Low Migration Inks

Low migration inks are specialized printing inks formulated to minimize the transfer of ink components from packaging materials into the packaged product, particularly food, pharmaceuticals, or personal care items. This is essential in ensuring consumer safety, especially when products are sensitive to contamination or are in direct or indirect contact with printed surfaces. These inks are designed in compliance with stringent regulatory standards and are widely used in the packaging industry, especially for food-safe and health-compliant applications.

The term “migration” refers to the movement of substances—such as solvents, photoinitiators, plasticizers, or other additives—from the printed layer through the packaging material and into the product. Migration can occur through direct contact or via the set-off effect, where printed surfaces come into contact with the unprinted side of packaging materials during stacking or rolling. Low migration inks are engineered to resist this transfer, reducing the risk of contamination and preserving the integrity and safety of the packaged goods.

Formulating low migration inks involves careful selection of raw materials, particularly those with high molecular weights, low volatility, and minimal extractability. The ink components—such as binders, pigments, solvents, and additives—are chosen based on their low potential to migrate and their compliance with applicable food safety regulations and industry standards. Additionally, these inks often include special curing mechanisms, such as UV or electron beam (EB) curing, which help fully crosslink the ink film and minimize residual substances that could migrate.