience of quality management and design and development of packaging inks.