EU paper industry pledges to phase out mineral oil in food packaging ink
The European paper industry has agreed regional self-commitment to phase out the use of printing inks based on mineral oils for printing food packaging.
The European paper industry has agreed regional self-commitment to phase out the use of printing inks based on mineral oils for printing food packaging.
The Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) said the decision was taken based on recent studies on mineral oils found in foodstuffs which have raised concerns about consumer safety.
According to these studies, traces of mineral oils migrate to food from inks found on the printed surface of packaging and in recycled packaging papers.
Although no toxicological studies on the effects of human exposure to mineral oil traces currently exist, “the paper-based packaging industry takes this matter very seriously and is proactively working to address any concerns,” stated CEPI.
“Despite the absence of clear scientific and regulatory guidance the industry has already made significant progress towards reducing the levels of mineral oils contained in its processes and products. In some cases a reduction of up to 90% in mineral oil levels has been observed over the last 24 months,” the industry association added.
To formalize and further strengthen its efforts to reduce the use of mineral oils, the industry has agreed on a European-wide self-commitment.
This will phase out the use of printing inks based on mineral oils for printing paper and board packaging, and mineral oil-based process chemicals for food contact paper and board packaging material.
“No single actor has an immediate and definitive solution to addressing concerns about mineral oil migration into food,” CEPI said. “The paper-based packaging industry is therefore committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to better understand, and identify the most practical and effective ways to address these concerns.”
According to these studies, traces of mineral oils migrate to food from inks found on the printed surface of packaging and in recycled packaging papers.
Although no toxicological studies on the effects of human exposure to mineral oil traces currently exist, “the paper-based packaging industry takes this matter very seriously and is proactively working to address any concerns,” stated CEPI.
“Despite the absence of clear scientific and regulatory guidance the industry has already made significant progress towards reducing the levels of mineral oils contained in its processes and products. In some cases a reduction of up to 90% in mineral oil levels has been observed over the last 24 months,” the industry association added.
To formalize and further strengthen its efforts to reduce the use of mineral oils, the industry has agreed on a European-wide self-commitment.
This will phase out the use of printing inks based on mineral oils for printing paper and board packaging, and mineral oil-based process chemicals for food contact paper and board packaging material.
“No single actor has an immediate and definitive solution to addressing concerns about mineral oil migration into food,” CEPI said. “The paper-based packaging industry is therefore committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to better understand, and identify the most practical and effective ways to address these concerns.”
Source: Confederation of European Paper Industries
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