Press release submitted on behalf of RadTech.
RadTech, Chevy Chase, Maryland, the Association for Ultraviolet and Electron Beam (UV+EB) technologies, has shared key takeaways from the 2025 Winter Meeting which was held in Tampa in January. There were two days of insightful discussions covering regulatory updates, market trends, sustainability initiatives and emerging technologies in UV/EB curing. Below are the key takeaways from the discussions:
Photoinitiators & FDA Developments
- Regulatory Challenges & Innovation Needs
- The evolving regulatory landscape continues to impact photoinitiator supply chains, particularly due to TSCA, REACh and the German Printing Ink Ordinance.
- TPO Alternatives (Acyl Phosphine Oxides, Alpha Amino Ketones) are being explored, especially for LED sources (365-405 nm).
- The market is experiencing commoditization and supply chain constraints, with China tariffs further complicating costs.
- FDA Reorganization & Impact on Printing Inks
- The FDA has undergone a major restructuring under the Human Food Program (HFP), shifting its approach to food chemical safety, food contact materials and contaminant monitoring.
- A focused assessment on photoinitiators is underway, with a greater emphasis on indirect food additives, functional barrier doctrine and GRAS substances.
- EU bans BPA from food contact materials, with an 18-month transition period.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) & Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Findings
- RadTech’s LCA Study on Packaging Inks compared Water-Based, EB and UV technologies:
- EB inks had the lowest environmental footprint, with 30-50% fewer emissions than Water-Based Inks.
- UV inks offer a balanced option, reducing emissions by 15-25% compared to Water-Based Inks.
- EPR Legislation & Labeling Concerns
- NY EPR bills now seek to classify benzophenone as toxic, potentially leading to bans.
- Carbon black bans remain a concern, with Printing United taking the lead on advocacy efforts.
Coil Coatings: EB+UV LCA & Market Study
- RadTech is conducting an LCA on EB/UV Coil Coatings to quantify energy savings, VOC reduction and recyclability improvements.
Initial findings indicate UV/EB coatings significantly lower emissions and hazardous waste, supporting broader sustainability goals.
Other Notable Updates
- TSCA & PFAS Reporting Requirements
- PFAS reporting is mandatory for all manufacturers/importers (2011-2022), including by-products and impurities.
- No de minimis levels apply, meaning even trace amounts must be reported.
- OSHA Updates & Printing Industry Regulations
- Migration vs. Extraction Testing: Adjustments are being proposed for PP substrates to ensure less aggressive testing conditions.
- OSHA hazard classification updates may further differentiate US vs. EU standards.
RadTech members can access the slides from the meeting here. If you are not a member and would like to learn more about joining RadTech, please contact Mickey Fortune at mickey@radtech.org.
Join Us at RadTech 2025 in Detroit!
To continue these important conversations and explore the latest advancements in UV+EB technology, RadTech invites you to attend the 2025 RadTech UV&EB Technology & Conference, scheduled for May 18-21, 2025, at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan. This premier event will focus on sustainability, reindustrialization and the evolving role of manufacturing, and it will feature an extensive technical program and a global exhibition. For more details and to register, please visit https://radtech.org/radtech25/.
For more information, visit www.radtech.org.
