HZ info,Toyo Ink Europe has introduced a comprehensive portfolio of UV and LED UV curable inks compliant with the German Printing Ink Ordinance (GIO). Designed for food-safe packaging applications, these inks offer low migration and high performance across flexo and offset printing processes.

Toyo Ink Europe, a division of Japan’s Artience Group specialising in energy-curing inks, has unveiled a full range of UV and LED UV curable inks that meet the German Printing Ink Ordinance (GIO) requirements. This regulation sets strict migration limits for inks used in food-safe packaging. The company’s GIO-compliant portfolio includes solutions for flexographic and offset printing, ensuring food packaging safety without compromising print quality, curing efficiency, or substrate versatility.

The rollout began in June 2025 with the launch of Steraflex UV flexo inks, followed by Steraboard UV and Steraplast UV offset inks at Labelexpo Europe in September 2025. “We’re extremely proud of being one of the first ink makers to bring GIO-compliant UV and LED inks to market,” stated Ismail Yilmaz, General Manager Sales & Corporate Strategy at Toyo Ink Europe. By working closely with developmental partners and conducting extensive testing, the company ensured compliance with both regulatory standards and performance expectations across various substrates and printing technologies.

Low migration inks for flexible and rigid packaging
Toyo Ink Europe’s portfolio is tailored to meet the challenges of packaging production for food safety applications. In flexographic printing, Steraflex UV provides high colour strength, rapid UV curing, and compatibility with both absorbent substrates like paper and board, as well as non-absorbent materials such as PE, PP, and PET. Steraflex GIO LED offers similar benefits for LED UV flexo printing, including energy-efficient curing and reduced odour.

For offset printing, the Steraboard UV and Steraplast UV inks are designed for paper, board, and non-absorbent substrates, offering features such as fast curing, high gloss, and strong adhesion. Additionally, the renamed EkoPro LED series provides a GIO-compliant solution for LED offset printing, emphasising energy-efficient curing and safety for food packaging applications.

Regulatory readiness and market positioning
The German Printing Ink Ordinance is set to become mandatory in January 2027, yet Toyo Ink Europe has positioned itself well ahead of this enforcement date. Yilmaz highlighted that early adoption of GIO-compliant inks allows converters to transition smoothly, ensuring compliance while seizing competitive advantages in an evolving market. “Our analytical and regulatory teams collaborated closely with five different developmental partners to ensure our inks comply with the most rigorous performance and safety standards,” he noted.

With its focus on innovation and regulation-ready solutions, Toyo Ink Europe aims to support the packaging industry in meeting increasing demands for sustainable and food-safe materials. The company’s comprehensive portfolio not only addresses current safety concerns but also anticipates future needs as the regulatory landscape continues to evolve.