09.03.08
A think tank for ink
Another major eco-problem for European label converters is the de-inking of recycled labels and packaging. INGEDE is a Europe-wide research group composed of leading paper makers and laboratories set up to research better de-inking methods.
Label converters are particularly affected by this problem as the use of inkjet and digital label printing grows, since these inks cannot be removed using existing recycling technologies. It has even been suggested that in the future such labels and packaging should by law be marked “Non-recyclable” in order to keep them out of the recycling chain. This suggestion may seem far-fetched, but it is symptomatic of the pressures being felt by European label converters as a result of public enthusiasm for environmental issues.
Another major eco-problem for European label converters is the de-inking of recycled labels and packaging. INGEDE is a Europe-wide research group composed of leading paper makers and laboratories set up to research better de-inking methods.
Label converters are particularly affected by this problem as the use of inkjet and digital label printing grows, since these inks cannot be removed using existing recycling technologies. It has even been suggested that in the future such labels and packaging should by law be marked “Non-recyclable” in order to keep them out of the recycling chain. This suggestion may seem far-fetched, but it is symptomatic of the pressures being felt by European label converters as a result of public enthusiasm for environmental issues.