Epson have achieved Food Contact Materials regulatory compliance for food packaging printing inks. The Epson inks that received the mark of compliance are the ones being used in its SurePress digital inkjet label presses and ColorWorks on-demand color label printers.
The regulations include EU Regulation framework (EC) No. 1935/2004, Good Manufacturing Practices Regulation (GMP) (EC) No. 2023/2006, and Plastics Implementation Measure Regulation (EU) 10/2011. They also include the Swiss Ordinance (RS 817.023.21) on Food Contact Materials for food packaging printing inks.
Food packaging is one of the most regulated segments of the print industry. The print value chain continuously take account of new regulations–especially in Europe and Asia–and fastly adjust to priorities beyond safety.
Jocelyn Tan, Regional Senior Manager, Printers Solutions Division, Epson Singapore said, “Our customers can be assured that the printers they have installed in their manufacturing facilities are compliant with Food Contact Materials regulations. Epson will continue to meet and exceed customers’ needs in the production of food and beverage labels and packaging.”
Investment in ink
Unique among digital inkjet press and printer manufacturers, Epson produces its own ink. Epson invests directly in systems and hygienic processes to produce ink for its SurePress and ColorWorks solutions.
Epson’s facilities meet the internationally recognised Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards (EC) No. 2023/2006 EU Regulations and corresponding United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cGMP. In addition, the SurePress and ColorWorks inks adheres with food grade hygiene management, implementing Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) risk assessment at each stage of production.
In addition, Epson’s inks comply with Swiss Ordinance on Materials and Articles in Contact with Food (RS817.023.21). The ingredients comply to the Swiss Positive Lists A and B, published by Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) approved for food labelling and packaging printing.
In compliance with EU Regulation framework (EC) No. 1935/2004, Epson SurePress and ColorWorks inks shouldn’t have direct food contact applications. When using Epson SurePress and ColorWorks inks, the non-food contact side of pressure-sensitive food labels is separated by aluminium, glass, plastic or other materials. These materials act as a functional barriers, as defined by local regulations, preventing migration of the ink components to the food.
