Goods Manufacturing Practices for the Production of Packaging Inks
formulated for used on outer external surface of packaging materials &
articles.

Raw Materials of Printing Inks for Packaging

We appropriately test all raw materials in-house or alternatively are supported by a
certificate of conformity from the supplier. Raw materials are purchased exclusively from
direct manufactures or exclusive authorized distributers.
Raw materials used on a first-in first-out basis

Quality Assurance of Printing Inks for Packaging:

Our organisation is committed to the objectives of GMP. Application of quality
improvement follows from Raw material, manufacturing, finalization of colour batches of
inks, testing and end user printing & using our inks to final applications.

Training programs with updates on formulations, production guidelines, testing are
established to ensure that all personnel are fully aware of their functions and
responsibilities and are competent to carry them out

The organization of the premises and equipment:

1. Machinery and tools
The equipment like Attritors, Sand Mills, Mixers, high speed stirrers, Cooling systems,
measuring & lab equipment needs to be suitable to manufacture the products required and
maintained in a good state. Equipment needs to be clean and calibrated, where necessary

2. Manufacturing processes
Product is identified with a descriptive title/trade name, reference number and a specific
batch number. Manufacturing bath sizes range from standard 5 kgs to 400 Kgs.
Where appropriate, each delivery of packaging printing inks can be supported by a test
certificate & COA confirming that it meets agreed specification
Each product has data sheets detailing relevant chemical, physical and safety data and
suitable end uses and methods of application
Packaging is selected to protect the ink during shipment and storage (and must be adequate
based on the means of transport used and legal requirements for the nature and use of the
product.
All products (including raw materials) are stored in conditions that prevent, as much as
possible, their deterioration. Where appropriate a method exists to test products that have
been held for some time to ensure their quality still remains adequate

The rejected stock is clearly marked and isolated so that it is not used accidentally All
products are delivered in clean and clearly labelled containers Traceability of materials is
required at all stages (including raw materials) .
If the Ink Batches are modified they need to be checked for suitability of re-use and if
found to be suitable, they are given a new reference and a new batch number but keep their
same description. If the inks are re-used or re-handled, modifications are recorded, the
product tested and the new product labelled according

Presence of pre-established instructions for the procedures:

An instruction document (batch card) is issued for each batch of printing ink manufactured,
which details the materials, quantities and equipment to be used and highlights any specific
precautions to be followed
Product test specifications exist for each food packaging ink manufactured. They list the
tests which are required during the manufacture and on completion, to ensure the batch
meets the required specification and is fit for intended use
Manufacturing instructions are issued and followed for each batch, giving details of the raw
materials, the quantities and the equipment to be used

Monitoring the implementation and achievement of GMP:

Implementation and achievement of GMP are regularly monitored by using a GMP-Audit
Checklist. Corrective measures are identified to correct any failure to achieve GMP and are
implemented without delay.
Requires testing ink samples at selected stages of the process to establish whether the
product is meeting the required quality standard.
Final inspection and testing are key elements too, with specific test methods to be used

Corrective measures to remove any inefficiencies and non-compliance:

In the event of non-conformity at any stage in the process or a complaint, a procedure exists
to take corrective and preventive action to find the cause, rectify the problem and if needed,
make appropriate improvements to the manuals or other controls to prevent a recurrence

A person is appointed to accept responsibility for ensuring that any non-conformity issue is
dealt with and corrective action completed.

Documentation:

Recording systems ensure that quality relevant stages can be verified for corrective action,
with these systems having to be documented (covering the operations performed and
specifications set out)
Very detailed and complete information, which highlights the importance of ensuring that
the end-product is suitable for its required use and the need to highlight critical points of
the production process and detail any subsequent stages of manufacture required on the
delivered product. Also emphasizes the importance of correct storage to avoid misuse of
non- compliant products and contamination.

Quality Control of Printing Inks for Final Packaging & dispatch :

Tests performed & removal of defects in Inks: Various essential tests are done on the ink
like Colour strength & hue, Gloss, adhesion, tape test, viscosity, tac, printability & overcoat
ability, drying speed, colour fastness, water resistance, and odor.
Batches manufactured are subjected to detailed COA tests procedures and if tested okay
they are further send for correct storage of products is done based on their compliance tests
to prevent their contamination or mix-up & packing in storage drums.
Many inks are blended in batch mixes as per the Pantone shades required from basic
constituents and are labelled, given a brief description and given a reference and a batch
number. Suitable size of packing of 5, 10, 20, 22, 50 & 200 Kilograms are tested.