In celebration of World Environment Day, the focus on sustainable solutions has never been more crucial. This has become an increasingly important aspect of everyday life in the ink industry. Converters are looking to show their customers that the products they make meet sustainability mandates. Meanwhile, ink manufacturers have some goals in mind, whether it is sourcind of raw materials or inks and coatings production efficiency. At the DRUCKFARBEN Group, we are committed to leading the industry in sustainable practices, ensuring that our products not only meet but exceed these evolving standards.
Supplier Collaboration for Sustainable Innovation
Suppliers play a critical role when ink companies look to meet their sustainability goals. At the DRUCKFARBEN Group, we recognize that our partnerships with suppliers are fundamental to achieving our sustainability objectives.
“Our suppliers take sustainability very seriously and have numerous ongoing projects to reduce energy consumption and are steadily getting verified by organizations such as EcoVadis, just like we have ,” said Veta Nikolaou, Head of Procurement at DF. “We are committed to working with suppliers who share our vision for a sustainable future.”
Building Strong Relationships for Sustainable Solutions
As a responsible supplier, DRUCKFARBEN Group prioritizes building strong relationships with vendors committed to sustainable solutions and responsible practices. Vanesa Panagiotopoulou, Head of R&D, noted, “Sustainability is a critical topic of discussion with our clients. We work together to learn more about sustainable-focused innovations and co-collaborate on developments.”
Advantages of Water-Based Inks for Packaging
Water-based inks are increasingly favored in the realm of sustainable packaging due to their numerous environmental and health advantages. Here’s why they are an excellent choice:
1. Decreased Environmental Footprint: These inks contain little to no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), significantly lowering air pollution levels.
2. Safer for Workers: The reduced levels of toxic chemicals in water-based inks lead to a safer working environment for employees handling the inks and during the printing process.
3. Lower Risk of Fire: Since water-based inks are not flammable, they present a lower risk of fire compared to solvent-based inks
Adopting water-based inks allows brands to highlight their dedication to sustainability while maintaining superior print quality. This move not only benefits the environment and workers’ health but also establishes these brands as responsible leaders in the packaging industry. Water-based inks are suitable for a variety of packaging materials, including paper, cardboard, and some plastics, making them versatile for different packaging needs. Combining a paper substrate with water-based ink can help achieve an eco-friendly finished product.
The Role of PU Ultima in Plastic Recycling
In our commitment to fostering circular economy solutions for post-industrial waste from printed plastic films, the PU Ultima series leads the way. This innovative PU-based ink system enhances the quality of recyclates, making recycling more efficient.
Recycling film and flexible packaging, often composed of multiple polymer layers, is challenging. PU Ultima ensures inks do not hinder recyclability, improving the compatibility and quality of recycled films. This contributes to sustainable end-of-life packaging management and lowers the overall product footprint. By supporting recyclable packaging that maintains necessary food contact standards, PU Ultima exemplifies innovative strategies revolutionizing recycling and sustainability in the packaging industry.
State-of-the-Art Production Facilities
We utilize state-of-the-art production and waste recovery equipment, quality programs, and information systems that enable continuous improvement with sustainability and the environment in mind.
Commitment to Environmental Stewardship
The DRUCKFARBEN Group has established ambitious objectives and KPIs to streamline our operations and reduce the environmental impact across our global operations. These include reductions in water consumption, waste reduction, increased recycling, and CO2 emission reductions through initiatives such as on-site solar power generation.
Holistic Approach to Sustainability
At the DRUCKFARBEN Group, we are dedicated to leading the way in sustainable ink production for flexible packaging. Through innovative collaboration with suppliers, cutting-edge production practices and a holistic approach to sustainability, we aim in creating a better future for our industry and our planet. As we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, we invite our partners and customers to join us on this journey towards a more sustainable world.
