Flint Group expanded its resin production facility in Caronno, Italy, to meet the growing demand for nitrocellulose (NC)-free ink technologies in the flexible packaging sector.
The plant produces more than 20,000 tons of resins annually, and the upgrade increases the company’s capacity to produce important resin intermediates for polyurethane (PU) and acrylic-based inks, the company says in a news release.
The company adds that its investment comes at a critical time as global NC supply becomes increasingly constrained, primarily due to the reallocation of NC production toward military-grade materials, causing pressure across supply chains.
“The expansion supports enhanced availability of Flint Group’s PU-based VertixCode (flexographic) and MatrixCode (gravure) ink solutions,” the company says.
“These product lines contribute to improved packaging recyclability by offering high chemical stability, ensuring compatibility with recycling processes, and helping converters meet the forthcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).” Enacted by the European Union in 2024, the PPWR goes into effect in mid-2026.