Epson Inks Meet Food Packaging Safety Standards

Commercial label printers from Epson have reached a milestone in food contact compliance for food packaging printing inks. In a recent news release, the company said its SurePress digital inkjet label presses and ColorWorks on-demand color label printers have achieved Food Contact Materials regulatory compliance.

Epson Inks Meet Food Packaging Safety Standards

The regulations include EU Regulation framework (EC) No. 1935/2004, Good Manufacturing Practices Regulation (GMP) (EC) No. 2023/2006, Plastics Implementation Measure Regulation (EU) 10/2011 and included in Swiss Ordinance (RS 817.023.21) on Food Contact Materials for food packaging printing inks.

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Food packaging is one of the most regulated segments of the print industry. The print value chain will need to take account of the new regulations –- especially in Europe and Asia -– and simultaneously adjust to priorities beyond safety.

Special food-grade inks are also increasingly being used in printing for food packaging to ensure that there is no contamination of the product when they are used correctly, ensuring food safety.

Epson’s commitment to the food and beverage label and packaging industry is shown in the level of investment it has applied in its pursuit of regulatory compliance.

Epson SurePress and ColorWorks inks are manufactured with food-grade hygiene management, implementing Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point risk assessment at each stage of production.

In compliance with EU Regulation framework (EC) No. 1935/2004, Epson SurePress and ColorWorks inks are not intended for direct food contact applications. When using Epson SurePress and ColorWorks inks, it is recommended the non-food contact side of pressure-sensitive food labels is separated by aluminum, glass, plastic or other materials that act as a functional barrier, as defined by local regulations, preventing migration of the ink components to the food.