Siegwerk, a global leader in printing inks and coatings for packaging and labels, has earned RecyClass Technology Approval for its SICURA series of acrylic UV/LED-curable inks and varnishes. This is a market first, as it marks the first RecyClass approval for UV-curable ink technology on polyethylene (PE) flexible packaging.
The approval confirms that Siegwerk’s SICURA products, including SICURA Nutriflex, SICURA Flex Dual Cure, and SICURA Litho Pack, are fully compatible with Europe’s colored PE flexible recycling stream, provided the packaging meets RecyClass design guidelines. This certification is based on independent lab testing of SICURA Nutriflex NT26, following the RecyClass Recyclability Evaluation Protocol for PE films.
Until now, UV-curable inks have not specifically covered in RecyClass’ Design for Recycling Guidelines for PE films. This new approval marks a key milestone, expanding the scientific framework for evaluating innovative ink technologies and encouraging broader adoption of UV/LED-curable solutions in recyclable flexible packaging.
“This milestone closes a crucial gap for UV printing in flexible packaging,” said Marc Larvor, Head of Technology, Narrow Web EMEA at Siegwerk. “Our UV/LED inks now deliver both high packaging performance and full recyclability, a combination not previously addressed in industry guidelines. It reflects our R&D team’s expertise and our commitment to circular packaging solutions without compromising performance or safety.”
RecyClass has extended its approval for SICURA Nutriflex NT26 to several other acrylic UV/LED-curable inks and varnishes, based on chemical equivalence. This includes products used in Narrow Web, Sheetfed, and Liquid Food packaging applications, such as SICURA Nutriflex NT25, SICURA Nutriflex 10, SICURA Nutriflex LEDtec, and others. Like SICURA Nutriflex NT26, these products are fully compatible with the colored PE flexibles recycling stream when designed according to RecyClass conditions.
The multi-approval strengthens confidence across the value chain, offering brand owners and converters greater assurance in choosing UV-curable inks for recyclable PE packaging. “This is a significant leap forward for packaging sustainability, enabling brand owners to use high-performance UV inks in recyclable PE formats,” said Lara Kleines, business partner for recycling and polymers at Siegwerk. By partnering with RecyClass and conducting scientific recyclability testing, Siegwerk ensures its products align with recyclers’ needs, advancing truly circular packaging solutions without compromises.
The RecyClass technology approval applies specifically to the ink technology itself and should not be interpreted as a recyclability certification for the final packaged product. In other words, while the approval confirms that the SICURA UV/LED-curable inks are compatible with the PE recycling stream, any packaging that incorporates these inks must still undergo a full assessment as a complete structure. To ensure compliance, the packaging design must adhere to the relevant RecyClass Design for Recycling Guidelines, taking into account all layers, materials, and components used in the final package. This distinction emphasizes that while the ink technology is validated, overall recyclability depends on the combination of materials and proper design practices throughout the packaging.
12 March 2026
12 March 2026
12 March 2026
12 March 2026
