Shaping a greener future: ink panel discussion

Moderated by Ramu Ramanathan, editor of PrintWeek and WhatPackaging?, the session featured insights from Andrew Huang, deputy manager for specialty materials at Eternal Materials; Prashant Atre, managing director at Toyo Ink Arets India; Manas Sarkar, business HR head and sustainability officer at UFlex; and Christian Biecker, global key account manager within the printing inks and inkjet market at BYK.

Taking a walk around the sustainability dice
Ramanathan opened the discussion by comparing sustainability to the Indian parable of the elephant, where different stakeholders perceive it in various ways. He noted the fragmented understanding of sustainability in the print and packaging sectors, calling for unified definitions to drive cohesive action.  

Sarkar emphasised the role of India’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework in addressing this confusion. “EPR provides clear definitions and actionable targets, making it a robust model for driving alignment across stakeholders,” he said.  

Biecker highlighted the need for measurable sustainability metrics, saying, “A system where additives and materials are rated on sustainability could simplify decision-making and encourage greener practices. Numbers offer clarity, especially for scientifically grounded companies like ours.”

Huang provided a global perspective, stating, “At Eternal, we’re committed to achieving our benchmarks for 2030 and 2050, focusing on measurable impacts like water reuse and resource optimisation.”

Atre linked sustainability to leadership, remarking, “Responsible leadership means being responsive to societal and environmental needs. This is about reducing waste and ensuring a better future for the next generation.”  

The challenges to adopting sustainable technologies
Ink and coating technologies are critical to advancing sustainability. Ramanathan noted the strides in UV and water-based solutions, though he pointed out that widespread adoption remains limited to the top 15% of the industry.  

Atre shared Toyo Ink’s efforts to push these innovations. “Hybrid technologies combining UV, LED, and water-based chemistries are becoming more viable. Our research with a customer showed that replacing lamination films with UV coatings saved over 110 million tonnes of film annually,” he said.

Huang detailed Eternal’s advancements in water reuse. “Taiwan faces water resource challenges, so we’ve prioritised reuse. From 2020 to 2024, our efficiency improved from 1.02 to 1.48 times, with a target of 1.60 by 2031. These gains reflect the potential of resource optimisation,” he said.  

Biecker emphasised innovation in material science, noting, “Additives can now enhance the recyclability of substrates while maintaining product performance. Collaboration between teams in biotechnology and chemistry is driving exciting breakthroughs.”  

Sarkar highlighted the importance of design for recyclability. “At UFlex, we’ve invested in creating mono-material solutions to simplify the recycling process. Designing for functionality rather than aesthetics is key to sustainable innovation,” he said.

The economic challenges
The panellists delved into the economic challenges of sustainability, particularly the higher costs of recycled materials compared to virgin options. Ramanathan framed the conversation by noting that cost remains a significant barrier for many businesses.  

Sarkar advocated for viewing sustainability as a long-term investment. “The initial cost is high, but the benefits—improved product quality, better ESG scores, and compliance with legislation—far outweigh the expense. Scaling up through collective action can also bring costs down,” he said.  

Biecker echoed this sentiment, adding, “Sustainability is often perceived as expensive, but as awareness grows, the willingness to invest in greener solutions will follow. Transparency and measurable benefits will drive this shift.”  

He highlighted the role of government intervention. “Regulations can play a pivotal role in driving adoption. Industries like automotive have shifted due to mandated changes, and similar action is needed here,” he said.  

Huang provided an example of resource efficiency lowering costs. “Water reuse not only reduces environmental impact but also cuts operational costs, creating a win-win scenario for businesses,” he said.

A spanner in the works: Waste collection
Effective recycling remains a significant hurdle, particularly in India, where waste collection systems are often underdeveloped. Ramanathan noted the need for systemic change to tackle this issue.  

Sarkar pointed to the role of public-private partnerships. “Urban local bodies need support to build infrastructure for collection and segregation. Scaling these efforts through investment and PPP models is the first step toward a sustainable ecosystem,” he said.  

Biecker shared Germany’s approach, highlighting the use of household bins for waste segregation. “Non-recyclable materials are incinerated at high temperatures, while recyclable plastics are repurposed. This system creates awareness and encourages sustainable habits,” he explained.  

Huang stressed the importance of global collaboration. “Reducing single-use plastics and optimising packaging require collective effort across the value chain, from raw material suppliers to end-users,” he said.  Atre advocated for community-level initiatives. “At home, we’ve stopped sending plastic waste to landfills, instead collecting it for recycling. Small actions, scaled across communities, can make a significant difference,” he said.

The way ahead
Collaboration and education emerged as recurring themes in the discussion. Ramanathan emphasised the need for a shared understanding of sustainability, facilitated by training and open dialogue.  

Sarkar described UFlex’s training programmes on EPR. “We’ve ensured that every employee, from leadership to shop-floor workers, understands the implications of their actions on sustainability. Awareness is the first step toward meaningful change,” he said.  

Biecker stressed the value of transparency, saying, “Sharing data on carbon footprints and recyclability fosters trust and alignment among stakeholders, enabling collaborative progress.”  

Huang highlighted the importance of long-term partnerships. “Eternal prioritises collaboration with downstream partners, ensuring our sustainability goals align with those of our customers,” he said.  

Atre underscored the role of education, noting, “Awareness campaigns can accelerate the adoption of greener technologies and inspire individuals to contribute to sustainability efforts.”  

The panellists agreed that legislation like India’s EPR framework is vital for achieving Net Zero targets. Sarkar praised the EPR’s clarity and scope, saying, “It defines short-, medium-, and long-term goals, providing a roadmap for stakeholders to align their practices with national sustainability objectives.”  

Biecker pointed to the need for innovation to complement regulation. “Technologies like pyrolysis and enzymatic delamination have potential but require time and investment to scale. Legislative support can accelerate this process,” he said.  

Huang added that global alignment is essential. “Sustainability is a shared responsibility. Aligning regulatory frameworks across regions can create consistency and drive progress,” he said.  

Synergising efforts
The panel also explored the need to rethink packaging design. Ramanathan questioned the prevalence of over-engineered solutions, suggesting a shift toward simplicity.  

Sarkar advocated for standardisation. “Packaging should prioritise functionality and recyclability over aesthetics. Standardising sizes and materials can reduce waste and improve efficiency,” he said.  

Biecker supported this view, noting, “Simpler formulations can still deliver technical advantages while reducing environmental impact. Collaboration among designers, converters, and recyclers is key to achieving this balance.”  

Atre highlighted the potential of hybrid solutions, saying, “Combining traditional and innovative approaches can bridge the gap between functionality and sustainability in packaging design.”  

As the discussion concluded, the panellists reflected on the industry’s sustainability path. Biecker emphasised that sustainability is here to stay. “With science, education, and collaboration, we can achieve meaningful change. The journey is long, but the momentum is strong,” he said.  

Atre called for regulatory support to drive adoption. “Government mandates combined with innovation can catalyse the industry’s shift toward greener practices,” he said.  

Sarkar highlighted the need for inclusivity, saying, “Integrating unorganised sectors into the sustainability framework is crucial for achieving widespread impact.”  

Huang expressed optimism about the industry’s capacity to evolve. “Sustainability is a long-term commitment, but progress is visible. Together, we can make a difference,” he concluded.