Is offset printing ink food grade?

Date: Oct 19 2024 From: Star Color

Offset ink, also known as planographic ink, is widely used in various offset printing machines. Before discussing whether offset printing ink is food grade, we need to first understand the composition, classification, and application of offset printing ink, as well as the definition and standards of food grade ink.

Composition and classification of offset printing ink

Offset printing ink is mainly composed of colorants, binders, adaptability adjusters, dryness adjusters, and printing effect adjusters. There are many varieties, including offset resin ink, offset gloss ink, offset four-color ink, offset quick fix ink, offset gloss quick dry ink, etc. These inks are suitable for different printing needs, such as printing on different materials such as paper, plastic, metal, etc.

Definition and standards of food grade ink

Food grade ink refers to ink used on packaging materials that come into direct or indirect contact with food and do not migrate harmful substances into the food. On September 25, 2023, China released the "National Food Safety Standard for Ink Used in Food Contact Materials and Products" (GB 4806.14-2023), which specifies the limit requirements for basic raw materials, additives, heavy metals, and aromatic primary amines used in ink used in food contact materials and products.

Worldwide, developed countries such as the United States, Europe, and Japan have detailed standards for food grade ink.

Is offset printing ink food grade?

Normally, standard offset printing ink is not food grade. This is because ordinary offset printing ink may contain heavy metals, harmful chemicals, and volatile organic solvents, which may migrate to food during the printing process, posing potential hazards to human health.

However, there are also food grade offset printing inks specifically designed for food packaging on the market. These inks use approved basic materials and additives that comply with food safety standards, ensuring that the ink does not release harmful substances when in contact with food. Food grade offset printing ink is widely used in the printing fields of food packaging, labels, bottle caps, etc. to ensure the safety of food and the health of consumers.

The above is an explanation about whether offset printing ink is food grade. We hope it is helpful to you.