Stahl, the global leader in specialty coatings for food and drink packaging, announces its achievement of full compliance with the German Printing Ink Ordinance (GIO) across its entire range of food-packaging coating technologies—well ahead of the updated implementation deadline. While the start date for the GIO has been postponed, Stahl reaffirms its commitment to providing a future-proof and regulation-ready portfolio that prioritizes safety and sustainability throughout the food and drink packaging value chain.
Proactive Compliance to Enhance Future Readiness and Sustainability
One notable success lies within Stahl’s portfolio of barrier coatings, which not only meet mandatory regulatory requirements but also contribute significantly to sustainability efforts. By reducing the need for complex packaging structures, these technologies improve recyclability. For Stahl, aligning with the GIO represents not just a regulatory obligation, but a catalyst for driving substantial environmental advancements within the food and drink packaging industry.
This milestone underscores Stahl’s long-standing commitment to consumer safety, responsible operations, and proactive engagement with evolving regulatory frameworks.
A Forward-Looking Approach to Regulatory Transition
The GIO, part of the German Consumer Goods Ordinance, sets stringent guidelines regarding substances used in printing inks and coatings for food and drink packaging. Although the updated regulation won’t take effect until January 2027, Stahl has proactively prepared for these requirements well in advance.
“Rather than waiting for the deadline, we chose to complete our compliance work ahead of time,” said Markus Klopf, Technical Manager EMEA Packaging Coatings at Stahl. “Our customers can rely on the fact that every Stahl coating designed for food packaging already fulfills the GIO criteria.”
“Achieving full GIO compliance ahead of schedule gives our customers a clear advantage,” said Raymond Bakker, Vice President Packaging Coatings – EMEA. “They can rely on solutions that are already aligned with future regulations, helping them streamline qualification processes and accelerate the rollout of more sustainable packaging across the globe.”
Comprehensive Compliance Across All Coating Technologies
Stahl’s confirmation of full GIO compliance covers its complete range of food-packaging coating solutions, including:
- Water-based overprint varnishes for paper, board, and flexible substrates
- Advanced barrier coatings for grease, moisture, and mineral-oil migration resistance
- Heat-seal and functional coatings suitable for direct and indirect food-contact scenarios
- Low-migration UV-curable coatings for sensitive packaging applications
- Primers and adhesion promoters for multilayer and high-performance packaging structures
Each technology has undergone a rigorous review process—comprising testing, documentation updates, and reformulation where necessary—to ensure full compliance with GIO substance restrictions, positive lists, and migration limits.
Delivering Planning Certainty Across the Packaging Value Chain
By securing compliance well ahead of the regulatory deadline, Stahl empowers converters, printers, and brand owners with a high degree of planning reliability. Customers benefit from:
- A fully compliant product range, ready for long-term use under the 2027 framework
- Reduced qualification and reformulation risks for packaging introduced after 2026
- Stable, future-proof formulations ensuring uninterrupted production and supply
- Transparent regulatory documentation to facilitate audits and customer assurance programs
Continuous Commitment to Safe and Sustainable Packaging Solutions
Stahl remains dedicated to investing in regulatory expertise, sustainable raw materials, and innovative coating technologies that meet the evolving demands of the food and drink packaging market. Achieving early GIO compliance highlights the company’s commitment to providing solutions that balance performance, safety, and long-term regulatory confidence.
