Stahl, the world leader in speciality coatings for flexible materials, today announces that it has achieved full compliance across its entire range of food‑packaging coating technologies with the German Printing Ink Ordinance (GIO) - well ahead of the updated implementation deadline. Despite the postponement of the GIO’s entry into force, Stahl reaffirms its continued commitment to offering a future‑proof, regulation‑ready portfolio that upholds both safety and sustainability across the packaging value chain.
Proactive compliance to drive future readiness and sustainability
A key area of achievement lies within Stahl Packaging Coatings’ portfolio of barrier coatings. Beyond meeting mandatory regulatory requirements, these technologies play a significant role in advancing sustainability by reducing the need for complex packaging structures and supporting improved recyclability. For Stahl, aligning with the GIO is not only a regulatory responsibility; it is a catalyst for driving meaningful environmental progress within the packaging industry.
This accomplishment reflects Stahl’s long-standing commitment to consumer safety, responsible operations, and proactive engagement with evolving regulatory frameworks.
A forward‑looking approach to regulatory transition
The GIO, part of the German Consumer Goods Ordinance, defines strict rules governing substances used in printing inks and coatings for food packaging. Although the updated regulation will not take effect until January 2027, Stahl began preparing for these requirements years in advance.
“Rather than waiting for the deadline, we chose to complete our compliance work ahead of time,” said Markus Klopf, Technical Manager EMEA Packaging Coatings at Stahl. “Our customers can rely on the fact that every Stahl coating designed for food packaging already fulfils the GIO criteria.”
“Achieving full GIO compliance ahead of schedule gives our customers a clear advantage,” said Raymond Bakker, Vice President Packaging Coatings - EMEA. “They can rely on solutions that are already aligned with future regulations, helping them streamline qualification processes and accelerate the rollout of more sustainable packaging across the globe.”
Comprehensive compliance across all coating technologies
Stahl’s confirmation of full GIO compliance spans its complete range of food‑packaging coating solutions, including:
- Water-based overprint varnishes for paper, board, and flexible substrates
- Advanced barrier coatings enabling grease, moisture, and mineral‑oil migration resistance
- Heat-seal and functional coatings suitable for both direct and indirect food-contact scenarios
- Low-migration UV-curable coatings for sensitive packaging applications
- Primers and adhesion promoters for multilayer and high-performance packaging structures
Each technology has undergone a structured review process - including testing, documentation updates, and, where necessary, reformulation - to ensure full alignment with GIO substance restrictions, positive lists, and migration limits.
Delivering planning certainty across packaging value chain
By securing compliance well ahead of the regulatory deadline, Stahl provides converters, printers, and brand owners with a high degree of planning reliability. Customers benefit from:
- A fully compliant product range ready for long-term use under the 2027 framework
- Reduced qualification and reformulation risk for packaging introduced after 2026
- Stable, future-proof formulations supporting uninterrupted production and supply continuity
- Transparent regulatory documentation to facilitate audits and customer assurance programs
Continuous commitment to safe and sustainable packaging solutions
Stahl continues to invest in regulatory expertise, sustainable raw materials, and innovative coating technologies that meet evolving market and legal expectations. Achieving early GIO compliance underscores the company’s dedication to supporting the packaging industry with solutions that combine performance, safety, and long-term regulatory confidence.