Overview of Regulatory Landscape

Solvent-based inks are commonly used in flexible packaging and other printing applications, valued for their reliability and strong performance. However, there is heightened attention in Brazil on the safe transportation and storage of these inks, largely due to their flammability risks, which stem from their volatile chemical makeup. The challenges associated with transporting these materials have prompted legislators in Brazil to introduce new directives aimed at mitigating such risks. Sun Chemical actively collaborates with customers and partners throughout Brazil’s printing and packaging sector to assess the practical impacts of these regulatory changes on everyday business operations.

Fire Safety Regulations: Metallic Containers

Due to the inherent safety risks posed by solvent-based inks, the São Paulo State Fire Department has enacted regulation¹ mandating that these inks be transported and stored in United Nations (UN) approved containers.   This requirement is consistent with broader fire safety guidelines, which stipulate that hazardous materials must be contained in packaging specifically engineered for such substances. In practice, this regulation applies to widely used formats, such as 20-litre pails, which are standard across the industry for distributing solvent-based inks.

Benefits of Metal Packaging

Metal containers help manage the dangers associated with solvent-based inks due to their lower susceptibility to static sparks, which can ignite flammable materials. They also provide superior resistance to heat while maintaining structural integrity during handling and transportation. In contrast, plastic pails can present a severe hazard in the event of a fire, as they may melt rapidly under high temperatures, releasing burning ink across the shop floor. This can allow the fire to spread quickly to surrounding areas, including printing presses and ink kitchens, significantly increasing the risk to personnel and infrastructure.

Sun Chemical’s Commitment to Compliance

Sun Chemical adopts a proactive stance towards regulatory compliance. The company is one of the few major industry players in Brazil that ensures all solvent-based inks are transported in 20-litre metal containers, fully aligned with Brazilian fire safety requirements. This demonstrates Sun Chemical’s commitment to helping customers navigate increasingly complex regulatory environments and ensuring the safety of employees and assets against fire hazards linked to plastic containers.

Promoting Industry Understanding

Printers, converters, distributors, and procurement teams may not always be fully conversant with the details or rationale behind these regulations. Therefore, enhancing industry awareness regarding safety requirements is essential for ensuring compliance and operational safety.

From a procurement standpoint, there is growing appreciation for suppliers who offer not only high-performing products but also possess deep regulatory expertise and demonstrate responsible product stewardship.

Regulatory Compliance: Beyond Legal Requirements

For businesses within Brazil’s printing and packaging sectors, compliance with regulations goes beyond merely fulfilling legal obligations. It signals a broader commitment to customer safety. Although metal containers entail higher costs due to rigorous testing, they provide greater fire safety and compliance, facilitating positive relationships with insurance providers. Partnering with companies prioritising compliance, such as Sun Chemical, ensures the safe handling of flammable materials and reduces operational risks.

Conversely, using packaging that does not meet regulatory standards can present challenges for companies reliant on compliant operations. Businesses receiving and storing solvent-based inks in containers failing to meet safety requirements may unintentionally expose themselves to compliance, operational, and safety risks. They may also face increased insurance costs or risk denied claims, particularly as safety regulations prohibit the storage of solvent-based inks in 20-litre plastic containers.

Shared Responsibility Across the Supply Chain

Responsible handling of solvent-based inks is a collective obligation throughout the supply chain. Companies should continue to collaborate, maintain transparency, and adhere to current and emerging regulations to ensure the print and packaging industry sustains safe and compliant production environments.

Sun Chemical views regulatory compliance as an opportunity to improve safety and support the industry’s long-term progress. By working collaboratively across the value chain, the company helps ensure solvent-based inks are used safely and in accordance with evolving regulatory expectations.

Notes:

¹ ANTT Resolution No. 5,998/2022: Establishes the Regulation for the Road Transport of Dangerous Goods