Master Plastics Continues to Lead the way in Sustainable Flexible Packaging Innovation
The project team at Barrier Film Converters (Pty) Limited proudly displaying their first commercial water-based ink production run.
Master Plastics, a leader in South Africa’s flexible packaging industry through its Peninsula Packaging and Barrier Film Converter operations, has achieved another groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first flexible packaging business in South Africa to commence full scale commercial production with water-based inks instead of traditional solvent-based inks in its flexographic printing processes. This industry-first innovation, now launched at its Barrier Film Converters operation in Durban, marks a significant step towards more sustainable flexible packaging solutions, delivering substantial benefits for both customers and the environment.
A Game-Changer for the Flexible Packaging Industry
By transitioning to water-based inks, Master Plastics is setting a new standard for responsible manufacturing in the flexible packaging sector. Unlike solvent-based inks, which release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere, water-based inks produce less harmful emissions and eliminates the need for specialised solvent recovery systems. This shift has significant health and safety benefits, aligns with global sustainability trends, and reduces the company’s carbon footprint and that of the products that is produces, ensuring that customer’s using Master Plastics’ packaging will contribute to a greener future.
Key Benefits for Customers
Customers of Master Plastics will enjoy multiple advantages from this innovative approach:
Enhanced Product Safety
Water-based inks eliminate the risk of residual solvents migrating into packaged goods, making them ideal for food, pharmaceutical, and personal care products.
Improved Print Quality through Extended Colour Gamut (ECG)
These inks, combined with already adopted ECG technologies, provide excellent colour vibrancy and consistency, ensuring high-quality branding and packaging aesthetics.
Regulatory Compliance
As local and global regulations tighten on hazardous emissions, product carbon footprint and environmental sustainability, customers using Master Plastics’ packaging solutions will be ahead of the curve in meeting compliance requirements.
Sustainability Leadership
Partnering with Master Plastics allows brands to enhance their sustainability credentials and appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
Committed to Environmental Responsibility
At Master Plastics, sustainability is more than just a trend—it is a core business value. The company has invested in cutting-edge printing technology and other eco-friendly production methods to drive positive change in the industry. By reducing hazardous emissions and minimising its overall environmental impact, Master Plastics is committed to fostering a cleaner, healthier planet for future generations.
The transition to water-based inks is just a next step for Master Plastics, with the group already differentiating itself through patented recyclable film offerings produced in-house and the use of ECG print methodologies which has significant advantages over traditional processes.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Suppliers
This major milestone would not have been possible without the dedication and support of our valued suppliers. We extend our sincere gratitude to Hi-Tech Inks, Polyflex, Acme Graphics and all our other partners who continue to contribute their expertise, innovation, and resources to make this transition to water-based inks a reality. Your commitment to sustainability and collaboration has been instrumental in achieving this breakthrough, and we look forward to continuing our journey together towards a greener future.
Join Us in Shaping a Sustainable Future
Master Plastics invites existing and potential customers to explore the benefits of the revolutionary packaging and printing technologies on offer. Whether you are looking to enhance your brand’s sustainability profile, comply with evolving environmental regulations, improve packaging quality, or eliminate an extended and costly supply chain whilst still enjoying competitive pricing, we are ready to partner with you on this journey toward a greener tomorrow.
For more information on how this breakthrough initiative, potentially also paired with our other existing environmentally friendly film and process solutions, can benefit your business, contact Master Plastics or our flexible operations today and take the next step in sustainable packaging solutions:
Peninsula Packaging
Proton Crescent, Belville, Cape Town
021-948 0717
Barrier Film Converts (Pty) Limited
Prospecton Road, Prospecton, Durban
031-913 8700
