Ivory Tower: NIT backs BIS efforts to modernise food packaging ink standards

THE Department of Physics of the Dr BR Ambedkar National Institute of Technology (NIT), Jalandhar, has submitted the final report of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)-funded project, titled “Study of Properties for Environment-Friendly Printing Inks for Food Packaging (CHD0044)”. The project was led by Prof Rohit Mehra, with research scholars Arti and Abhishek as co-principal investigators.

This BIS-supported project is one of the most comprehensive studies to date on the safety, performance and eco-friendliness of printing inks used in the Indian food packaging industry. The study examined samples collected from multiple industries across India and evaluated them on parameters, including drying time, density, viscosity, adhesion, refractive index, strength and elemental composition, using advanced analytical instruments. The findings will directly help BIS strengthen and refine Indian Standards for Packaging Inks.

The study will help through the following ways: by expanding exclusion lists of hazardous substances beyond the current IS 15495 (2004); establishing performance benchmarks for drying time, density, viscosity and adhesion; issuing guidelines for industry adoption of eco-friendly inks such as water-based, UV-curable and bio-based formulations; improving migration testing protocols to enhance consumer safety and aligning Indian packaging ink standards with international norms (EU, FDA, ISO) for greater global competitiveness.

Principal Investigator Prof Rohit Mehra said, “The project bridges the gap between research and industry by providing BIS with concrete data on the properties and safety of eco-friendly inks.

These insights will allow BIS to frame robust and future-ready standards that safeguard public health while promoting sustainability in packaging practices.”

Prof Binod Kumar Kanaujia, Director, NIT Jalandhar, said, “NIT Jalandhar is proud to contribute to this nationally significant project. Food safety and environmental sustainability are pressing concerns, and this study provides the Bureau of Indian Standards with scientific evidence to improve packaging ink standards.

The outcomes of this project will not only strengthen consumer protection but also encourage Indian industries to adopt cleaner, safer and more innovative practices in line with national missions like ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.”

Elaborating further on the impact on industry and consumers, Prof Mehra said, “This project provides a scientific foundation for revising BIS standards by ensuring safer food packaging with reduced risk of chemical migration, sustainable practices through promotion of biodegradable, VOC-free inks, clarity for manufacturers via uniform compliance benchmarks and consumer trust in food safety and packaging integrity.”

The project team visited leading ink industries and accredited laboratories across India, collected extensive ink samples, and applied rigorous testing methodologies. The teams said insights generated will serve as a cornerstone for the ongoing efforts by BIS to modernise food packaging ink standards in India.