Water-based printing ink specialist Follmann GmbH & Co. KG has strengthened its commitment to the UK flexible packaging market by becoming a Diamond Partner of the Flexographic Industry Association UK (FIA UK).
Marking the next phase of the company’s UK growth strategy, the partnership will support closer collaboration with converters responding to changing packaging legislation, sustainability requirements and raw material supply chain volatility. Bringing more than 40 years of water-based expertise to the UK market, Follmann is working with flexible packaging manufacturers to evaluate and implement water-based polyurethane (PU) ink systems designed for long-term performance.
Headquartered in Minden, Germany, Follmann develops water-based technologies including printing inks, coatings and adhesives for packaging applications. With a dedicated focus on water-based systems since the mid-1990s, the family-owned company is recognised as one of Europe’s leading experts in water-based chemistry.
The announcement comes as flexible packaging converters face pressure to reduce VOC emissions, improve recyclability and assess alternatives to nitrocellulose (NC) and conventional solvent-based systems.
Jacky Hoarau, regional sales manager at Follmann, said, “The UK packaging and printing industry is entering a significant period of technological change. Joining FIA UK as a Diamond Partner marks an important milestone in our commitment to the flexographic sector and strengthens our ability to engage with packaging converters across the UK.
“Through the partnership, we will collaborate with UK packaging companies and the wider supply chain, sharing our technical expertise and helping businesses as they transition to water-based solutions.”Follmann’s strategy reflects progress showcased at the Next Generation Sustainable Flexo Symposium, held in May in Minden and Herford, Germany, where more than 120 industry professionals explored recyclable packaging, production efficiency and advances in flexographic printing.
During a live press demonstration at Allstein GmbH, Follmann inks were used to print multiple recyclable and mono-material flexible packaging structures, including films with high levels of recycled content. Five print jobs were completed within two hours using automated press equipment, demonstrating the speed, consistency and versatility achievable with modern water-based flexographic printing.
The demonstrations showed that modern water-based PU ink systems can deliver the print quality, adhesion, flexibility and efficiency required for demanding flexible packaging applications while supporting lower VOC emissions, recyclability objectives and sustainability goals.
André Altevogt, sales director, packaging solutions at Follmann, said, “Many converters are now reviewing alternatives to nitrocellulose, but we believe the discussion should go beyond simply replacing one solvent-based system with another.
“High-performance water-based PU inks are already commercially viable for many flexible packaging applications. Companies that move directly from NC systems to water-based inks are making a strategic business decision that supports print performance and helps them prepare for future sustainability and regulatory requirements.”
Through its FIA UK partnership, Follmann will contribute to technical discussions on the future of flexible packaging and strengthen collaboration across the UK supply chain.
Continued investment in the company’s manufacturing operations and Technology and Knowledge Centre in Minden underpins its commitment to providing UK and European converters with production-ready ink systems and specialist application support.
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