Flint Group, a leading supplier of inks and coatings for the global print and packaging sectors, has announced that its nitrocellulose-(NC) free ink innovations have been recognized at the Flexographic Industry Association (FIA) UK Awards.

Flint Group took home gold in the Technical Innovation – Supplier category on June 26 for its innovations in polyurethane-based ink technology, VertixCode and MatrixCode ink series.

These formulations, designed for flexo and gravure printing respectively, help flexible packaging printers meet the stringent demands of changing legislation and align with new recycling obligations by transitioning away from NC-based inks.

Both ink series are engineered for greater chemical stability at the high temperatures encountered during recycling, preserving recyclate quality. This aligns with the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation’s (PPWR) focus on harmonizing packaging components with recycling infrastructure – ensuring compliance with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes.

VertixCode and MatrixCode also deliver optimized color strength and high opacity whites across diverse substrates, providing a versatile solution for printing more sustainable flexible packaging.

Commenting on the award win, Paul Winstanley, Vice President Technology & Product Management at Flint Group, said: “It’s an honor that among such a prestigious community, our innovations in NC-free ink technology were recognized by the FIA UK judges. VertixCode and MatrixCode represent revolutions in flexo and gravure printing, keeping customers ahead of legislative changes with no trade-off between sustainability and performance. As flexible packaging printers move away from NC-based formulations, we remain committed to supporting this transition by developing new, sustainable solutions.”

Winstanley continued: “Flint Group is proud to be recognized for our commitment to forward-thinking technical innovation, and we thank FIA UK for acknowledging our achievement. We also extend our congratulations to the other FIA award winners, and it’s a privilege to be among organizations that are pushing boundaries and striving for print excellence.”

Lewis Taylor, Senior Commercial Director UK, Ireland, & Nordic, added: “We’re incredibly proud that our NC-free ink technologies have been recognized by the FIA UK. This achievement is a testament to Flint Group’s commitment to supporting our customers and to the hard work and dedication of our whole team. With VertixCode and MatrixCode, we’re providing the market with advanced solutions that not only enhance recyclability and compliance but also deliver the print quality and versatility our customers expect. This award underlines our ongoing drive to lead the industry in innovation and sustainability.”

For more information about VertixCode and MatrixCode, click here.