DRUCKFARBEN Group Strengthens ESG Performance Across Operations & Products

DRUCKFARBEN Group, through its flexible packaging inks business unit DF Inks, announces a series of significant sustainability milestones, reinforcing its long-term commitment to responsible manufacturing, circular economy principles, and transparent environmental governance.

At the center of this achievement is the DF Inks production facility in Halkis, which has successfully received EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) certification, one of the European Union’s most rigorous environmental management frameworks. The certification confirms the plant’s full compliance with Regulation (EC) No 1221/2009, as amended, following independent verification of its environmental performance, legal compliance, and continuous improvement systems 

EMAS Certification: Verified Environmental Performance

The EMAS-certified Halkis plant operates under a structured environmental management system that covers all key aspects of industrial activity, including energy use, emissions, waste, water, and occupational safety. The certification is supported by a validated Environmental Statement for 2024, approved by the company’s senior management.

Key elements of the Halkis plant’s environmental management include:

• Advanced waste management systems, with strict segregation of hazardous and non-hazardous waste streams, internal sorting, traceability, and collaboration with licensed waste management partners for recycling, recovery, and safe disposal.
• Responsible handling of hazardous materials, including controlled storage, labeling, spill-prevention measures, and employee training aligned with EU and national regulations.
• Emission control and solvent management practices, including monitoring of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), solvent recovery processes, and preventive maintenance programs.
• Certified fire protection and emergency response systems, featuring approved fire safety installations, updated fire protection certificates, emergency preparedness procedures, regular drills, and coordination with local authorities to ensure employee and facility safety.

These measures reflect DF Inks’ systematic approach to minimizing environmental impact while ensuring safe and resilient industrial operations.

EcoVadis Bronze Rating Confirms Group-Level ESG Maturity

In parallel with the EMAS certification, DRUCKFARBEN Group has once again been assessed by EcoVadis, one of the world’s leading sustainability rating agencies. In the latest evaluation (2026), the Group achieved an overall score of 71/100, placing it in the 84th percentile globally and earning a Bronze EcoVadis Medal (Top 35%).

The assessment highlights particularly strong performance in the Environment category, reflecting:

• ISO-certified environmental and energy management systems (ISO 14001, ISO 50001),
• Quantitative targets for energy, emissions, water, and waste,
• Implementation of VOC reduction technologies, LDAR programs, and renewable energy initiatives,
• Transparent reporting aligned with GRI standards and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The EcoVadis rating applies at Group level, covering operations across inks, architectural coatings under the brand KRAFT Paints, and energy-efficiency solutions under the brand Bioclima.

Product-Level Circularity: Interzero “Made for Recycling” Certification

Extending its sustainability strategy beyond manufacturing, DF Inks has also achieved “Made for Recycling” certification by Interzero for selected products. 

The certification confirms that these products meet strict EU circularity criteria for flexible packaging, supporting mono-material structures, mechanical recyclability, and alignment with upcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) requirements.

Certified solutions have been tested across major EU recycling markets achieving material recovery rates of up to 99% a key benchmark for brand owners and converters pursuing circular packaging designs. A key product within this certified portfolio is PUV001L0002 PU Ultima Matte OPV, a 1K polyurethane-based matte overprint varnish specifically designed for PP and PE mono-material structures.

A Holistic Approach to Sustainable Manufacturing

“From EMAS-certified production at our Halkis plant, to EcoVadis-validated ESG performance and independently certified recyclable products, sustainability is fully embedded in how we operate and innovate.”

With continued investments in plant modernization, waste reduction, energy efficiency, and circular product design, DRUCKFARBEN Group aims to further strengthen its role as a responsible industrial partner for the flexible packaging value chain in Greece and international markets.