Overseas Updates: Sustainability & Digital Printing Drive Global Packaging Printing Sector
July 23, 2026
July 23, 2026 – The global packaging printing industry sees two major development directions this week: eco-friendly printing materials compliant with European circular regulations and expanded cooperation on digital flexible printing equipment.
Sun Chemical has obtained RecyClass certification for its new generation recyclable printing inks. The nitrocellulose-free ink series adapts to flexo and gravure processes for flexible packaging. Products printed with these inks will not contaminate plastic recycling streams, helping packaging converters satisfy the EU PPWR requirements. RecyClass certification has rapidly become a vital qualification for exporters supplying European consumer brands.
In equipment market, SCREEN sealed new partnerships with multiple overseas converters to deploy digital flexible packaging printing systems. Digital presses meet rising demand for small-batch, customized packaging and reduce plate-making waste compared with traditional gravure production.
Meanwhile, packaging printers across Eastern Europe report growing export orders for food and wine packaging to offset sluggish domestic consumption. Industry analysts commented that overseas buyers are raising standards on recyclability, low-VOC materials and variable-data printing. Chinese packaging printing exporters need to accelerate green material adoption and digital transformation to maintain competitiveness in European and emerging markets.
