Flint Group commitment to a more sustainable packaging future
Packaging waste, resource use, carbon emissions – barely a day goes by without some discussion of these pressing global sustainability concerns.
At Flint Group, we have been at the forefront of addressing these challenges for years, helping our customers create more sustainable packaging solutions. Our commitment is clear: we are dedicated to leading the way in developing and delivering eco-conscious inks and coatings for packaging that not only meets today’s stringent requirements but also anticipates those of tomorrow.
Navigating a changing landscape
As the regulatory landscape evolves, so too must the packaging sector. The advent of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in the UK this October will require packaging producers to bear full financial responsibility for the collection, recycling, and disposal of their products. Across Europe, new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations are driving the industry towards a more circular economy, promoting reuse, recycling, and a reduction in dependency on primary resources.
These developments reflect a broader ongoing shift worldwide towards embracing sustainability in the packaging sector. Sustainability is no longer merely a ‘nice to have’, it is a non-negotiable expectation on packaging producers.
Our commitment to sustainability
At Flint Group we are acutely aware of the challenges and expectations facing the packaging sector, and that’s why we have committed to supporting our customers every step of the way on their sustainability journey. Our PRISM strategy– centred on Product, Planet, and People – guides our approach to supporting the environment, ensuring every innovation is designed with sustainability in mind.
We are proud to have our 2030 carbon reduction targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), committing us to a 46.2% reduction in Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions compared to 2019 levels. These ambitious targets are supported by tangible action; in 2024, 23% of electricity consumed was from renewable sources, our GHG and water consumption data was validated by third-party auditors, and GHG emissions were reduced by 34% versus our 2019 baseline year. These actions have resulted in Flint Group being recognised with a prestigious Gold rating from EcoVadis and strong “B” scores in CDP Climate Change and Water Security assessments.
Eco-conscious production
At the heart of our product innovation is a commitment to the circular economy. All Flint Group products are developed with sustainability as a core criterion, beginning with responsible material selection and supplier auditing. These actions are supported by our raw material screening facility in India and a procurement team dedicated to responsible sourcing. Our dedicated sustainability, regulatory and technical staff ensure we remain compliant with global and regional environmental initiatives, keeping us ahead of the curve as regulations and consumer expectations evolve.
Products designed with the environment in mind
Our product portfolio reflects this ethos.
For Paper & Board applications, our TerraCode solutions – part of the AQUACode range – offer water-based inks and coatings designed for recyclability and reduced environmental impact.
In Flexible Packaging, our ZenCode products, as well as our VertixCode & MatrixCode NC-free technologies, under the ONECode range provide advanced, more sustainable options that help customers lower their own greenhouse gas emissions.
For Narrow Web printers, our Evolution primers and coatings, along with EkoCure® Dual Cure inks and coatings, deliver high performance while supporting customers’ sustainability objectives.
For Sheetfed Offset, our Novasens P670 PRIME ink series is compliant with INGEDE de-inking requirements, aligns with multiple environmental standards, and is formulated with 75% renewable resources.
Looking ahead
Our commitment to innovation is also future proofing our products for emerging sustainability trends. With growing demand for reusable packaging and a shift towards biodegradable inks and coatings, all new innovations are designed with sustainability in mind to ensure we can continue supporting our customers with products to support circularity and current & future regulations. Our ongoing work in this area will ensure that even as the industry evolves, we can help the packaging industry to meet both regulatory requirements and consumer expectations for more eco-conscious packaging solutions.
Our latest Sustainability Report outlines the full scope of our progress on the environment and our future ambitions. Download the report and discover more about our initiatives on our sustainability page: flintgrp.com/sustainability/