German Ink Ordinance (GIO)

Innovative, Value-Led Solutions for GIO Compliant Food Packaging

Sun Chemical supplies GIO-compliant inks and coatings for German Ink Ordinance food packaging complianceProtect your brand and future-proof your packaging with inks, coatings, and overprint varnishes formulated to meet German Ink Ordinance (GIO) requirements.

As your trusted partner, Sun Chemical has solutions that are designed to meet your customers’ needs.

What is the German Ink Ordinance?

The German Ink Ordinance will come into effect on 1 January 2026The German Ink Ordinance was published in late 2021, with a transition period for the applicability of the provisions ending on December 31, 2026. It is a legislation that regulates printed food contact materials (FCMs) where migration of substances from the ink layer cannot be excluded. It sets strict requirements for both printing inks and varnishes used in these materials, including:

  • Compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
  • Evaluation of NIAS (Non-Intentionally Added Substances)
  • Migration limits
  • GIO is relevant where a physical barrier such as metal or glass is not present

While only applicable in Germany from a legal standpoint, it has become a key reference within the industry.

Learn more about German Ink Ordinance Compliance.

Beyond Compliance

Sun Chemical’s “Beyond Compliance” approach helps design future-proof solutions

Sun Chemical is a recognized leader in regulatory compliance. We’re dedicated to helping brands and packaging producers navigate the complexities of global regulations.

Our “Beyond Compliance” approach combines advanced research, responsible sourcing and sustainability leadership to design future-proof solutions that exceed market standards.

We have a long history of delivering high-performing, German Ink Ordinance-capable solutions for various applications and printing processes.

Protect Your Brand and Your Customer’s Brand

Sun Chemical’s GIO-compliant inks, coatings and varnishes help protect brandsSun Chemical’s solutions help packaging manufacturers to protect their brand and that of their customers’ too.

Our solutions help packaging manufacturers ensure that the inks, coatings and varnishes used in their packaging are safe and future proof. This builds trust and reassurance across the value chain.

Our solutions enable German Ink Ordinance-compliant packaging by providing:

  • GIO-capable inks, coatings and overprint varnishes that comply with GIO compositional requirements
  • Relevant documentation to support declarations of compliance

Regulatory and R&D excellence make Sun Chemical an ideal partner for compliance and innnovationYour Trusted Partner for Compliance and Innovation

Working with Sun Chemical you can benefit from:

  • Continuous R&D investment
  • Industry-leading regulatory expertise
  • Local technical support
  • One-stop access to the industry’s widest portfolio of solutions and services

Sun Chemical offers a broad portfolio of GIO-compliant inks, coatings and varnishesExplore Our Portfolio

Partner with Sun Chemical today to access innovative value-led solutions that support our commitment to mitigating the risk of our customers.

Our GIO ready portfolio includes conventional and energy-curing options, and covers a wide variety of end-use applications for:

  • Flexible Packaging
  • Paper Packaging
  • Folding Carton
  • Labels & Sleeves
  • Lidding

Solutions are available for offset, flexography and gravure printing.

Need more information about GIO compliance?

Contact us