May 29, 2025 – INX International has expanded its sustainable ink portfolio with the launch of a new universal lamination ink system. The Innova Plus NCF nitrocellulose-free flexographic inks offer same trusted performance as the original Innova Plus across all flexible packaging solutions. However, they are better suited for recycling because they eliminate nitrocellulose.
Innova Plus NCF is designed for adhesive lamination to meet rising demand for inks compatible with mono-material packaging. It offers excellent adhesion as well as durability and print quality. This makes it ideal for sustainable packaging solutions.
Flexible packaging is evolving rapidly due to new regulatory initiatives in the United States and Europe. This is putting flexographic ink systems into the spotlight as they offer exceptional performance while supporting recycling and sustainability goals.
Views and Statements
Nitrocellulose-based inks are gaining immense traction, especially across Europe. This is because of their perceived impact on recycling processes as well as material recovery. Renee Schouten, INX’s VP of Marketing stated that ink represents less than 1% of a package’s total weight but it can enable more effective recycling.
Packaging initiatives in the United States are increasingly focusing on recyclability and material recovery. Renee believes these efforts encourage brand owners and converters to design packaging with end-of-life outcomes in mind.
Designing for recyclability means that every layer of the packaging—from the film to the adhesive to the ink—must work together seamlessly. This is where next-generation solutions like Innova Plus NCF come into play. Such innovations benefit those aiming to improve their circular packaging goals.
In the words of Renee, “States like Oregon, Maine, Colorado, and California have already passed EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility). Now it is only a matter of time before others follow the suit.”
She further added, “Similar EPR initiatives are underway on a global scale—like Europe’s updated Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation—which are steadily becoming more stringent. Now is the time to act and stay ahead of these regulatory changes. Innova Plus NCF empowers you to do just that.”
Renee claimed that Innova Plus NCF offers excellent performance benefits. This includes optimal print quality, exceptional adhesion, and solid consistency across different substrates and packaging formats.
Innova Plus NCF ensures efficient and smooth printing operations to help converters achieve outstanding results. This is due to its fast-drying capabilities and resistance to common chemicals and solvents.
Impact and Future Outlook
INX’s launch of Innova Plus NCF represents a significant advancement in sustainable packaging. It eliminates nitrocellulose from flexographic inks, thereby enhancing recyclability without compromising performance.
This innovation aligns perfectly with tightening regulatory requirements around packaging recyclability in major markets like the US and Europe. As Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations expand, brand owners and converters will increasingly prioritize eco-friendly ink solutions to meet circular economy goals.
Innova Plus NCF is poised to become a key enabler for the flexible packaging industry’s transition to mono-material and fully recyclable formats. Its superior adhesion, print quality, and operational efficiency position it as a preferred choice for sustainable packaging manufacturers.
Packaging giants aiming to reduce environmental impact while maintaining high-quality output will likely follow INX’s suit. This development is expected to accelerate broader adoption of next-generation, nitrocellulose-free inks. It will drive systemic improvements in packaging sustainability worldwide.
Sources:
Company: INX International Ink Co.
