Meet & Learn at Toyo Ink Europe: An Inspiring Afternoon for the Graphical Industry

A Deep Dive into the World of Printing Inks and its Regulations

After their morning coffee, participants received a comprehensive presentation by Caroline Melis on the production process of different types of inks and varnishes. This covered conventional, UV and LED inks for offset and flexo printing techniques, as well as digital inks, as they are strongly influencing the Belgian market.

Afterwards, Matthias Meys represented the RSSE team (regulatory, safety, sustainability and environment team) with his presentation on laws and regulations and an introduction to EuPIA (European Printing Ink Association), of which we are an active member. Participants learned more about this organisation's role within the printing industry and their lobbying work to create harmonised legislation within the European framework.

He zoomed in on the regulations and legislation surrounding FCM (food contact materials), what is classified as an FCM precisely, and our role as an ink manufacturer. With an introduction to the Framework Regulation, our guests learned what they can expect from their suppliers, but also about their role as the responsible party for food packaging.

Finally, an important topic was covered, namely a broader explanation of the legal requirements of hazardous substances in inks and varnishes and the ongoing changes affecting our industry. These included microplastics, PFAS, biocides and photo initiators, and we zoomed in on the recent MOSH/MOAH legislation which will be introduced in France from the 1st of January 2025. This legislation, which targets the presence of mineral oils in printing inks, directly affects printers exporting to France.

Here we explained the steps the industry is taking to comply with all these requirements and the mediating role EuPIA is playing in this regard.

The Production Tour

For many, the production tour was the highlight of the day. After everyone was equipped with safety shoes, a fluorescent jacket and safety glasses, participants were given a unique insight into how inks are grinded, mixed and dispersed. Participants also got a glimpse of our laboratories, where our inks and coatings are developed and subjected to rigorous quality control to ensure they meet both customer and regulatory requirements.

This practical aspect of the event made the knowledge transfer even more vivid and relevant.

Closing with Networking Opportunities

The instructive morning session concluded with a tasty networking lunch. This opportunity gave attendees the chance to exchange their experiences and ideas in an informal setting. As icing on the cake, everyone received a goodie bag, including gadgets from Febelgra, a beautiful bookmarker printed by Grafische Group Matthys and compelling brochures on most of the topics covered during the day.

A Valuable Experience and Collaboration

This Meet & Learn once again proved the power of collaboration and knowledge sharing within the printing industry. With topics ranging from innovation in printing inks to complex legislation, this event offered valuable insights for all. We are already looking forward to organising other events in the future, as well as strengthening ties within the industry.

Once again, we would like to thank Febelgra for their help in organising the event, as well as the speakers and guides who made sure everything went smoothly!