Epson label inks reach major milestones in Food Contact Materials compliance

Epson today announced that the inks used in its SurePress ^®inkjet label presses and ColorWorks ^®on-demand desktop label printers, are compliant with EU Regulation framework ((EC) No. 1935/2004), Good Manufacturing Practices Regulation (GMP) ((EC) No. 2023/2006), Plastics Implementation Measure Regulation ((EU) 10/2011) and included in Swiss Ordinance (RS 817.023.21) on Food Contact Materials for food packaging printing inks.

Epson’s SurePress and ColorWorks ranges are utilised worldwide by converters and end-users for the food and beverage industry,” said Duncan Ferguson, Vice President of Professional Printing and Robotics. “Each ink system gaining compliance with these complex food regulations is an important achievement and milestone, and further demonstrates Epson’s leadership in digital production for labels and packaging applications.”

Epson’s investment in ink

Unique among inkjet press and printer manufacturers, Epson produces its own ink. Epson invests directly in systems and hygienic processes to produce SurePress and ColorWorks ink. Our facilities meet GMP (EC) No. 2023/2006 EU Regulations and corresponding US FDA requirements. In addition, Epson SurePress and ColorWorks inks are manufactured according to the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) risk assessment principle, covering each stage of the production process.

Non-food contact surface printing

In compliance with EU Regulation Framework (EC) No. 1935/2004, Epson SurePress and ColorWorks inks are not intended for direct food contact applications and should be applied to the non-contact surface of food packaging materials and articles, acting as a functional barrier.

Epson is a member of EuPIA and adheres to the guidelines on printing inks applied to the food packaging materials and articles, according to GMP (EC) No. 2023/2006 under European Framework Regulation ((EC) No. 1935/2004).

Epson’s inks comply with Swiss Ordinance on Materials and Articles in Contact with Food (RS817.023.21) and their ingredients have been registered or submitted to the Swiss Positive Lists A and B, published by Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) approved for food labelling and packaging printing.

Commitment to compliance

The level of investment and care Epson has demonstrated in its pursuit of regulatory compliance is a measure of its long-term commitment to the food and beverage label and packaging industry. Existing Epson SurePress and ColorWorks customers can deliver client projects with confidence knowing that the printers they have installed in their manufacturing facilities are able to print in compliance with Food Contact Materials regulations.