The pan-European printing industry association said that on 13 April 2022, the French government implemented an Order on the restriction of substances contained in mineral oils used in printing inks, applicable as of 1 January 2023.

The Order, it said, contains over-ambitious thresholds, a lack of clarity on the processes involved in the restriction, and a lack of procedure to prove compliance.

This, it added, has created legal uncertainty that is unacceptable for printing companies in Europe.

The association said operations of European printers placing printed products on the French market are affected, as are those of companies in France. In letters sent to the French government, Intergraf has called for clarification that will allow printing companies to continue operating legally in France.

“The French government must provide appropriate guidance on the correct application of the Order,” said Beatrice Klose, secretary general of Intergraf.

“Printing companies must be able to continue to operate legally when supplying their French customers and placing printed products on the French market.”

Depending on interpretation, specific printing processes may no longer be able to operate in or deliver to the French market, Intergraf added.

“This law creates a great deal of uncertainty,” said Laetitia Reynaud, policy adviser at Intergraf.

“Gravure printers in particular are alarmed because there is no official clarification on whether this printing process is covered or not.”

For cases where alternative inks may be developed, the economic impact and practical implementation on presses also still needs to be assessed, said Intergraf, which has called on the French government to take into consideration the technical and economic viability of alternative printing inks.

“We regret the unilateral approach taken by France on this matter. A European approach would better safeguard the smooth functioning of the European single market,” said Intergraf in its press statement.

“Intergraf has sent letters to the French ministers of environment, industry, and culture warning about the impact of this legislation on the European printing market. We recommend a rapid reassessment of the impact of current measures on the printing industry.”

When Prinovis shuts down its Liverpool gravure plant in June, the nearest gravure printing site to the UK will be in France, at Group Riccobono.