Flint Group's Evolution range marks a significant achievement in terms of driving the label industry towards a more sustainable future. Comprising two core Food Contact Material (FCM) suitable products, the Evolution range enhances circularity and sustainability in label materials. Both products within the range are meticulously designed to address specific challenges in the recycling process.
The first, Evolution Deinking Primer, is tailored to streamline the recycling of packaging labels. Typically, the presence of ink on a label contributes to a significant hurdle in the recycling process, leading to potential contamination of recovered substrate and reduced material quality. This can often harm high-value substrates, particularly when plastic in food applications becomes compromised and can no longer be used for food packaging applications. The Flint Group Evolution Deinking Primer revolutionises this aspect by enabling clean label separation during recycling when used with crystallizable polyester shrink sleeve material (CPET). By applying Evolution Deinking Primer beneath the ink layer on labels, label converters ensure strong adhesion throughout the packaging's lifecycle. During the recycling process, the primer's unique formulation allows for easy release, cleanly separating the ink from the label substrate, leaving the material pristine for recycling. This technology not only simplifies the recycling process but also reduces costs associated with label removal, ultimately making the recycling process more efficient, economically viable and attractive to the market. The second product in the range, Evolution Overprint Varnish (OPV), is a UV-flexo solution designed to preserve the integrity of ink during recycling. Applied over the ink layer, the OPV acts as a protective barrier, safeguarding against contamination of the caustic bath, ensuring the ink remains intact throughout the recycling process and the flake can easily be skimmed from the top. By preventing ink bleeding and abrasion, the OPV maintains the quality of reclaimed material, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the recycling operation.
What sets the Evolution range apart is its holistic approach to sustainability, addressing various challenges across the labelling value chain. By increasing the yield of recyclate and preserving material quality, this innovative solution promotes a circular economy model for packaging, where materials are reused and recycled, minimising waste and reducing the reliance on virgin materials. The development of the Evolution range represents a culmination of Flint Group's extensive expertise in ink and coating technologies, drawing on over a century of experience. Flint Group has leveraged its technical prowess to create solutions that not only meet but exceed industry standards for sustainability.
Now fully commercialised, the Evolution series underscores Flint Group's commitment to driving innovation and sustainability from the very top of the label and packaging supply chain. By introducing these groundbreaking solutions to the market, Flint Group aims to catalyse positive change and inspire other industry players to adopt similar initiatives.