FLINT Group, a supplier of inks and coatings for the print and packaging industry, has announced an expansion of its resin production facility in Caronno, Italy.
The site has been in operation for over 30 years and produces more than 20,000 tonnes of resins annually. This latest investment addresses the demand for nitrocellulose (NC)-free ink technologies in the flexible packaging sector.
Flint explained the upgrade increases the company’s capacity to produce resin intermediates for polyurethane (PU) and acrylic-based inks, strengthening the firm’s supply chain and securing access to essential raw materials.
The expansion supports enhanced availability of Flint Group’s PU-based VertixCode (flexographic) and MatrixCode (gravure) ink solutions. These product lines are said to contribute to improved packaging recyclability by offering high chemical stability, ensuring compatibility with recycling processes, and helping converters meet forthcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
The expansion includes a 30% increase in production capacity and improved molecular weight distribution through ‘precise’ raw material and reagent dosing, ensuring ‘consistent, high-performance products’.
This investment comes as global NC supply becomes increasingly constrained, primarily due to the reallocation of NC production toward military-grade materials, causing pressure across supply chains, price increases and uncertain availability.
Gonzalo Alas Pumarino, executive VP – operations and supply chain, Europe, said, “Flint Group is committed to delivering market-leading PU solutions that align with the packaging industry’s evolving needs and its transition towards more sustainable and recyclable packaging solutions. Scaling up our NC-free resin production was a strategic investment for Flint Group to ensure our ability to provide a forward-looking alternative that mitigates dependence on nitrocellulose, ensuring greater long-term stability and sustainability for our customers.”
