The days when aesthetics were the primary focus in discussions around ink performance are long gone. Today, ink must also meet ever higher environmental and safety standards, not only to give the packaged product a competitive edge, but to place the product on the market in the first place.
With tightening global legislation, choice of ink could make the difference between a product reaching the shelf or being stopped at the border. And it’s no longer just the ink manufacturer’s responsibility. Packaging printers are increasingly being held accountable for how ink is used, and how it supports the compliance and recyclability of the final packaging.
If you’re a packaging printer, now is the time to prepare for a new wave of regulation – and to rethink how you manage compliance, traceability, and trust.
What’s changing?
Several major pieces of legislation are coming into effect in 2026, in both the EU and the UK. Each brings new requirements – not only for ink formulation, but also for how printed packaging performs in terms of circularity and safety.
Take the German Printing Ink Ordinance (GIO), which will apply from January 2026. It restricts the use of substances in inks intended for food-contact materials to a specific positive list. Printers must not only ensure they are using compliant inks, but also be able to provide documentation that proves it. Simply trusting your supplier is no longer enough. Read more →
Likewise, the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) creates harmonized design rules to promote a circular economy across the European Union’s 27 member states: all packaging must be designed for reuse or high-quality recycling. The PPWR makes stipulations about all aspects of the package, including the print layer: heavy ink coverage or complex coatings can render packaging non-recyclable under the new criteria. Under this legislation, choices made about inks not only affect environmental impact – they can even determine access to the market at all. PPWR conformity assessments and declarations for most packaging will be due by 12 August 2026. Read more →
In parallel, the EU’s restriction on microplastics (Regulation 2023/2055) will ban certain synthetic polymer microparticles (“SPMs”) starting in 2026. Even if printers are not directly targeted, they may be required to report emissions or confirm exemption status – especially for specialty coatings and UV-curable inks. Read more →
Meanwhile, the UK’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme is already underway. From 2025, producers will pay fees based on how easy their packaging is to recycle. Printed layers that obstruct recycling will drive up those costs – and printers will be expected to provide full material specifications. Read more →
Why this matters for printers
These legislative changes do more than raise the bar for compliance – they change where that responsibility lies. Increasingly, brands and converters will have to prove that their packaging, including print, meets regulatory and environmental standards. For printers, that means being able to document the inks, materials and processes used – and their impact.
Because of this tighter legislation, traceability is becoming mandatory – not just for safety or food-contact compliance, but also for sustainability claims.
From compliance to competitive advantage
So, for you, the converter, it means compliance is no longer just a box to check, but a non-negotiable requirement for entering the market. The converters who succeed in this new environment will be those who structure and organize their data – who can trace materials, processes and specifications, and who can assure their customers of compliance at any moment.
In short, success will belong to those who position themselves as the safe choice.
That doesn’t mean you need to become a regulatory expert overnight. But it does mean building stronger partnerships with ink suppliers, staying informed about the rules, and putting systems in place to track what you use, where, and why. Investing in traceability and data management is not just about avoiding risk – it’s about building trust, streamlining audits, and keeping your customers confident in your capabilities.
Ready to get traceable? Let’s talk
As packaging regulations grow stricter, ink is no longer just about aesthetics – it’s a regulated component tied to compliance and sustainability. To be a trusted converter today, you must not only deliver quality but also prove your packaging is safe, compliant and recyclable.
GSE Traceability software helps you track, document and control ink use – from formulation to print – so you’re always audit-ready. Position yourself as the safe choice your customers rely on. Contact us at info@gsedispensing.com.
Please note that information in this article does not constitute legal advice. This is a general summary and analysis of the environmental and safety legislation based on research by GSE. Readers should refer to publicly available information from appropriate legislative authorities as a basis for decision-making.
