Epson, a global leader in printing technologies, recently announced that ink used in its SurePress digital inkjet label presses and ColorWorks on-demand colour label printers have achieved Food Contact Materials regulatory compliance for food packaging printing inks.
The regulations include EU Regulation framework (EC) No. 1935/2004, Good Manufacturing Practices Regulation (GMP) (EC) No. 2023/2006, Plastics Implementation Measure Regulation (EU) 10/2011 and included in Swiss Ordinance (RS 817.023.21) on Food Contact Materials for food packaging printing inks.
Food packaging is one of the most regulated segments of the print industry. The print value chain will need to take account of the new regulations – especially in Europe and Asia – and simultaneously adjust to priorities beyond safety.
According to Smithers Pira, the worldwide authority on the packaging, print and paper supply chains, food-safe printing inks will grow faster than the food packaging market as pressure from brand owners and regulators are leveraging it for larger amounts of food packaging. The market for food grade inks is also growing at 6 per cent per year.
Special food-grade inks are also increasingly being used in printing for food packaging to ensure that there is no contamination of the product when they are used correctly, ensuring food safety.
Epson’s commitment to the food and beverage label and packaging industry is shown in the level of investment it has applied in its pursuit of regulatory compliance.
Jocelyn Tan, Regional Senior Manager, Printers Solutions Division, Epson Singapore said, “Our customers can be assured that the printers they have installed in their manufacturing facilities are compliant with Food Contact Materials regulations. Epson will continue to meet and exceed customers’ needs in the production of food and beverage labels and packaging.”
Epson’s Investment in Ink
Unique among digital inkjet press and printer manufacturers, Epson produces its own ink. Epson invests directly in systems and hygienic processes to produce ink for its SurePress and ColorWorks solutions.
Epson’s facilities meet the internationally recognised Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards (EC) No. 2023/2006 EU Regulations and corresponding United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cGMP.
In addition, Epson SurePress and ColorWorks inks are manufactured with food grade hygiene management, implementing Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) risk assessment at each stage of production.
Epson Ink Materials and Additional Regulations
Epson’s inks comply with Swiss Ordinance on Materials and Articles in Contact with Food (RS817.023.21) and their ingredients have been registered or submitted to the Swiss Positive Lists A and B, published by Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) approved for food labelling and packaging printing.
Epson is a member of EuPIA and adheres to the guidelines on printing inks applied to the food packaging materials and articles, according to GMP (EC) No. 2023/2006 under European Framework Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004.
Non-Food Contact Surface Printing
In compliance with EU Regulation framework (EC) No. 1935/2004, Epson SurePress and ColorWorks inks are not intended for direct food contact applications. When using Epson SurePress and ColorWorks inks, it is recommended the non-food contact side of pressure-sensitive food labels is separated by aluminium, glass, plastic or other materials that acts as a functional barrier, as defined by local regulations, preventing migration of the ink components to the food.