Top 6 Packaging Ink Regulations Every Brand and Converter Must Watch in 2025

The packaging world is changing faster than ever—and so are the rules that govern it. For brands and converters, packaging inks are no longer just about aesthetics. Today, they sit at the heart of food safety, sustainability, and compliance. With governments worldwide tightening regulations, staying updated on these changes has become a survival strategy, not an option.

In this blog, we’ll break down the Top 6 regulatory changes shaping packaging ink choices in 2025—and how innovative inkjet solutions like ArrowJet water-based pigment inks help brands and converters stay compliant while delivering premium print quality.

1. Stricter Food Safety Regulations

Food safety is the driving force behind global ink regulation. Governments across the EU, U.S., China, India, and Germany are imposing stricter guidelines to minimize chemical migration from inks into packaged foods.

Europe: Under Framework Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004 and GMP (EC) No. 2023/2006, inks must not release harmful substances into food. Germany’s Printing Ink Ordinance, effective by 2026, introduces a positive list of approved substances.
United States: The FDA enforces a migration limit of ≤ 0.5 ppb for inks, using a risk-based evaluation approach.
China: In September 2024, China rolled out GB 4806.14-2023, a mandatory product standard for printing inks in food contact packaging.
India: The FSSAI mandates compliance with IS 15495, banning toxic substances like toluene and phthalates.

For brands, this means a stronger shift toward food-safe,low-migration inks like ArrowJet’s water-based pigment solutions, which ensure compliance without compromising print vibrancy.

2. Chemical Restrictions and Bans

Globally, regulators are targeting hazardous chemicals commonly found in inks. Substances such as toluene, phthalates, benzophenones, and heavy metals are either banned or restricted due to their health risks.

EU and Germany lead the way with positive lists that strictly define which monomers, solvents, and colorants can be used.
Converters face higher accountability, as using non-compliant inks can lead to recalls, fines, or loss of brand trust.

By switching to ArrowJet’s Swiss-compliant, water-based pigment inks, converters not only meet these requirements but also open doors to global markets with confidence.

3. Migration Limits and Functional Barriers

Regulations worldwide demand ultra-low migration limits, often measured in parts per billion (ppb). If non-listed substances are used, converters must incorporate functional barriers—such as coatings or multilayer films—to prevent harmful migration into food.

While functional barriers add cost and complexity, water-based pigment inks offer a natural advantage by being low-migration and compliant, reducing the need for additional barriers.

4. Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)

It’s not just about the ink—it’s about how it’s made. GMP frameworks require strict control over manufacturing processes to ensure consistency, traceability, and safety.

Ink producers must provide declarations of compliance (DoC) to converters.
Converters must ensure that every step of the supply chain meets GMP requirements.

With ArrowJet digital inkjet systems, converters gain the advantage of streamlined, automated production, reducing manual errors and ensuring consistent compliance across short and long runs.

5. Sustainability and Environmental Regulations

Packaging regulations are no longer limited to food safety—they’re expanding into environmental sustainability. Governments are pushing for low-VOC inks, bio-based formulations, and improved recyclability.

PFAS bans in some regions are driving innovation in grease-proof, eco-friendly coatings.
Regulators encourage inks that align with circular economy principles, minimizing environmental footprint.

ArrowJet’s water-based pigment inks are low-VOC, sustainable, and recyclable-friendly, making them the smart choice for brands pursuing eco-labels and green certifications.

6. Testing and Certification Requirements

Compliance doesn’t end at formulation—it extends to testing.

Regulatory bodies now mandate chemical migration testing using advanced techniques like GC-MS and LC-MS/MS.
Brands must maintain Statements of Conformity (SoC) and ensure documentation is readily available for audits.

For converters, this means higher costs and risks if working with outdated ink technologies. With ArrowJet’s food-safe inkjet solutions, much of this burden is reduced, as inks are pre-tested and certified for compliance.

Why These Regulations Matter for Brands and Converters

The regulatory shifts in packaging inks are more than just legal checkboxes—they’re about protecting consumers, building brand trust, and driving market competitiveness.

Non-compliance can result in:

Product recalls and financial penalties
Brand reputation damage
Loss of access to lucrative export markets

By adopting ArrowJet’s water-based pigment ink solutions, brands and converters can stay ahead of regulatory changes while enjoying:

Vibrant 1600 x 1600 dpi print quality
High-speed production (up to 150 m/min with ArrowJet Bolt)
Compatibility with flexible packaging and paper-based pouches
Swiss-compliant inks ready for global food-safe standards

Our Thoughts

The Top 6 packaging ink regulations—from food safety and chemical bans to sustainability mandates—are reshaping the future of packaging. Brands and converters who fail to adapt risk falling behind, while those who embrace compliance-ready, eco-friendly solutions like ArrowJet’s water-based pigment inks will thrive in the global market.

In 2025 and beyond, the winners will be those who print not just faster, but smarter, safer, and greener.