The European Printing Ink Association (EuPIA) has clarified the information printing ink suppliers must provide to packaging manufacturers ahead of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation becoming applicable on 12 August 2026.
The guidance is relevant to Middle East and African printers, converters and exporters supplying packaging or packaged goods to the European Union, where the final packaging manufacturer remains responsible for preparing the PPWR Declaration of Conformity.
EuPIA said ink manufacturers are generally not required to issue that declaration when their products are used by customers to print packaging. Instead, they must provide supporting product information needed for customers’ technical documentation, including data on restricted substances, recyclability, compostability and food-contact compliance where applicable.
From 12 August, the immediate information requirement for ink suppliers will focus mainly on heavy metals and PFAS in food-contact applications. The combined concentration of lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromium must not exceed 100 mg/kg in the finished packaging.
The association added that further requirements will be clarified through delegated and implementing acts. For MEA businesses exporting to Europe, the guidance defines where responsibility sits and highlights the need for closer documentation exchange between ink suppliers, converters, brand owners and packaging manufacturers before implementation.