Siegwerk becomes first to receive RecyClass technology approval for UV-LED curable inks on PE films

Packaging Solutions

Siegwerk has received a RecyClass technology approval for various acrylic UV-LED curable inks and varnishes from its Sicura series. This marks a market first, as it is the first technology approval granted by RecyClass for UV curable ink technology used on polyethylene (PE) flexible packaging.

The approval confirms that specific products from the company’s Sicura series, such as Nutriflex, Flex Dual Cure and Litho Pack, are fully compatible with the coloured PE flexibles recycling stream in Europe. This applies as long as the packaging is designed in line with the conditions defined by RecyClass. The approval is based on independent laboratory testing of Siegwerk’s Sicura Nutriflex NT26 carried out in accordance with the RecyClass recyclability evaluation protocol for PE films.

To date, UV curable inks have not been explicitly addressed in RecyClass’ design for recycling guidelines for PE films. The new approval therefore represents an important step in expanding the scientific basis for assessing innovative ink technologies and supports the wider use of UV-LED curable solutions in recyclable flexible packaging structures. ‘This is a significant milestone for UV printing in flexible packaging, closing a critical gap in recycling,’ said Marc Larvor, head of technology, narrow web EMEA. ‘Siegwerk has demonstrated that our UV-LED inks can deliver the required packaging performance and support full recyclability – a combination that was previously unaddressed in industry guidelines. It is a testament to our research ad development team’s expertise and our commitment to enabling circular packaging solutions without compromising on performance or safety.’

The RecyClass approval granted for Sicura Nutriflex NT26 has also been extended – based on chemical equivalence – to several additional acrylic UV-LED curable inks and varnishes used in narrow web, sheetfed and liquid food packaging applications. These products are likewise considered fully compatible with the coloured PE flexibles recycling stream under the same conditions validated for Nutriflex NT26.

This multi-approval sends a strong signal to the value chain, giving brand owners and converters greater confidence in selecting UV curable inks for recyclable PE packaging designs and supporting their decision making towards circular packaging solutions. ‘This approval is a huge step forward for packaging sustainability as it effectively opens the door for brand owners to use high performance UV curable inks in recyclable PE packaging formats,’ added Lara Kleines, business partner recycling and polymers. ‘We are more than proud to provide our customers a new level of freedom in designing sustainable packaging without trade offs.’