Accelerating Packaging Inks Innovation with the COATINO® digital SML-Calculator
Authors: Gritt Bettcher, Gerald Albrecht, Jürgen Kirchner
In the fast-paced world of food packaging, the speed of innovation is crucial for the success of modern printing inks. Researchers leverage advanced tools such as design of experiments and high-throughput experimentation to accelerate the development of cutting-edge printing ink solutions. Conducting a rapid evaluation of potential substances that could lead to failures in final migration tests would greatly assist developers in making informed product selections, ultimately minimizing the risk of unsuccessful migration outcomes. The COATINO® SML-CALCULATOR aids formulators in identifying the most suitable Coating Additives for their food packaging ink formulations, eliminating the typical administrative barriers associated with obtaining compositional data. Notably, a Non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is not necessary to utilize the SML-CALCULATOR.
To meet the requirements of packaging ink formulations, the COATINO® SML-CALCULATOR offers a variety of features and functionalities.
Enlarge your toolbox for printing inks
The SML-CALCULATOR offers foundational data from an extensive range of products tailored for packaging ink formulations. Within the framework of an actual packaging ink formulation, a rapid assessment of additives allows for comparison, enabling the identification of the optimal solution that minimizes migration risk in the final formulation.
Simple and instant calculation
Products suitable for packaging inks can be easily chosen for calculations, with results available immediately. Users can quickly adjust the calculation parameters as needed. Essential compositional data required for the calculations is securely stored within the calculator, and there is no need for user disclosure. Administrative barriers, such as a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) for utilizing the SML-CALCULATOR, are not required.
Consequently, the SML-CALCULATOR will indicate whether the formulation will PASS the calculation, signifying that no substances in the formulation will surpass the SML limit at an estimated migration of 100% (worst-case scenario). If one or more substances exceed the limits, the result will be marked as CAUTION, indicating that one or more components may potentially exceed the migration limit in a migration test.
Calculation of full formulation by Swiss Ordinance Rules
The enrichment of the calculation with additional substances allows the calculation of a complete packaging ink formulation. The algorithm in the SML-CALCULATOR applies the rules of Swiss Ordinance SR 817.023.21, Annex 10 – “Materials and articles intended to come into contact with foodstuffs. A list of permitted substances for the production of packaging inks, and related requirements on the calculation”. With the update of the Swiss Ordinance the B-Substances were removed from the official positive, but in the SML-Calculator they still can be individually selected since they still permitted under the generic SML of 10 ppb.
The data required for calculation are:
- Selection of components (products or substances from the data base)
- Ink layer (g/m²)
- Contact area to food (Default: 0.06 m²/ 1 kg food)
- Migration (Default: 100 % - total migration)
Swiss Ordinance substance search
The Swiss Ordinance substance search facilitates quick and easy navigation through the content of Annex 10. Users can search using parameters such as the CAS number, PM reference number, or substance name.
Navigating product compliance in today's increasingly complex regulatory landscape can be challenging. With the introduction of various digital regulatory services, such as the product search by regulations, the COATINO® SML-CALCULATOR enhances regulatory support for packaging inks. This innovative tool simplifies your journey through the regulatory landscape, helping you identify the ideal product for your packaging ink formulation with ease.