RadTech Europe promotes the safe use of UV Technology for food packaging

RadTech Europe is aware of recent issues with migration of ink ingredients in food packaging and encourages anyone with questions about these issues to contact RadTech Europe for support and guidance.

UV curing is a safe and effective technology, which offers many benefits and is widely used in many applications, for many years - including food packaging applications. However, the choice of the correct coatings and raw materials is critical to its safe use. RadTech Europe is actively involved in initiatives to promote the safe use of packaging inks for indirect food contact. The association has conducted a risk assessment case study on the use of UV inks for indirect food packaging in 2007, and is organizing a series of seminars throughout Europe to communicate the results. In addition, RadTech Europe is currently undertaking a follow-up study.

Furthermore, RadTech Europe is involved in the EuPIA DOL inventory; an inventory of substances used in the manufacturing of printing inks for food packaging. In the future, this information can be used to ensure that food packaging is fully compliant with the requirements of food contact materials legislation. To minimise the risk of food migration issues, RadTech Europe recommends the use of special low-migration and low-odour inks and varnishes for use on the nonfood contact side of primary packaging. These are specially formulated and manufactured to be in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 and Regulation (EC) No 2023/2006. Correctly formulated inks and varnishes can be used for secondary food packaging, if transfer of ink ingredients can be ruled out by appropriate packaging design and manufacturing process.

Finally, RadTech Europe underlines the importance of proper handling and storing printed materials and articles in their finished and semi-finished states to minimize the transfer of substances from the printed surface to the food-contact side. Once again, RadTech Europe is dedicated to the safe use of UV technology for food packaging and encourages anyone with questions about the recent messages in the media to contact RadTech Europe for support and guidance.