Information about ITX

Information about ITX in Superfos packaging

Since 1978, European producers of packaging – including Superfos – have used printing ink containing isopropylthioxanthone (ITX) to secure clear and durable decorations on their cardboard and plastic packaging.

After the Italian Health Ministry’s finding of traces of ITX in milk cartons this autumn, the European Food Safety Commission (EFSA) is carrying out a risk assessment at the request of the European Commission.

In November 2005, EFSAs preliminary conclusion was that there is no immediate health risk connected with consuming small quantities of ITX. But as scientific documentation is comparatively restricted on this field, EFSA continues its investigation and expects to deliver its final opinion no later than March 2006. 

Based on existing facts, European Food Safety Commission (EFSA) also agreed that there is no need to take any measures at EU-level such as withdrawal of the concerned products from the market.

At Superfos, we use ITX for efficient hardening of our decorations and we are not familiar with any risk of rub-off to the contents of our packaging. Furthermore, we use very small quantities of the substance in the hardening process and our manufacturing process and quality control are securing that the decorations are dry and hardened before they are shipped to our customers.

As there is no scientific documentation for potential long-term effects caused by ITX, we have from a precautionary principle decided to phase out the use of ITX in our decorations. The phase out is expected to be finalized during second quarter 2006.

For further information about our production and the use of ITX, please contact your sales representative in Superfos.