In this first instalment of a three-part Packaging MEA series, Ben Daniel explores how innovations in inks, coatings, and adhesives are enabling the packaging industry to meet ambitious sustainability targets. From de-inkable systems to carbon-neutral adhesives and recyclable coatings, the building blocks of modern packaging are evolving and MEA converters must adapt to stay competitive.
In the wider push toward a circular economy, one area often underemphasised is the supporting materials behind packaging: the inks, adhesives, and coatings that make packaging viable. While substrates like paper, film, or foil attract most of the attention, the formulation of inks, coatings, and adhesives are now central to discussions around sustainability, recyclability, and compliance.
This article marks the beginning of a three-part series published by Packaging MEA, exploring sustainability advances across these critical yet often overlooked materials. In this instalment, we look at how each segment—inks, coatings, and adhesives—is evolving through measurable innovation and regulatory alignment to support circular packaging systems.
Sustainable inks: Bio-based, low-VOC and de-inkable formulations
Institutions like ITENE highlight compostable ink formulations with reduced emissions aligned with EU circular economy targets. Market forecasts project strong growth (+6.8% CAGR through 2029) in sustainable inks and coatings, with emerging markets like MEA poised to benefit.
From de-inkable technologies for PET film recycling to UV LED-cured inks that reduce energy use, ink innovation is shifting from niche to mainstream. Bio-based and low-VOC inks are increasingly validated at industrial scale, improving both environmental performance and print quality.
Water-based and UV-curable inks are also gaining popularity for flexible and paper-based substrates. Research shows they serve dual purposes—print performance and circularity—while aligning with Europe’s PPWR mandates and stricter EPR rules.
Smart and functional inks
Functional inks are enabling new applications, including printed electronics, smart packaging, and end-of-life traceability. These innovations allow packaging to retain performance without compromising recyclability.
As reported by Flint Group, its PRISM sustainability framework (Product, Planet, People) guides product development and operational metrics. The company reports reductions of up to 34% in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and sources nearly 25% of its electricity from renewables. Its water-based inks are designed for compatibility with mono-material flexible packaging, supporting recyclability at scale.
Circular coatings: Enabling paper-based barriers with de-inkability and performance
A critical enabler of plastic substitution is the rise of water-based barrier coatings. These coatings protect paper-based packaging from moisture and grease while maintaining recyclability and processability on existing equipment.
As discussed in the H.B. Fuller’s Gluetalks: E-Commerce Unboxed podcast, these coatings support compostable, repulpable, or recyclable structures while aligning with Europe’s PPWR mandates, which prioritise recyclability grades and stricter EPR rules.
Performance with accountability
Hubergroup, a leader in sustainable inks and coatings, applies circular principles through responsible sourcing, in-house component production, and closed-loop processes. The company has committed to 100% certified biobased raw materials by 2033 and zero waste to landfill.
Its coating lines in Europe recycle wash water to cover up to 24% of production needs. Carbon footprint (PCF) for adhesives and inks—verified to ISO 14067:2019—sets a benchmark. Internal audits are validated by TÜV SÜD, and data serves as input for Scope 3 reporting across the supply chain.
Carbon-neutral adhesive solutions
H.B. Fuller’s Advantra® Earthic™ 9370 is a near carbon-neutral hot melt adhesive for packaging that retains full sealing performance. Produced at an ISCC PLUS certified plant, the adhesive uses mass balance to trace bio-circular raw material input.
The firm estimates that switching from standard hot melts to Advantra adhesives can cut approximately 276 tonnes of CO₂ per 100 tonnes used.
Future-ready adhesives: Clean separation, compostability and mono-material compatibility
Historically, adhesives were a weak link in packaging recyclability—especially for multilayer films. Today, pressure-sensitive adhesives, heat-triggered separation adhesives, and bio-based options enable disassembly, compostability, or repulpability.
As noted in the Gluetalks podcast, early design-stage collaboration between converters, material suppliers, and logistics partners is critical. Barrier coatings and compatible adhesives significantly lower PPWR-linked compliance risk by improving recyclability grades and reducing material mass.
PPWR, EPR, and early design collaboration
MEA converters must rethink not just substrates, but also inks, coatings, and adhesives that dictate packaging recyclability, compliance, and performance. The first wave of transformation is science-led and standards-driven. The next challenge is adoption.
Final takeaway
As MEA converters look to meet the demands of a circular economy, they must rethink not just substrates, but also the inks, coatings, and adhesives that define packaging’s recyclability, compliance, and performance.
The first wave of transformation is underway—driven by science, standards, and supplier collaboration. The next challenge is adoption.
Industry Progress Snapshot
Verified Progress (2023–2025)
| Company | Verified Progress | Source / Certification |
|---|---|---|
| Siegwerk | ISO-certified Product Carbon Footprint (PCF); cradle-to-gate modelling for inks/coatings | TÜV SÜD audit |
| Flint Group | 31–34% Scope 1/2 GHG reduction; 25% renewable energy use; EcoVadis Gold | EcoVadis, internal reports |
| hubergroup | Zero waste-to-landfill by 2033; 100% biobased material target; C2C, NGFdF, responsible care | Company roadmap |
| Henkel | Low-VOC adhesives; Scope 3 reduction via partnerships; focus on recyclability & food safety | Corporate sustainability reporting |
| H.B. Fuller | Advantra Earthic™ 9370 adhesive; PPWR-aligned barrier coatings; ISTA/CFPI testing | Gluetalks podcast, internal data |
Note: Based on publicly available data (2023–2025). For industry reference only, not endorsement.
Expert quotes
“Sustainability is embedded in everything we do — from operations to product innovation.”
— Anthony Murphy, Commercial Director & General Manager, Flint Group
“Hubergroup’s 260-year journey is more than the evolution of colour — it’s the rise of a conscience-led legacy.”
— Klaus Bach Nielsen, Managing Director, APAC & MEA – hubergroup
“Water-based barrier coatings offer recyclability without compromising protection or automation performance.”
— Diana Neto, Barrier Coatings Business Development Manager – H.B. Fuller