WATER-based printing ink specialist Follmann has strengthened its presence in the UK flexible packaging market by becoming a diamond partner of the Flexographic Industry Association UK (FIA UK).
The partnership is designed to support closer collaboration with converters responding to changing packaging legislation, sustainability requirements, and raw material supply chain volatility.
Bringing more than 40 years of water-based expertise to the UK market, Follmann is working with flexible packaging manufacturers to evaluate and implement water-based polyurethane (PU) ink systems.
Headquartered in Minden, Germany, Follmann develops technologies including printing inks, coatings and adhesives for packaging applications. The family-owned company has had a focus on water-based systems since the mid-1990s.
The announcement comes as flexible packaging converters face pressure to reduce VOC emissions, improve recyclability, and assess alternatives to nitrocellulose (NC) and conventional solvent-based systems.
Jacky Hoarau, regional sales manager at Follmann, said, “The UK packaging and printing industry is entering a significant period of technological change. Joining FIA UK as a diamond partner marks an important milestone in our commitment to the flexographic sector and strengthens our ability to engage with packaging converters across the UK. Through the partnership, we will collaborate with UK packaging companies and the wider supply chain, sharing our technical expertise and helping businesses as they transition to water-based solutions.”
André Altevogt, sales director, packaging solutions at Follmann, added, “Many converters are now reviewing alternatives to nitrocellulose, but we believe the discussion should go beyond simply replacing one solvent-based system with another. High-performance water-based PU inks are already commercially viable for many flexible packaging applications. Companies that move directly from NC systems to water-based inks are making a strategic business decision that supports print performance and helps them prepare for future sustainability and regulatory requirements.”
