Solvent Residue in Flexible Packaging: What Buyers Should Verify

Laminated films are printed and bonded with solvents, and small amounts can remain after lamination. For supplement and cosmetic packs that contact the product, buyers increasingly ask for evidence that residue is controlled.

Where residue comes from

• Printing inks and their solvents
• The adhesive used in dry lamination
• Curing conditions after lamination

How it is controlled

• Printing, dry lamination and curing are treated as critical process steps
• Lamination runs in a controlled cleanroom environment
• Finished film is tested for solvent residue by gas chromatography

What to ask your supplier

• Which solvents are used in print and lamination
• Whether residue is tested per batch, and how
• Whether records are supplied with the delivery

Next steps

See Composite Laminated Film or request a quote.