Steraplast GIO: Toyo Ink Europe introduces GIO compliant UV offset inks for closed substrates
Toyo Ink Europe is expanding its low-migration portfolio with the launch of Steraplast GIO UV, a brand-new UV offset ink system engineered for non-absorbent substrates. Designed to help packaging converters and brand owners stay ahead of tightening regulatory requirements, Steraplast GIO UV is fully compliant with the German Ink Ordinance (GIO) as well as EuPIA and Swiss Ordinance guidelines — making it one of the first UV offset ink ranges specifically built to meet the next generation of European food-packaging standards.
Steraplast GIO UV has been developed for printing on films, foils, metallised boards and other low-porosity materials, making it the counterpart of our Steraboard GIO UV. The afformentioned “closed” surfaces can present significant challenges for UV offset inks, especially where migration, adhesion and curing consistency are concerned.
The new GIO-compliant binder system and pigment selection enable:
- Strong adhesion on plastics and films
- Fast, complete UV curing at high production speeds
- High scratch and rub resistance for demanding downstream processes (lamination, cutting, creasing)
With German Ink Ordinance regulations coming into force as from the 1st of January 2026, brand owners are requiring safer and more transparent ink formulations throughout their supply chains. Therefore Steraplast GIO UV:
- Excludes high-risk photo initiators (such as PI 379, ITX and benzophenone)
- Is formulated from carefully selected raw materials with documented migration data
- Aligns with EuPIA, Swiss Ordinance and current ECHA SVHC restrictions
This makes Steraplast GIO UV a future-ready ink system for food and pharmaceutical packaging converters who need to proactively address upcoming legislation. While regulatory compliance was the starting point, we also designed Steraplast GIO UV to deliver good pressroom performance:
- Sharp print results and excellent colour consistency
- Stable ink-water balance and long-run stability on press
- Fast curing and high productivity, even at high line speeds
As brand owners accelerate the transition to safer, low-migration ink systems, Steraplast GIO UV offers a ready-to-implement solution for converters facing both regulatory pressure and performance demands. It gives packaging producers the confidence to print on closed, non-absorbent substrates without compromising on quality, speed or compliance.
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