TOPPAN Commences Japan's First Mass Production of Flexible Packaging Using EB Offset Printing

TOPPAN INC. (Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Haruhiko Noguchi), a TOPPAN Holdings group company, has developed Japan's first flexible packaging using EB offset printing (hereinafter 'this product') and will begin mass production in May 2026. EB offset printing is a technique that utilizes an Electron Beam (EB) to instantly cure ink upon irradiation, eliminating the need for high-temperature drying processes. It also significantly reduces Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) gas emissions as it uses ink containing almost no organic solvents. Consequently, it can reduce CO2 emissions in the printing process by approximately 16% (*2) compared to gravure printing (*1), which is mainstream in Japan. This product will be exhibited at the TOPPAN booth (Hall 7, Booth No. 35-40) at the 28th INTERPHEX JAPAN, held from May 20 (Wed) to 22 (Fri), 2026, at Makuhari Messe. Image of flexible packaging using EB offset printing. ■ Background Amid growing global momentum for environmental consideration and resource conservation, initiatives in Japan are also advancing, with the enforcement of the Plastic Resource Circulation Act and the revised Act on Promotion of Global Warming Countermeasures. The TOPPAN Group, aiming for a decarbonized society, launched its sustainable brand 'SMARTS™' in 2023, starting with packaging, to promote a sustainable society. As part of this effort, we have been actively promoting the introduction of the 'SX Production Method™,' a sustainable packaging production method that is considerate of the global environment. We have established facilities for water-based flexographic printing (*3), digital printing, and non-solvent lamination (*4) at our manufacturing bases across Japan. Now, we have started mass production of EB offset printing as a new lineup in our eco-friendly 'SX Production Method™,' enabling us to offer a production method tailored to the wide-ranging needs of companies. As an SX co-creation partner in corporate sustainable management initiatives, we will begin providing sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging. ■ Features of EB Offset Printing - Energy-saving printing method that reduces VOC and CO₂ emissions. EB offset printing achieves energy savings by instantly curing ink with EB irradiation, eliminating the need for the high-temperature dryers required in conventional printing. It also significantly reduces VOC gas emissions as it uses ink with almost no organic solvents, cutting CO2 emissions in the printing process by about 16% compared to mainstream gravure printing. - Enables high-definition expression and smooth gradation reproduction. EB offset printing can place smaller dots at a higher density, allowing for high-definition expressions and smooth gradation reproductions. This enables beautiful printing without the use of spot colors (*5). The absence of a high-temperature drying process also suppresses film heat shrinkage, reducing defects like print misregistration. - Contributes to reducing film layers and achieving mono-materiality, improving film recyclability. In general flexible packaging printing, 'reverse printing' on the back of the film is common to prevent ink from rubbing off due to external friction. In contrast, EB offset printing's EB irradiation technology forms a durable surface film, allowing for 'front printing' on the film's surface. This reduces the number of film layers needed to protect the ink, contributing to reduced plastic usage and CO2 emissions. Furthermore, its high printability on heat-shrinkable materials like polypropylene and polyethylene also supports the move towards mono-material packaging. ■ Future Goals With the start of mass production, TOPPAN will promote environmentally friendly packaging using EB offset printing to the food, medical, and pharmaceutical industries, aiming for sales of approximately 3 billion yen, including related orders, by fiscal year 2028. We will continue to expand our 'SX Production Method™,' which allows for the selection of production methods according to the needs of each industry, and lead environmental initiatives in the packaging field to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society. ■ About TOPPAN Group's Sustainable Brand 'SMARTS™' - Smart Choices for a Sustainable Future 'SMARTS™' is the TOPPAN Group's sustainable brand, originating from packaging. By combining the technology and know-how cultivated in packaging with resources such as marketing, DX, and BPO, we provide optimal choices along the value chain. With the diverse solutions of 'SMARTS™,' TOPPAN will contribute to the realization of a sustainable society together with all stakeholders. URL: https://www.toppan.com/ja/living-industry/packaging/sustainability/ *1 Gravure printing: A type of intaglio printing using solvent-based inks. It richly expresses fine shades and textures and is widely used in fields requiring high-speed mass printing, such as photo books, food packaging films, and posters. *2 Our calculation. Calculated for a 3-layer configuration of our standing pouch, assuming a switch from gravure printing to EB offset printing with the same configuration. The scope of CO₂ emission calculation covers ① raw material procurement/manufacturing, ② manufacturing, ③ transportation, and ④ recycling/disposal related to packaging. (The CO₂ reduction rate may vary depending on specifications and production conditions such as package size and lot.) *3 Water-based flexographic printing: A type of letterpress printing using water-based inks. It contains almost no organic solvents, reducing CO₂ and VOC emissions. It enables packaging development for various industries and products, including daily necessities and retort applications, toward environmental consideration. *4 Non-solvent lamination: A lamination method that does not use organic solvents, reducing CO₂ and VOC emissions. With our proprietary adhesive and processing technology, it has a proven track record even in retort-compatible packaging. *5 Spot color: A specially mixed ink prepared in advance to express colors that cannot be reproduced by the combination of the four CMYK process inks (cyan, magenta, yellow, black). * Product and service names mentioned in this news release are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. * The content of this news release is current as of the announcement date. It may be changed without notice thereafter. End