Driving sustainable progression
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Following his recent appointment to vice president of R&D metal decorating technology at INX International Ink Co, Alex Folloso speaks to CanTech International about the company’s recent Sustainability Report and future outlook
How would you say your time with INX so far has shaped your understanding of the definition ‘sustainable’ in the inks & coatings sector?
During my time at INX R&D, I realised that sustainability has been part of the many projects our group has worked on. More often than not, the project had to do with moving to safer chemistry or reducing/ eliminating reportable substances.
Some examples include the elimination of ITX in UV inks (2006); the reduction of ink Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in 2011; and eliminating the use of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in all metal decorating products in 2019.
What will be the main focus in your new role for the second half of 2024, thinking also ahead to 2025?
For the second half of 2024, our focus will be to promote our AP LoVOC White line for two-piece metal, which offers improved opacity and press performance. We also plan to introduce the AP Retort Jet Black line for two-piece metal. This ink is reported to have improved colour strength, ink transfer, coverage and mileage. In 2025, we will continue to fortify our global position in the can making market.
INX has recently released its 2023 Sustainability Report. How would you summarise its key findings/highlights?
The 2023 INX Sustainability Report mentions the early success of the Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) programme, which strengthens all of our sustainability initiatives. The programme prioritises investments in high-growth technology, service and materials science startups.
Some of the other highlights from the 2023 report include how we increased our recycling efforts last year by 45 per cent; the reduction of scope 1 emissions by 4.2 per cent and scope 2 emissions by 4.6 per cent; and how INX was recognised as one of the best workplace cultures in the United States. We received a Great Place to Work certification and scored a satisfaction rating 14 per cent higher than the average US company.
As always, INX continues to improve the safety profile of all our metal decorating products. Our technical and EH&S groups work closely to ensure our products meet all global regulatory standards.
Are there any notable developments related to ESG you’d like to discuss?
INX has five ESG priorities: emissions; circularity & materials; ethical business & integrity; occupational health & safety; and diversity & equal opportunity.
Mentioned in the 2023 Sustainability report are the INX products designed specifically for the environment. This includes the AP EcoCan two-piece metal ink system, which connects to the circularity & materials and occupational health & safety ESGs. With this development, INX was the first ink company in the metal deco segment to receive a gold level Material Health Certificate from the Cradle to Cradle Product Innovation Institute.
Not mentioned in the 2023 Sustainability report are the new MDO+ inks for extruded metal applications that we introduced in early 2024. These inks are mineral free, high in tint strength, and have excellent transfer on press.
Are consumer trends driving INX’s metal decorating operations?
Consumer trends are not having a significant effect on our metal decorating operations. What is impacting operations the most is having the ability to supply our products effectively from a global standpoint. As the world leader of metal decorating ink technology, we need to provide products that can be delivered on time with consistent technical quality.
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