Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020

Flint Group Packaging
Sustainability Report 2020

Flint Group is dedicated to serving the global printing and packaging industry. The company develops, manufactures and markets an extensive portfolio of printing
consumables and printing equipment, including: a vast range of conventional and energy curable inks and coatings for most offset, flexographic and gravure applications;
pressroom chemicals, printing blankets and sleeves for offset printing; photopolymer printing plates and sleeves, plate-making equipment and flexographic sleeve
systems; pigments and additives for use in inks and other colourant applications; Flint Group also designs, develops and delivers web-fed digital colour presses for
labels and packaging applications, document printing, commercial printing as well as platemaking equipment for the newspaper industry and computer-to-plate (CtP)
solutions for the commercial printing market. With a strong customer focus, unmatched service and support, and superior products, Flint Group strives to provide
exceptional value, consistent quality and continuous innovation to customers around the world. Headquartered in Luxembourg, Flint Group employs over 6500 people.
Revenues for 2019 were in excess of € 2 billion. On a worldwide basis, the company is the number one or number two supplier in every major market segment it serves.
For more information, please visit www.flintgrp.com
Contents:
Introduction - Antoine Fady, CEO and Steve Dryden, COO 6
Flint Group Key Facts
1,300 Revenue 2019
Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Statement 8 Headquarters: Flint Group in numbers... over
2
Featured stories 10 Flint Group S.A., 26b Boulevard Royal,
€
6500
L-2449 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
GOVERNANCE Raw Material Suppliers bilion
Ownership:
Integrity and Compliance 20
Flint Group is privately owned by Goldman Flint Group Employees $ 2.2 billion USD
6,650
Identifying and Managing Risk 22 Sachs Merchant Banking Division in
Health and Safety 24 partnership with Koch Equity Development
130 490
Flint Group Sustainable Supplier Management 26 LLC, a subsidiary of Koch Industries Inc. over
Chemical Legislation and Trade Compliance 28
Key Personnel:
Raw Materials
sites
ENVIRONMENTAL
Climate change
Pollution & waste
32
42
• Pierre-Marie De Leener, Chairman
• Antoine Fady, CEO
• Ron Muawad, CFO
Across 40
countries
over
170,000 million kg
on all of ink products (1,080 million lb)
Environmental opportunities 48 • Steve Dryden, COO unique customer formulations
continents
SOCIAL
Building engagement and commitment 56
Over
21,000
direct customers and many more through
3.8 million m2
of plates and blankets
Talent recognition 62 our extensive distributor network (41 million square feet)
Taking social responsibility 66
Employee initiatives 67
The content, materials and information contained within this report are solely owned
by or licensed by Flint Group and its business units. All rights reserved. All copyright
and other (intellectual property) rights in all text, images and other information
contained within this report are the property of Flint Group. Permission should
be sought from Flint Group before any part of this report is reproduced, stored or
transmitted by any means.
While Flint Group uses all reasonable efforts to include accurate, complete and up-
to-date information, the report, including without limitation the content, materials,
information within, is provided to the user “as is” and without warranties or
representations of any kind, either express or implied. Flint Group is not responsible
for and disclaims any liability for any damages, including without limitation, direct,
indirect, incidental, consequential and special damages, alleged to have been
caused by or in connection with the access and/or use of this report. Flint Group
may modify, alter or amend portions of this report at any time at its sole discretion,
without notice, and assumes no responsibility to update.
Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020
Flint Group sustainable growth as a business

Flint Group Family Tree:
1998
2003
2004
1995
1901 1985
2007
1985
1970
1777
1965 BASF 1999
Drucksysteme
1998
2007
2007
1865 1996
1773
2005
1878 1920
2010
1994
CPS
2002
TINTAS GRAFICAS 2015
2013 2015
2016 2017
2016 2016 2016
Flint Group history has been characterised by a long list of mergers and acquisitions. Formed in 2007 following the successful integration of four key graphic arts
companies, our strategy to grow our existing packaging market focussed businesses and acquire complementary businesses to support our customers has been very
successful. Since our last report in 2017 this strategy has continued, though the focus in recent years has been on integrating the great businesses we have acquired.
With the support of our owners, we continued to increase our participation in the Paper & Board segment through the acquisition of Eston Chimica in Italy in 2017,
and we also took 100% control of Continental and Eagle Inks in South Africa.
Flint Group divisional structure:
Narrow Packaging Digital Offset Web Sheetfed

Flexographic
Web Inks Solutions Solutions News Ink and Heatset Commercial and Packaging
Paper & Board, Graphic Arts, Labels, Plates & Sleeves Press Room Chemicals
05
Flexible Packaging Packaging and Pre-press and Transfer Media
Dispersions, Pigments
Resins, Chips
Antoine Fady, CEO Flint Group

I take great pride in the strides we have made
in recent years on our sustainability journey...
Welcome to the Flint Group Packaging 2020 Sustainability Report. We are proud to share with
you the progress we have made in improving our governance and social and environmental
impact over the past three years, in what has been a transformational period for our business.
Since the last report, we have repositioned Flint Group to become a supplier of choice to the packaging
industry, following a series of acquisitions. Our mission is to be the best performing supplier to the
packaging industry in the segments where we operate, by consistently delighting our customers with high
quality, innovative products and services.
Sustainability is deeply engrained in our values and the way we do business. We recognise that maintaining
a high degree of economic, environmental and social sustainability is fundamental to delivering value
for our stakeholders now and in the long term. Exercising good governance over these issues allows us
to manage risk effectively and differentiates us in the marketplace as a responsible, low-risk partner.
Our owners, Goldman Sachs and Koch Equity Developments, have shown considerable support for our
business and sustainability vision, helping us to accelerate our journey and grow as a company. Since
2015, we have made a number of major acquisitions, most notably acquiring Xeikon, a leading digital
solutions provider to the packaging and commercial printing markets, in December 2015, strengthening
our diverse portfolio of products and services we offer across the globe. Looking ahead to 2021 and
beyond, we will maintain our strong market focus, developing clear strategies for each segment in
which we operate and striving to exceed our customers’ expectations, while creating value for all our
stakeholders by adhering to sustainable and responsible business practices.
06 Antoine Fady
CEO Flint Group
Our sustainability journey…

Flint Group Packaging operates within the spirit of the UN Global Compact our progress. On the next pages of this report we will provide you with
for sustainability. Everyday our people and teams are committed to more details about our environmental processes and our progress. We are
improving the health, safety and well-being of our employees; whilst a especially proud of our waste-focussed initiatives, including our VIVO Colour
continuous improvement culture helps to reduce our current and future Solutions, new filtration technology for nyloflex® and RST cleaners, which
environmental footprint. As ever, making progress on our sustainability significantly reduced the amount of hazardous waste, non-hazardous waste,
journey would not be possible without the hard work, creativity and waste to landfill and materials requiring recycling.
dedication of our 6,500 employees. We strive to stay ahead of evolving
regulations on chemicals, packaging and labelling, and our relentless
focus on improving health and safety of workplace has seen some positive SOCIAL
trends results but that battle is never won.
We know that it’s our employees that make this organisation a success.
As we have grown, we have maintained a strong focus on building and We invest a lot of time and effort in helping them evolve and grow, whether
consolidating our sustainability culture. We have taken some important that be with challenging new assignments, training and workshops, or
steps to reduce our environmental footprint, and we only partner with programmes to recognise the best creative ideas. We care about their
trusted suppliers who adhere to our high standards and uphold rigorous health and well-being, and have launched some great initiatives to focus
human rights and environmental standards. on health at work. For example, our ‘Biggest Loser’ challenge encouraged
employees to lose weight, while our ‘Appetite for Health’ initiative focussed
We invite you to discover more about some of our great initiatives in this our employees on increasing their vitamin consumption.
report. There are so many important examples of sustainability in action
that we could not fit them all into this report, clearly showing that one of Around the globe, Flint Group Packaging employees continued to show
Flint Group greatest strengths is our ‘can do’ culture. great enthusiasm in their support of local charities and worthy causes.
Children’s education is still a key driver for our social initiatives. Our South
African organisation sponsored an educational theatre for schools, helping
GOVERNANCE to improve children’s awareness of the environment, the importance of
recycling and boost school attendance. Our Polish colleagues also ran to
We continue to foster a culture of integrity and compliance at all levels support children’s education.
of the organisation. Our objective is that each Flint Group employee lives
the values from our Code of Conduct. To achieve this ambitious objective, Blood donation, assisting children with cancer and single mothers are
we continuously deliver extensive training to our 6500 employees to help some of the many great initiatives that our colleagues are taking the
them understand which behaviours are acceptable and expected. initiative to support, all contributing to the societies in which we live and
work and the world around us.
We also strive to make Flint Group an even safer place to work. We
have an unrelenting commitment to improving health and safety in the Next steps
workplace – with a clear strategy to improve awareness and ownership of
the safety culture. While we have made considerable progress in terms of sustainability, we
recognise that there is still a long way to go. However, you can “rely on us.”
We continue to rollout numerous programmes to help the organisation
achieve its strategies and enhance the reputation of Flint Group so that Finally, we would like to thank our customers, employees, shareholders,
the business succeeds in a compliant way. suppliers and communities for their continued support and partnership. We
remain humble in the face of the challenges ahead, and committed to
driving positive change for our business and stakeholders, as we continue
ENVIRONMENT on our journey.
In the environmental component of our sustainability journey, our focus is Antoine Fady Steve Dryden
on energy usage, water consumption, waste reduction and recycling. This CEO Flint Group COO Flint Group
is aligned with the spirit of the UN Global Compact for sustainability and
the expectations of our customers.
We have set up a transparent process for collecting and monitoring

Steve Dryden
COO Flint Group 07
UNITED NATIONS’ SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

The UN’s 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) seek to address the world’s biggest
challenges, including ending poverty, improving health and education, making cities sustainable
and tackling climate change.
08
FLINT GROUP PACKAGING SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT FLINT GROUP PACKAGING SUSTAINABILITY MODEL
Our approach to continuously improving our sustainability performance is underpinned by our Mission and
Guiding Principles - a fundamental set of clear and simple values.
Flint Group operates within the spirit of the UN Global Compact for sustainability. Every day our people and teams
are committed to providing increased health, safety and well-being whilst a continuous improvement programme
is in place to reduce our current environmental impact now and for future generations. An uncompromising
integrity policy and strong ethical values set by our own Guiding principles ensure that you can truly Rely on us
for sustainable development.
This strategy enables Flint Group to deliver integrated solutions in the three key dimensions of corporate
sustainability:
Governance Guides corporate governance, Code of Conduct, risk and compliance.
Environment Steers our goal to continually reduce impact on the environment and regulates the
reporting of progress.
Social Drives corporate citizenship, labour practices, people development, social reporting,
talent attraction and retention.
FLINT GROUP PACKAGING MISSION AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES
At Flint Group, our mission is to be the best-performing

supplier to the printing and packaging industries
as measured by our customers, shareholders, and
employees, through our ability to deliver exceptional
value, consistent quality, and continuous innovation to
customers around the world.
Our Guiding Principles

• Our customers are the focus of all that we do
• Every employee contributes to our success
• Integrity shall never be compromised
• Continuous improvement drives performance and supports our aspiration to achieve excellence
• Leadership and teamwork are prerequisites to achieving our goals
09
Feature stories
Packaging Inks | Feature stories | Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020
RESPONSIBLY BUILT PRODUCTS AND SOLUTIONS DESIGNED FOR A CIRCULAR ECONOMY

FLINT GROUP PACKAGING INKS
Our sustainability vision: To support packaging markets with responsibly
built products and sustainable solutions designed for circular economies.
The requirements for effective packaging are changing constantly, some of the largest
drivers being littering concerns, food preservation and avoiding food waste. We address
these global sustainability concerns, and more, via our manufacturing processes and
product development approach.
WE PROVIDE SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS AND SOLUTIONS

Addressing overall sustainability concerns
• We think beyond ink chemistry and about solutions that mitigate overall waste.
• We have solutions for printers that move away from petroleum based materials and from rigid
plastics to flexible plastic packaging.
• We have solutions that help paper and board printers ensure clean testliner papers and an
ability to compete more and more in the food & beverage markets.
Addressing the converter operation

• We have programmes to help converters reduce waste, to save process energy and be more
cost effective overall.
• We have programmes to help converters reduce waste…..to save processes energy…..and be
more cost effective overall.
Addressing the recycling process

• We are working with recyclers to understand which chemistries are most attractive considering
future packaging recycling processes.
• We work with advocacy groups to discuss sustainable end markets - such as CEFLEX and
Materials Recovery for the Future (MRFF) Collaborative.
• We actively collaborate with the paper-packaging industry, participating in associations such as
FEFCO (European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers) and ensuring all our paper-
packaging demand is served by FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) or PEFC (Programme for
Endorsement of Forest Certification) accredited boards.
Flint Group Packaging Inks is pleased to present a series of whitepaper on the sustainability
topic. These papers can be found on the Flint Group website - simple search for “Packaging
10 Inks Sustainability Platform” in the search bar on our home page to access current and
future information on this critical topic.
Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020 | Feature stories | Packaging Inks
TerraCode
RESPONSIBLY BUILT PRODUCTS To meet our customers’ needs, we offer a series of products:
At Flint Group Packaging Inks, we aim to address sustainability concerns

though our responsibly built products. Our developmental processes
continually consider the impact our products are having on the world
around us. This rings true in both our water-based and solvent-based
developments.
1. TerraCode Bio is designed with the highest level of bio-renewable
Water-based inks, by nature, are built on a sustainable foundation. content where a typical formulation contains greater than 90%
However, conventional solutions still contain synthetic ingredients that renewable resources.
are made from oil derivatives and other processed chemicals. While
these products are fully approved for food packaging and provide a high
performance solution required for today’s packaging markets, we all have
a social responsibility to further develop solutions that contribute to the
well-being of our planet.
All water-based products designed by Flint Group are compliant with local 2. TerraCode Hybrid is a combination of renewable and conventional
and national regulations in all the regions of the world in which we operate raw materials where a typical formulation contains in excess of 50%
and are manufactured using sustainably sourced materials. This is a renewable resin content.
standard and basic requirement of our design process. However, we have Water Based Bio-renewable Product Range
gone a step beyond this basic requirement and have designed an entire
range of products based on bio-renewable chemistry. Highest levels of bio renewable content in
TerraCode Bio TerraCode series, >90% of the resin system made
from renewable resource.
TerraCode water-based paper and board inks have been designed using
bio-renewable raw material technology to support market demands for Hybrid technology, suitable for applications that
sustainable packaging and a circular economy. This dynamic product TerraCode Hybrid require higher resistance properties.
offering can be tailor made for converters’ individual needs and will support 3. TerraCode Balance is based on biomass balance technology,
a wide variety of paper and board applications, including corrugated pre a process that maintains the performance of existing synthetic Biomass Balance technology offers the same
and post print, food wraps, folding carton, cups, paper bags, and aseptic solutions.
TerraCode Balance performance as conventional acrylic systems.
packaging.
These inks deliver the necessary requirements for premium packaging
results – such as high quality, consistency, and ease of use. These inks
and coatings are bio-renewable content (BRC) certified and sustainably
sourced and available in a convenient building block package or ready
to use. 11
Packaging Inks | Feature stories | Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020
PRODUCTS DESIGNED FOR CIRCULARITY

Chlorine-free products to address mechanical recycling Addressing clean recyclate by deinking
There is a strong trend to move away from multi-material structures in Water-washable nitrocellulose gravure inks for shrink applications
flexible packaging and toward mono-materials. Packaging made from a are a reality today! Flint Group offers inks which have been tested and
single material, for example PE, PP or PO, is more likely to be mechanically certified according to the Association of Plastics Recycling (APR) quality
recycled (collected, sorted and extruded into new recyclate). Substances criteria. In an ideal world, all labels would be removed from bottles prior
like chlorine disturb this recycling process due to gassing and corrosion to the recycling process. However, there are cases where labels are
of the extruders. Flint Group Packaging Inks offers a full range of chlorine- not removed due to lack of interference during
free primers, overprint varnishes and heat seal lacquers which do not the infrared identification process. In order to
disturb the mechanical recycling process. accommodate the needs of the recycling market,
Flint Group has developed inks for floatable OPP
A full range of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyvinylidene chloride- mono-web labels, and an ink system for sinkable
free (PVDC) specialties shrink PET labels that do not hinder the physical
traits of recyclable bottle flakes.
Solvent-based chemistries can also be designed using bio-renewable • Single component primers for metalised films are available in both
raw materials and Flint Group is proud to offer inks designed with these transparent and white and are de-inkable!
innovative components. • Two-component PVC-free overprint varnishes which utilise a unique
resin technology are available.
Flint Group Packaging Inks offers nitrocellulose-based products that can
be manufactured with a bio-based carbon content of 60-80%. These • A range of PVC-free and universal heat seal lacquers for aluminium
products have been tested using the C14 isotope method which is used lid applications.
to determine the age of fossils and can be used to differentiate between Control Test
fossil-based carbon and bio-carbon materials*. Examples show that the A full range of barrier coatings delivers many options to address
organic compound content of a standard nitrocellulose-based pigment sustainability goals
concentrate is between 10% and 20%; however, with special formulations, Deinkable flexographic inks for surface printing applications
our nitrocellulose-based products can reach from 60% to 80%. Inks with Barrier coatings are designed to protect food from a range of gases
maximised bio-renewable content offer the same performance qualities and moisture degrading the packed product. Using these coatings can
as standard products. keep food fresh for longer periods of time – allowing extra transit time
to get foods to people in various parts of the world and more time on
In addition, Flint Group Packaging Inks is proud to offer a range of flexible supermarket shelves.
packaging inks for surface and lamination printing which are certified CADEL DEINKING has developed
for composting. When used in conjunction with pre-certified substrates, Barrier coatings can protect a product from odour, keeping the scents of an innovative process that removes
these inks make it very easy to achieve full compost certification for the consumer goods including detergents, household chemicals and perfumes, printed inks from plastic surfaces
final printed package, and are suitable for both flexographic and gravure inside the pack and not contaminating the immediate environment. for recycling and converting
presses. By using a specially designed barrier coating, packaging producers can companies. The CADEL DEINKING
eliminate a full layer of plastic, aluminium or glass materials, which would process is unique and the end result
*Testing completed by Beta Analytic testing laboratory. Contact Flint Group for more otherwise act as a barrier to odour release. is an ink-free plastic with qualities
information. similar to virgin plastics.
Barrier coatings, designed for both surface and lamination printing
applications, can provide a shield against the penetration of light. Flint Group offers a range of inks for polyolefin
Packaged foods, for example potatoes and other goods, can be affected substrates including LDPE, HDPU and PO stretch films that have been
by light migrating through the pack. Typically, aluminium is used to prevent approved for the water-based CADEL DEINKING process. These solvent-
this. However, by using a correctly designed barrier coating, the goods are based inks are suitable for flexographic printing for hygiene applications,
protected without adding an extra layer of material and the pack remains collation shrink and outdoor surface printing jobs.
recyclable.
12
Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020 | Feature stories | Flexographic
FLINT GROUP FLEXOGRAPHIC
We are continuously evaluating every lever we have to reduce our own

environmental footprint and to help our customers to reduce theirs.
Studies have shown that many packaging materials only have a Over the last five years, Flint Group Flexographic has been one of the we designed our nyloflex® Xpress thermal system, not only to offer a
minor influence on the environmental footprint of packaged food. forerunners in the development of Flat Top Dot (FTD) flexo printing plates. solvent-free operation but also minimising waste production and energy
Only about 5% of the environmental footprint of 1kg of packed This plate technology has specific benefits: consumption, please see the separate article below. After the launch
food comes from the packaging materials, while roughly 15% is of the nyloflex® Xpress technology in 2016 with an FIV size machine
linked to transportation and 80% to production. Further, one set • FTDs allow repro houses and printers to texture the plate surface we supplemented our offering by a larger FV size machine in 2019 for
of flexographic printing plates can print up to several 100.000 m (Surface Screening) to achieve higher ink densities and improved ink processing of the largest plate sizes commonly used in flexo market.
of printed packaging material. Hence the ecological footprint of laydown in flexible packaging printing, often with the same or less ink Further, we added two new thermal flexo plates a digital RTD (Round Top
the printing plate – one of Flint Group Flexographic’s main products consumption compared to an untextured plate Dot) plate, nyloflex® XAH, and an inherent FTD plate, nyloflex® XFH D for
– seems negligible when compared to the footprint of the final • Enable printers in post-print corrugated printing to achieve good print flexible packaging printing to our portfolio, continuously pushing out the
packaged food to which it contributes. quality on lower quality boards that have higher content of recycled boundaries of thermal plate capabilities.
fibres
So does it at all matter what efforts we invest into continuous sustainability As long as solvent plate processing for some packaging applications does
improvement? We at Flint Group Flexographic firmly believe that the • Extend plate life for printers using more abrasive substrates, not have a viable alternative and cannot be completely eliminated, we
answer is “YES.” minimising dot gain over the print length will keep innovating in this area to further minimise any negative health
and environmental impacts. In March 2020, the collaboration between
With this spirit, we keep evaluating every lever we have to reduce our Furthermore, when digital Flat Top Dots were introduced to the flexo Flint Group Flexographic and Xeikon Pre-Press culminated in the launch
own environmental footprint and to help our customers to reduce theirs. printing market in 2008, this dot shape had to be generated by an extra of the ThermoFlexX Catena W plate processing unit and the ThermoFlexX
The biggest levers and hence main focal points are the reduction of the plate processing step. For example, by laminating the plate with a high Catena DL dryer and light finishing unit, both for solvent plate processing.
environmental footprint of our production plants and the development of barrier film, removing oxygen, before the UV exposure or by exposing the Compared to other washers on the market, the Catena-W operates in
innovative products that help our customers to reduce waste, VOCs and plate under a nitrogen atmosphere. With the development of Flat Top Dot a sealed environment having an encapsulated washout zone with very
energy consumption, while operating more safely and efficiently. plates, such extra steps are not needed. The characteristic dot shape low emissions into the work space benefitting the health and safety of
can now be achieved with common UV tube exposure eliminating these operators. Furthermore, we took it as a design goal that an operator
Our operation facilities have well-structured environmental and energy additional steps. should be able to handle large plates, single handedly, and without ever
management systems in place. All Flexographic production sites are having to come into contact with the solvent-wetted surface, after leaving
ISO 14001 certified. The manufacturing sites in Willstätt and Ahaus, With the launch of four new Flat Top Dot printing plates in 2019 – the washer. The result was that the ThermoFlexX Catena W washout unit
Germany also hold ISO 50001 certificates. Following on from a long nyloflex® XFH D, nyloflex® FTH D, nyloflex® FTS D and nyloflex® FTM D – for releases the processed and still solvent soaked plates onto a plate shuttle
series of measures taken over the last years to reduce waste and energy flexible packaging, label and aseptic applications, we have substantially that the operator can move to the dryer without touching. Due to a special
consumption, we recently made a c.€1m investment in 2019 in new diversified our offer in this area tailoring the various plates to the specific elevator system, the ThermoFlexX Catena DL dryer & light finishing unit
production technology that resulted in a material yield increase and needs of the respective packaging applications. In May 2020, with the wet plate together with the plate carrier can then be moved from the
consequent waste reduction in our manufacturing plant for printing plates nyloflex® FTL D, we introduced the most recent member of our FTD plate shuttle to the dryer drawers, and from the dryer drawers into the light
in Willstätt (see page 34). family to the corrugated post print market. In addition to its ability to finishing section, all while avoiding any human contact.
achieve high print qualities even on liners with higher content of recycled
When it comes to helping our customers to reduce their environmental fibres, its exceptional softness allows printers to combine screens and Our journey towards more sustainable operations and products will
footprint, there are two technologies where we currently focus our R&D linework on one plate. Traditionally, where sensitive designs were involved, continue with having many more ideas and projects in our pipeline that
resources in order to make them available for an increasing number of printers would keep them separate and waste more substrate until the are expected to unfold in the coming years. We are looking forward to
packaging applications. These include: plates were in perfect register. keeping you informed about our progress. Stay tuned!
• inherent Flat Top Dot plates that offer advantages in printing and While solvent processing is still the most versatile plate processing
plate processing reducing the usage and waste of materials technology offering, highest cliché qualities and covering plates for all
• thermal plate processing allowing customers to avoid the VOC output flexo printing applications, with our nyloflex® Xpress Thermal plate
that comes with solvent plate processing processing system we have made a big step forward in rivalling the quality
and versatility of solvent processed plates. For more information on how 13
Digital | Feature stories | Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020
FLINT GROUP DIGITAL

Xeikon, the Digital Printing Solutions division of Flint Group, is a longstanding leader and
innovator in digital printing technology. Grounded in the principles of quality, flexibility and
sustainability, Xeikon designs, develops and delivers sheet-fed digital colour presses for
labels, carton packaging, and graphic arts and decoration. It thereby offers a full solution
suite, consisting of presses, consumables, peripheral equipment, software and services.
Driven by digital printing’s ability to print exact quantities, reduce (start-up) waste, and enable lower
stock-keeping, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do and influences our long-term strategy.
We have defined three keys areas where we focus our actions.
CONTINUE TO REDUCE OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

The company’s sustainability approach started several years ago, when we decided to convert our
toner factory site in Heultje, Belgium to 100% green energy. All energy and material processes were
redesigned to reduce the company’s carbon footprint and its waste levels. Toner waste has been
halved within 10 years.
Next to the toner production, we continue to look at the toner itself. We are in the process of moving
our resin sourcing from Japan to Italy, thereby reducing transport. In addition, we evaluate how to
recycle our toner bottles.
Our printing solutions are designed to reduce our carbon footprint to the lowest degree possible.
Among other initiatives, we work on printing press energy reductions and diminishing the waste
between print jobs. Our printing solutions are also increasingly connected online, thereby enabling
remote monitoring and servicing. This reduces the amount of travelling by the service organisation.
OFFER SOLUTIONS THAT PROMOTE RECYCLABILITY

Xeikon pays attention to recycling and ensures that toner particles can easily be removed from their
substrates at the end of the functional life, no matter whether used on paper or plastic. As such, all
toner prints are 100% recyclable and deinkable. Xeikon also works together with specific customers
to re-use toner bottles. A sustainable way to deliver good and environmental-friendly products on the
market!
INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR THE CIRCULAR MARKET

Finally, the REX (Reconditioned Digital Presses) programme enables us to give our machines a second
life by putting them back into the market. REX helps to extend the lifetime of an engine by an
14 additional five to seven years. A similar arrangement is in place for peripheral equipment including
unwinders and rewinders.
Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020 | Feature stories | Digital
XEIKON REX PROGRAMME A division of

REMANUFACTURED, ECOLOGICAL: XEIKON QUALITY
QUALITY GUARANTEED
OUR REX PROCESS IN 6 STEPS:
1) Full life cycle management

• Every press in the REX programme has always been serviced by
Xeikon and will be admitted to the REX programme based on its
In February 2020, Xeikon announced the launch of its REX history
programme supporting printers looking for entry-level, affordable 2) Component inspection and cleaning
digital production solutions to fulfil their customers’ demands
for shorter runs, just-in-time production and customisation. The • Engine and critical components are thoroughly cleaned
investment threshold for professional digital printing solutions • Check service messages are double checked and key components
can be an issue for smaller companies wanting to step into this tested
new market. The REX programme offers a range of remanufactured • recycling or disposal of damaged and wear parts is defined
Xeikon presses, providing an attractive and affordable option for
printers and converters looking to expand their business with digital 3) Remanufacturing of parts
applications.
• Strict specifications for reworked parts
Jeroen Van Bauwel, director of product management states, ”Xeikon has • All damaged or worn parts are replaced
been offering digital presses into the market for more than 30 years. But The Xeikon 3030 REX is an entry-level press, which will catapult converters • The press is remanufactured by our experts at Xeikon’s original
often, our customers’ digital business runs faster than their press and looking to take their first steps into digital immediately into the professional manufacturing site in Belgium
after a few years they already need to re-invest in a faster model. The and industrial space. This is a full colour digital press with the benefit of
• Both HW and SW updated to the latest version
returned press still has a long lifetime ahead so with our REX programme opaque white, which gives access to health and beauty markets, premium
we are remanufacturing these older presses by running them through our beer and other end-use markets in labelling. The 3030 REX uses Xeikon 4) Extensive test benchmarking
factory, implementing all recent updates and upgrading the digital front dry toner technology, certified for food safety, therefore giving access to
end to the latest version of our workflow: X-800 6.0. The presses that the significant food label markets. The dry toner is also light fast allowing • Individual unit testing for each remanufactured product (similar same
have gone through the REX programme are then offered again into the converters to address label end-uses requiring durability. The 1200 dpi as new engines)
market at a very attractive investment cost. Through the REX programme, print resolution ensures converters can also serve the high-quality offset • High quality standards
we are making our well-known digital presses accessible to converters label market as well the flexo quality market. Xeikon’s digital front end,
new to digital, with limited investment budgets.” X-800 6.0 is an additional significant advantage, as this can be integrated 5) Packaging and storage
with existing MIS systems, allow fully automated job preparation and
REX stands for Remanufactured, Ecological Xeikon quality. handle complex variable data jobs with ease. • Original case is used for repacking and safe shipment worldwide
6) Ready for service and support
Label converters are today investing in digital solutions ranging between
200k€ up to 1.5m€. About 20% of these converters have an investment • All counters are reset and the unit is reloaded in the database for the
capacity of up to 300k€. Last year, Xeikon introduced its Label Discovery best service and warranty
Package, which provided an offer within this range of investment. By
adding the 3030 REX to its portfolio, Xeikon is expanding the possibilities
for all label converters. 15
Narrow Web | Feature stories | Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020
FLINT GROUP NARROW WEB

At Flint Group Narrow Web, we aim to be the one stop ink supplier for Narrow
Web, label and packaging printing.
We offer a complete range of the latest inks for any Narrow Web printing
technique and take great pride in the high and consistent quality of our
press-ready products.
We operate globally and service our inks and varnishes to converters locally.
A RESPONSIBLE STRATEGY TO PROTECT HEALTH AND THE

ENVIRONMENT
Narrow Web has a genuine responsibility as regards to society, environment,
customers, employees, suppliers. Heath and environmental protection aspects are
key elements of our sustainability agenda for our employees and the markets we
serve.
Our innovation plans aim to deliver against these objectives.
INNOVATIVE & SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR AN EXIGENT

MARKET
We continue to innovate LED curing technology to help our customers to reduce their
energy consumption and waste costs. We constantly develop our high performing
portfolio of solutions, with selected suppliers, for the demanding markets served
by our customers with, for example, low migration inks and varnishes for food
contact regulations but, at the same time, support recyclability and compostability
of packaging and labels with specific innovation programmes.
Our innovation programmes include our VIVO Colour Solutions digital colour
matching tools. This programme is designed to simplify our customers’ colour
matching processes with increased responsiveness at reduced costs.
CONTINUE TO REDUCE OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

In the last two years, we have invested significantly in enhancement programmes in
our main factories in Europe and North America delivering significant performance
improvements for the safety of our employees and energy consumption and waste
reductions through yield and process improvements.
16
Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020 | Feature stories | Offset Solutions
FLINT GROUP OFFSET SOLUTIONS

Flint Group Offset Solutions not only leverages its robust product Our Offset Solutions facility in Irlam, UK is working on several projects to
portfolio and differentiated service model, but also focusses on reduce its environmental impact, as well as supporting local communities
sustainability as a key differentiator to be a supplier of choice for with waste reduction initiatives. Teams continue to focus on UV Wash
customers globally. For Offset Solutions, sustainability is about and Heatset Wash product development and are currently supporting UK
responsible growth – reducing our environmental impact, protecting communities by manufacturing and supplying hand sanitiser materials,
the safety of our employees and customers, and supporting the complying with the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended
communities where we do business - while ensuring the growth and formulation.
profitability of our company and our customers is met.
• Our manufacturing teams have implemented continuous improvement
methods to all facets of our operations to reduce waste, emissions,
and energy consumption.
• A brand new converting facility was centrally located in the United
States to reduce customer lead times while minimising transportation
and fuel emissions.
• Product development continues to prioritise concepts with improved
performance and reduced solvent concentrations.
Flint Group Offset Team 17

Governance
18
Contents:
Integrity and Compliance

Identifying and Managing Risk
Health and Safety
Flint Group Sustainable Supplier Management
Chemical Legislation and Trade Compliance
19
Governance | Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020
Integrity and Compliance

STRONG BUSINESS ETHICS values and standards expected of all our employees and all those who
work for or on behalf of Flint Group.
Business ethics is at the heart of Flint Group decisions and actions.
The three pillars of our Code of Conduct are:
Our company is fully committed to ethical business practices and has
a strong global culture of integrity and compliance. Our core values are • Legal compliance and business ethics – We comply with the law in
implemented via our Code of Conduct, effective policies, processes and every country where we operate and uphold the guiding principles of
procedures. Flint Group places high demands in terms of responsible the United Nations (UN) Global Compact.
conduct and integrity on its employees, customers, suppliers, service • People and the environment – We place a strong emphasis on
providers and other contractual partners. All of them are expected to keeping our employees healthy and safe, protecting the environment
follow our core values: and respecting the human rights of the people in our supply chain
• We don’t cheat (in line with the UN’s Declarations of Human Rights and Rights of
the Child).
• We don’t steal
• We don’t bully or harass • Confidentiality – We respect the confidential nature of our business
partners’ and customers’ business and expect the same from others.
• We don’t discriminate
• We don’t lie Through extensive training in 16 languages we communicate with
• We don’t treat people badly or disrespectfully employees and third party partners the importance of all aspects of the
• We don’t compete unfairly Flint Group Code of Conduct including compliance with local laws, respect
for human rights and a zero tolerance for any form of forced labour.
Since 2015, all Flint Group employees complete Code of Conduct training.
Robust policies are in place to support the implementation of our values An internal communication campaign has been launched in 2020 to
and foster a strong, consistent global culture of integrity and compliance. encourage all employees to speak-up and report any possible wrongdoing
Third party partners are encouraged to adhere to our Code of Conduct or without fear of retaliation.
prove that they follow a similar approach.
Flint Group combats modern slavery and human trafficking and is a INTERNAL AUDITING OF ILLEGAL PRACTICES, ERC
signatory of the UK Modern Slavery Act.
We conduct yearly Code of Conduct monitoring by inviting our employees
Through our company hotline and annual Employee Representation to confirm whether they are aware of any violations, through our annual
Certificate (ERC), we seek feedback from employees on potential Employee Representation Certificate (ERC) programme. Our Internal Audit
violations of the Flint Group Code of Conduct. All employees can raise team determines which of our leaders is best placed to review any issues
concerns about practices within our business or supply chain without fear and ensures that investigations are managed transparently and actions
of reprisals. are taken, where necessary.
Our ERC programme has been in place since 2009 and is conducted
CODE OF CONDUCT on an annual basis and we have invited more employees to participate
compared to prior years. We benchmarked our ERC programme in 2019
Flint Group pursues responsible management guided by the principles of with global reputed companies and those learnings helped us improve our
integrity, compliance, honesty and transparency. Respective guidelines administrative efficiency without compromising compliance assurance.
have been created where applicable to support the implementation of Our ERC Programme is conducted using an online tool where participating
the principles. employees have an option to respond in 12 different languages. For the
year 2019, 1170 employees participated and raised 48 issues of which
20 Flint Group Code of Conduct sits at the heart of our integrity and
compliance efforts. It reflects our values and principles, and sets out the
0, 28 and 20 were identified as high, medium and low risks respectively.
Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020 | Governance
ONLINE TRAINING HOTLINE / REPORTING We will continue our efforts to update existing integrity and compliance
policies and our Code of Conduct, and supplement them with new policies
Flint Group has developed tailored e-learning courses on individual Our employees have raised more than 350 concerns since the Integrity where necessary.
policies. Overall, 94% invitations have been fulfilled to date. Since Assurance Hotline (our whistle-blowing channel) was introduced in
the implementation of these courses we have seen a cultural change 2014. 60% of these concerns were reported anonymously. Each case is
in our company which has led to more transparency. For example, our thoroughly investigated by a neutral and experienced investigator, issues COMPLIANCE COMMUNICATION
Integrity and Compliance team is receiving a growing number of employee are addressed and corrective actions are set in motion, as appropriate.
enquiries on issues such as suitability of gifts and entertainment and The measures taken depend on the severity of the misconduct, with the In 2019 we also raised the awareness of our employees on the following
potential conflicts of interest. most serious being termination of employment. The hotline process was subjects:
automated and standardized in 2019; Investigator’s Guidelines have been
2020 is a key year. The company has invested in a new centralised training created and investigators trainings have been conducted. A number of • How to avoid anti-competitive activities and promote proper contacts
tool connected to our HR system. This will help us to better address the training materials has been developed in a response to their needs. with competitors
different training needs of each function. A new training matrix has been • Gifts and Entertainment – What is acceptable and prohibited by Flint
developed with different departments to offer a broader training package. We make sure that an anonymous phone hotline number is accessible at Group
Corresponding retraining options have also been designed. We will assess each Flint Group location to enable reporting in the native language and
how frequently to invite employees to undertake refresher training, both ensure that posters and leaflets promoting the Hotline are available at • How to report misconduct, what happens after an employee creates
on our Code of Conduct and our integrity and compliance policies. We also every Flint Group location. a hotline report
created specific questionnaires for employees and third party partners to
better target retraining needs. Flint Group Compliance team is currently working on ‘Speak up’ policy to We’ll be working on “Encourage Speak up Culture” project to help Flint
better address all methods of misconduct reporting. At the same time, the Group employees live the values from the Code of Conduct. Flint Group
team is introducing a ‘No retaliation’ policy to make sure employees feel Compliance team is developing new policies related to wrongdoing
comfortable and safe when reporting wrongdoings. The project ‘Encourage reporting: Non-retaliation policy and Speak up policy. The team is also
Speak Up Culture’ has been initiated in 2020 and we believe it will be a creating a survey on misconduct reporting climate in Flint Group, case
GAIN GREATER VISIBILITY OF THIRD PARTIES good step to enhance our open and friendly working environment. studies, tips, one pagers and additional communication materials.
Flint Group undertakes background checks on its 3rd party partners, such
as joint venture companies, sales agents & distributors, and requires a
contractual commitment to abide by all applicable laws, regulations and
the Flint Group Code of Conduct. POLICIES
Within our supply chain we play a proactive role in raising the awareness Over the years, we have developed integrity and compliance policies and
of business ethics, including modern slavery. All major first line suppliers translated them into over 23 languages.
are asked to sign up to the Flint Group Code of Conduct. Within our
procurement contracts and our general terms and conditions of purchase Each addresses specific areas of risk and adds structure, formality and
we emphasise the importance of high ethical standards including the consistency to our established processes and Integrity Hotline. These are:
condemnation of forced and child labour and will cease trading with
suppliers that do not share our values. • Code of Conduct
• Gifts and entertainment policy
Between 2015 and 2019, we ceased working with approximately 242
third party partners. At the same time we have identified new partners • Anti-bribery and corruption policy
who meet our requirements, and consolidated our existing relationships • Competition and anti-trust policy
with trusted partners. Over the years we have invited over 1,000 third
party partners to complete an e-learning course focussed on our Code • International trade controls and sanctions policy
of Conduct.
We will roll out a new policy management tool to create, edit and distribute
These efforts complement our background checks of prospective partners policies to relevant employees more efficiently, tracking their receipt and
and our standard third party partner contract, through which partners acknowledgement. This new tool is GDPR compliant and ensures we are
agree to respect our Code of Conduct. in compliance with data protection laws globally.
21
Identifying and managing risk
22
MANAGING OUR RISK IN AN UNCERTAIN WHAT IT MEANS IN PRACTICE

WORLD In 2014, Flint Group decided to separate the risk, integrity and
compliance programmes to ensure indepth understanding of the issues
Managing risk effectively is fundamental to becoming a sustainable and the development of global responses in both areas. As a result, a
business and achieving long-term profitability. In a rapidly changing, new Code of Conduct was created, new policies were implemented and
uncertain world, we continuously seek to understand the risks and workshops and training were conducted all around the world to achieve
opportunities facing our global business in a robust and structured way. the implementation of a compliance risk-based culture.
Importantly, we take action to maximise opportunities, such as those
presented by the growing packaging market, ensure the security of our In 2017, we proudly announced that we had succeeded in laying the
manufacturing operations and safeguard our commercial interests, foundations for a stronger, global Integrity and Compliance programme.
particularly as digitisation continues to challenge traditional print media. Thus the decision was made to recombine the two committees to become
a consolidated Risk, Integrity and Compliance Committee (RICC) with
risk management and compliance remaining key strategic priorities.
HOW WE MANAGE RISK The committee continues to play an integral role in ensuring we build
an accurate picture of the key risks and initiate mitigation programmes
Flint Group operates within the spirit of the ISO 31000 norm which accordingly.
provides guidance for managing risk. This principle-based approach
enables Flint Group to integrate risk-based decision making into the We have developed a set of tools to manage and reduce risk in our
organisation’s governance, planning, management, reporting, policies, organisation including:
values and culture. UN Sustainable Development Goals 3, 8, 9, 11, 14,
15, 16 (see page 8): • Risk Integrity and Compliance Committee (RICC)
• Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) programme
Responsibility for managing risk starts at the top. Leaders representing
every major function collaborate through our Risk Committee to review • Definition of risk management principles, strategies, policies,
our global risks and develop our risk management strategies. We take processes, trainings and frameworks
a group-wide approach to identifying and managing risk, classifying • Employee Representation Certificate (ERC)
risks according to their commercial, human, legal or financial nature.
Sustainability considerations flow throughout this process, particularly • Process Audit reviews and Risk assessment
when we consider health, safety, environmental and succession planning
• Stable ERP system with controlled functionalities (e.g. SAP) and
issues. To determine the level of severity posed by each risk, we consider
the probability of it occurring, its potential impact on both our financial • Risk workshops
health and our reputation.
We compile the risk events in a central database and perform a risk

assessment where we identify the drivers (e.g. process, system, employees,
externals) and their potential impact. Each risk is then analysed, evaluated
and prioritised with corrective actions. An annual risk map pinpoints our
most critical risks to management. This dashboard helps the Board to see
both the positive opportunities and negative consequences associated
with those risks, and allows for more informed decision making in the
allocation of resources. This systematic and regular approach improves
Flint Group´s governance and performance.
Jeremy Berenzweig
General Counsel and Chief
Administration Officer 23
Health and Safety OUR APPROACH TO HEALTH AND SAFETY

When it comes to health and safety at Flint Group Packaging, we never
compromise. It has always been, and will continue to be, one of our core
values. We fully understand that our fundamental values are essential to
the success of our business. Health and safety (H&S) is in the DNA of our
senior leaders, including the CEO and COO, and this is instrumental in
guiding efforts of each manager, each supervisor and each employee to
make Flint Group a safer and healthier place to work, year by year.
In 2018-2019, we continued to implement the health and safety strategy

that we developed in previous years, including a stronger focus on high
impact, low frequency hazards. In particular, our global health and safety
programme was based on 4 key pillars:
• accident and incident reduction
• life injury and fatality elimination (LiFE)
• improvement of process safety and
• legal and permit compliance
2,0
Global TIR
1,63
1,5
Values
1,24
1,18 1,18
1,11
1
1,0 0,97
0,83
0,75 0,73
0,5
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Time Period
Leading & Lagging Indicators YTD

2018 2019
2019 (2019 compared to 2018)
Reportable Injury Lost Time Cases 34 27
First Aids 294 214
Near Misses 1.772 2.012
CONTINUOUS HEALTH AND SAFETY

IMPROVEMENT
Even with organisational changes including mergers and acquisitions,
market challenges, and transformation projects, in 2018-2019, the
company managed to implement health and safety programmes and
improve the KPIs related to LiFE and lost time injuries, as well as process
24 safety. the leading indicators also improved including near miss reporting
and a reduced number of first-aid cases. We are continuously working
on decreasing Total Incident Rate (TIR), which is, however, dependant on behavioural activities. These methods and tools include, among others, techniques like Hazard and Operability Analysis (HAZOP) and visual
the number of hours worked by our employees and contractors globally. implementation of an e-learning platform and the interactive format of management tools like BOWTIE analysis have been used to reduce
We are exploring these results in depth at a Group level, so that we can training. process safety risks in our factories. Over this period, process safety
identify good practices, apply them more broadly and take actions to help awareness has risen significantly around the business. Since the training
specific sites, regions or divisions. was rolled out, practical materials have been developed to further support
WE NEVER FORGET ABOUT LEGAL the process safety programme, including new employees, and to support
local factory programmes.
LIFE AND RECORDABLE INJURIES COMPLIANCE, PERMITS AND LICENCES
At Flint Group, we fully understand that even 1 LiFE injury is 1 too many. It is always vital that we remain legally compliant and can demonstrate THE WAY FORWARD: NEVER-ENDING
Our LiFE focus is about mitigating those hazards and risks that can cause that we have the correct licences to operate. We use a database to
life-changing accidents and injuries, including disabilities and fatalities. manage permits and to alert our sites when they need to renew a permit
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
Proper and efficient management of LiFE hazards and risks is absolutely or licence. We also carried out our Health, Safety and Environment (HSE)
crucial for us as each LiFE-related accident is a personal tragedy. compliance assessment programme in cooperation with an independent At the end of 2019, we re-designed our Sustainability, Health & Safety
professional third party. and Quality structure to better manage our risks, market requirements
We are proud to communicate that we closed the year 2019 with 43 and our customer needs. The Global Integrity, Compliance and HSE Team
months without any LiFE injuries and with a significant reduction of work closely with the Business Units, regional and local HSE leaders. We
potential LiFE events. PROCESS SAFETY: TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT defined the 2020 HSE strategy, objectives and responsibilities based on
the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle and the following pillars:
Potential LiFE 2018 vs 2019
PROGRAMME
40
• strategy & organisation
35
30 Over 2018 and 2019, as part of the process safety masterplan, 31 Flint • risk assessment
25 Group high and medium hazard sites (according to company hazard
• standard setting
Values
20
register ranking) underwent a process safety technical assessment. The
15
programme assessed the sites controls to manage hazards like flammable • training & communication
10
liquids, explosive dusts and vapours. Each action closed is reducing the
• control activities
5
0
risk to the business and employees, and removing the potential of an
2018 2019
issue which could escalate to an incident. This level of commitment to the
Time Period • monitoring & reporting and
process safety programme is an important element of strengthening our
Potential - top 5 causes: Recordable injuries - top 5 causes: safety culture. The site visits are also an opportunity to see best practice • investigation & remediation
process safety application and share this with our other sites to maximise
• Workplace Transport • Manual Handling benefits for the business as a whole. We will further develop our LiFE and Process Safety programmes, improve
• Chemicals • Slips/trips/sharps H&S awareness by targeted campaigns and e-learning platform, review
• Fire • Contact with metal/sharps Technical Assessment Actions and Close Out % and upgrade our HSE Management System and improve accident and
• Machinery / Work Equipment • Caught in/under/between
1200
incident investigation and sharing lessons learned – with a deeply rooted

• Lifting Operations • Contact with chemicals 1000
73 belief that nothing we do is worth getting hurt for.
800
60
56
Values
INCREASING AWARENESS, DEVELOPING

50
600
45
35
HEALTH AND SAFETY COMPETENCIES

400 30
25
17
200
Increasing awareness of our employees and contractors, and developing

Jan-18 Mar-18 Jun-18 Sep-18 Dec-18 Mar-19 Jun-19 Sep-19 Dec-19
Number of actions Close out percentage

the capability of our leaders and supervisors, is a vital part of our
health and safety programme. We aim to encourage people to protect
themselves and others, so that it is not only a duty, but it becomes their PROCESS SAFETY: BUILDING COMPETENCE
instinctive choice. We learn from mistakes, design and roll out global
H&S campaigns based on the deep analysis of causation of injuries that GLOBALLY
already happened or were only prevented by luck. Therefore, our key
training focus is currently: workplace transport and pedestrian safety, Over 2018 and 2019 we trained 220 Operations, Engineers and HSE
handling of chemicals (based on the potential LiFE events causation), employees on Process Safety Management and Process Hazard Analysis
manual handling and slips/trips/falls (based on the recordable injuries techniques. The course targeted building knowledge and practical
causation). We are also developing training methods and tools to enable
sites to adopt the most appropriate and tailored systems, procedures and
application of tools and techniques to improve managing the hazards our
teams work with every day. As a result of the training, process safety 25
Flint Group sustainable supplier management

“We see sustainability as one of the key building blocks of our company – one which will provide a source of constant evolution for us.”
Antoine Fady
Flint Group recognises international sustainability and social responsibility frameworks such as the ISO
20400 Guidance on Sustainable Procurement.
Sustainable procurement represents an opportunity to provide more value to the organisation by improving
productivity, assessing value and performance, enabling communication between purchasers, suppliers and all
stakeholders, and by encouraging innovation.
Flint Group manages its suppliers in accordance with its environmental, compliance, social and sustainable
objectives.
Priority is given to the suppliers of key materials that are used in the manufacture of Flint Group products. All Flint
Group suppliers are required to comply (as a minimum) with relevant national and international environmental
legislation concerning sustainability issues. Flint Group ensures that key suppliers meet these requirements by
promoting continuous improvement programmes and processing supplier audits.
Flint Group suppliers are requested to comply with the Flint Group Code of Conduct and to the UN Global
Compact principles in terms of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.
Flint Group does not work with suppliers that do not comply with its values, all applicable laws and do not provide
healthy and safe working conditions for their employees.
Flint Group is committed to reduce its environmental impact throughout its value chains and the life cycle of its
products. Therefore Flint Group is evaluating its overall sourcing policy regularly to ensure responsible and ethical
sourcing and procurement.
26
HOW FLINT GROUP SELECTS SUPPLIERS FLINT GROUP SUSTAINABILITY QUESTIONNAIRE FOR
VENDORS
Flint Group follows the ISO 20400 guidance on sustainable procurement.
Flint Group has a long-standing commitment to continuous improvement in our health, safety and environmental
Sustainable procurement represents an opportunity to provide more value to the organisation by improving (HSE) performance, which is now an integral part of our approach to sustainability.
productivity, assessing value and performance, enabling communication between purchasers, suppliers and all
stakeholders, and by encouraging innovation. This commitment extends to the organisations that provide us with services, raw materials and packaging. Our
view is that good corporate citizenship should not only deal with the way a company conducts its business, but
During the sourcing procedure, potential new suppliers are requested to: also the manner in which suppliers are selected.
• adhere to Flint Group Code of Conduct As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, we ask our suppliers to complete a specific questionnaire
• complete the sustainability questionnaire and covering the below areas:
• provide a financial assessment

Policies
When conducting supplier selection, particular attention is given to ethics, prevention of corruption, conflicts We ensure each supplier has a sustainability and environmental policy in place.
of interest, respect of property, intellectual property infringements and internal controls. Many industry specific
standards, codes of supplier conduct and management systems are used in prequalification. Flint Group also Flint Group supports the ten principles of the UN Global Compact. Specific questions ensure that our suppliers
ensures the supplier is respecting the legislation in terms of working conditions, human rights, labour and follow the same approach. The areas covered in the questionnaire are:
environmental regulations.
Human rights
Whenever possible, new suppliers’ factories are physically checked/audited to ensure they are compliant with
Flint Group principles. Principle 1: Support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights within their sphere of
influence.
In case a supplier does not comply with our policy, we ask them to take corrective actions and work on an
improvement plan with an agreed timeline. Principle 2: Make certain their own companies are not complicit in human rights abuses.
A follow-up audit confirms that corrective actions have been taken. If a supplier does not comply with our Labour
principles or does not take the requested corrective actions, Flint Group does not start business with them.
Principle 3: Uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining.
Principle 4: Support the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour.
Principle 5: Support the effective abolition of child labour (exploitation).
Principle 6: Support the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.
Environment
Principle 7: Support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges.
Principle 8: Undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility.
Principle 9: Encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.
Principle 10: Work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.
27
Chemical legislation and
28
Trade Compliance
Providing high quality products that are safe to use across the printing industry is our highest priority. Our products are sold throughout the world, and we work to ensure that our
products pose no risk to people or the environment when they are used responsibly and in the manner intended. We strive to meet the quality and safety expectations of our customers.
How we manage evolving legislation In all major countries of sales, Flint Group classifies product hazards TRADE COMPLIANCE
with the Globally Harmonised System of classification and labelling of
Flint Group has global regulatory programmes and systems that are chemicals (GHS). GHS addresses the classification of chemicals by types Export control and customs
overseen by a team of dedicated regulatory professionals. We follow our of health, physical and environmental hazards. GHS will then propose an
own global standards applied appropriately in each local market. We use internationally harmonised hazard communication classification that will Delivering high quality products across the globe in a timely and compliant
approved ingredients and suppliers, and follow all applicable regulations be published on labels and safety data sheets (SDSs). The United Nation’s fashion is now more important than ever. Being able to navigate legislative
issued by government and regulatory authorities. We abide by global newest updates to GHS, versions 6 and 7, will be seen on most global changes on an almost daily basis has become more important than ever.
chemical control laws, monitor chemicals of concern, and publish safety Flint Group SDSs, including Australia and the EU, with update mandates
data sheets and labels. as soon as Fall, 2020. How we manage export control
At the end of May 2018, Flint Group completed phase III of the REACH Regulatory considerations often come from periphery environments within There are four basic questions that need to be asked when exporting
registration. During this phase, Flint Group registered data with the European our company. Therefore, regulatory programmes are woven throughout goods: The what? To whom? The where? And the Why? The global trade
Chemicals Agency (ECHA) on all chemical substances manufactured or Flint Group organisation. Product safety processes and systems are seen compliance team strives to put system checks in place to cover the risk
imported in excess of 1 ton per year. 39 total dossiers were submitted. The throughout the organisation. For example packaging type, level of risk, associated with these questions. SAP, where available, is continuously
regulatory team continues to develop efficient structures and processes operational situations and customer requirements are addressed in the being updated to screen “the what” for dual use products, those that may
throughout the organisation in order to meet REACH targets. While we product development, technical, sales, and procurement teams. require a license, etc. A Sanctioned Party Screening tool is used to screen
are shifting away from the registration efforts, we are moving towards “to whom” - vendors, customers, and third party providers to ensure we do
implementing dossier updates, focussing on substances of very high Looking ahead not do business with a partner on any global restricted party lists. Embargo
concern (SVHC), and completing safe use documents for downstream controls are set up, also in SAP where available, to restrict the movement
users. We continuously work on communications with suppliers and only Flint Group carefully formulates customised products for the intended of goods and services to nations, “the where,” that are forbidden or
representatives. market. We are committed to continuously minimising any impact that restricted. The team also provides periodic updates and training materials
our products have on the inside of our customer’s package, wrapping, or globally to address “the why” – educating the workforce to identify when a
Registration of substances bag. We are especially careful when we are partnering with our customers partner’s business does not fit their normal business practices.
on food contact materials and high temperature applications. Following
In 2018, as part of the Frank Lautenberg Act to reform the Toxic Substance the EuPia Exclusion Policy in the EU, we do not use any Category 1 or 2 Looking ahead
Control Act (TSCA), the U.S. TSCA inventory was updated to show that carcinogens, mutagens, or reproductive toxins in our formulations. We
of the roughly 90,000 chemical substances listed, roughly only 45,000 also do not choose SVHCs for formulating our products. We are especially The Global Compliance Team has reorganised under a functional strategy –
substances are active in commerce. It has now become the responsibility careful when we are partnering with our customers on food contact Import Control, Export Control, Classification, and Preference. This enables
for every U.S. chemical user throughout the supply chain to ensure that materials and high temperature applications. Flint Group follows the EuPia team members to focus efforts on their area of expertise to better serve
a substance has been listed as ‘active’ prior to manufacturing, importing Guideline on Printing Inks Applied to Food Contact Materials and the EuPia the business globally. We will continue to refine processes and procedures
or processing. Flint Group has reviewed all of the nearly 10,000 U.S. raw Note on Inks and Coatings for High Temperature Applications. We adhere to provide time saving opportunities to the business while keeping our
material substance codes to ensure that they are active. Additionally, we to the ink maker’s standard that a final independent risk assessment on compliance at its expected high level. Legislation changes are reviewed
have put in place a new TSCA inventory monitoring system for active and the pack belongs to the customer. on a regular basis to keep the team and our systems up to date. Whether
inactive substances. tariffs are increasing due to various trade wars, additional restrictions
These days, the end life of our products often comes with questions about are put in place to ensure national security, or special programmes are
Also, as part of the Frank Lautenberg Act, the U.S. Environmental compostability. Flint Group has developed a toolbox of products that are created to ease economic pressures during times of need, the Global
Protection Agency (EPA) has chosen 20 high-priority chemicals for certified as compostable products. These printing inks are considered in Compliance Team is here to guide the business through the changes to
evaluation. US Manufacturers and importers of these 20 chemicals will be the compostable programmes for the “Seedling” and “OK Compost” label make a stronger organisation.
responsible for paying for the evaluations of these chemicals. Currently, as “non-biodegradable additives.” Disintegration, chemical composition
Flint Group only domestically purchases and processes two of the high and the ecotoxicity of the contaminated compost has been tested.
priority chemicals: TPP and dicyclohexylphthalate.
29
Environment | Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020
Environment
30
Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020 | Environment
FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, FLINT GROUP FOCUSSES ON ENERGY USE, WASTE,

POLLUTION AND NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION.
Contents:
CLIMATE CHANGE
With a clear focus on the reduction of energy consumption,
emissions and carbon footprint CARBON PRODUCT CARBON
FINANCING
NATURAL CLIMATE CHANGE
ENVIRONMENTAL
EMISSIONS FOOTPRINT RESOURCES VULNERABILITY
IMPACT
POLLUTION & WASTE

With initiatives to reduce waste within Flint Group and at
the customer TOXIC
PACKAGING ELECTRONIC
EMISSIONS
MATERIAL & WASTE WASTE
AND WASTE
ENVIRONMENTAL OPPORTUNITIES
Targets Flint Group projects for more renewable and
biodegradable materials and the use of green energy OPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES IN
OPPORTUNITIES
IN RENEWABLE
IN CLEAN TECH GREEN BUILDING
ENERGY
31
Climate change | Environment | Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020
CLIMATE CHANGE CARBON

EMISSIONS
PRODUCT CARBON
FOOTPRINT
FINANCING
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
NATURAL RESOURCES NATURAL RESOURCES
MONITORING AND IMPROVING OUR ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT
In our 2017 Sustainability Report, we shared the foundations of our global In particular, our approach to environmental aspects of the sustainability
sustainability process. process have included the following key elements: energy usage, water
consumption, waste reduction and recycling. We set up targets and
With the support from all our business units in Flint Group Packaging, we implemented sustainability programmes at divisional, regional and site
implemented a global programme of data collection and measurements in level, and provided support from the HSE department, Procurement,
order to provide a broad view of our energy, water and waste performance, HR and Communications. This cross-divisional, cross-level and cross-
and to drive sustainable improvement. In 2018 and 2019 we continued functional focus and cooperation drove great initiatives and resulted in
– and we are still continuing – this journey. We are putting our efforts into measurable improvements in our environmental performance. Therefore,
developing the sustainability process and reducing both our environmental we are pleased to share with you our latest global sustainability results.
impact and related costs. We do understand, though, that there is still an
area for improving the quality of our reporting, which is mainly related to
the dynamic growth of our company, substantial acquisition activity and
important organisational changes, as well as to the fluctuating situation
on the market. However, we really want to make a difference and meet the
growing expectations of our customers.
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
It is vital for us to play our part in reducing global greenhouse gas (GHG) The majority of our GHG emissions are produced by our consumption of
emissions. We have a global programme in place to monitor the GHG natural gas and electricity. Addressing these areas is therefore our key
emissions arising directly from our activities and operations (Scope 1) priority. Our efforts are focussed on mother plants and production facilities
and the emissions derived from our purchased electricity, created during in Europe and North America, and we continue to expand our initiatives
the production of the energy and eventually used by our organisation. to all our sites worldwide, helping them to gather data at the site level.
(Scope 2).
CONSERVING WATER
Managing water usage effectively is key to protecting the world’s scarce impact on our total water usage. In 2018 and 2019, we expanded on
fresh water resources, as the global population grows. Every Flint Group the number of sites reporting water consumption. Additionally, with more
employee can contribute to conserving water by shutting off a running tap, initiatives in place to tackle water usage across our operations, we saw a
issuing a work order to fix a leaking system or simply lowering the volume 15% reduction in water consumption between 2018 and 2019.
of water they use. Overall, every drop of water saved can have a significant
32
Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020 | Environment | Climate change
Electricity usage (in GJ) Emissions from electricity (in tonnes)

120000 35
Emissions from electricity in tonnes

33
90000
Electricity usage in GJ
32 32 32
31 31
60000 30
30
29
30000
0
25
Q1 2018 Q2 2018 Q3 2018 Q4 2018 Q1 2019 Q2 2019 Q3 2019 Q4 2019
Q1 2018 Q2 2018 Q3 2018 Q4 2018 Q1 2019 Q2 2019 Q3 2019 Q4 2019
- 2% reduction (2018 vs 2019) - 4% reduction (2018 vs 2019)
Natural gas usage (in GJ) Emissions from natural gas (in tonnes)
70000 3500
Emissions from natural gas in tonnes

3073
2917
52500 2750
Natural Gas Usage in GJ
2009
35000 2000
1317
1259
17500 1250
1024
746 732
0 500
Q1 2018 Q2 2018 Q3 2018 Q4 2018 Q1 2019 Q2 2019 Q3 2019 Q4 2019 Q1 2018 Q2 2018 Q3 2018 Q4 2018 Q1 2019 Q2 2019 Q3 2019 Q4 2019
- 5% reduction (2018 vs 2019)

- 0,25% reduction (2018 vs 2019)
Water usage (in m3) Carbon dioxide emissions (in tonnes)

Natural gas CO2 emission Electricity CO2 emission
150000 5000
Carbon dioxide emissions in tonnes

112500 3750
Water usage in m3
75000 2500
37500 1250
0 0
- 15% reduction (2018 vs 2019) - 6% reduction in total (2018 vs 2019)
33
Flexographic | Climate change | Environment | Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020
SOLVENT-FREE, SOLVENT QUALITY – NEW GENERATION THERMAL PROCESSING

The nyloflex® Xpress Thermal Processing System from Flint Group solvent processing of flexo plates for the packaging market, ecological
is a sustainable plate processing alternative without solvents, issues were of secondary consideration to improved quality, with the flexo
contributing to your overall sustainability efforts. industry understandably driven by the need for results before emissions.
Sustainability is not a trend, it’s a fact. While being environmentally But customers don’t want to make that choice anymore and, with the
responsible may have been a ‘nice to have’ in recent years, now it’s nyloflex® Xpress Thermal System, you don’t have to.
non-negotiable and, increasingly, a legal requirement. When it comes to
Sustainability
Clean Tech Zero Waste Circular Economy

Ecologically clean technologies Minimising plastic Circular production by reintroducing
and methods and food waste waste products
Sustainability Macro Trends affecting the Packaging Industry1
Increase quality, reduce VOC emissions Organic chemical compounds that quickly evaporate due to their low boiling
point and high vapour pressure are called Volatile Organic Compounds, or
Reducing emissions isn’t a commercial issue any more. Being ‘green’ isn’t VOCs, and they can be emitted both inside and outside from products
the preserve of a few artisan brands that aren’t driven by revenue and such as paints, solvents and carpets, as well as industrial processes on
success. All companies of all sizes across all industries are having to wake both large and small scales. For the printing industry specifically, VOCs
up to the fact that sustainability is the only option. Changing EU and global are legally-defined pollutants that are coming under increasingly strict
legislation regarding emissions are crucial, yet even they can be one step regulations- but not for regulations’ sake. Whatever our profession, we are
behind what is the right thing to do. all consumers too, so we need to trust that the air we breathe is clean,
and the water we drink is safe, at work and at home.
VOC FACTS
VOC= Volatile
compounds
organic
142,000,000
tons carbon
2-5
Organic chemical compounds that evap- emitted per year in form VOC levels are 2 to 5
34 orate under normal indoor atmospheric

conditions of temperature and pressure2
of VOCs from man-made
sources3
times greater indoors
than outdoors3
Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020 | Environment | Climate change | Flexographic
RESPONSIBLE INNOVATION
11,3 6.4 2,015 6,762,785

88% ^= or or or
Energy
Passenger vehicles Homes’ energy use Incandescent lamps Number of smart-
Saving10 driven for one year11 for one year11 switched to LEDs11 phones charged11
Flint Group Product Manager, Peter J Fronczkiewicz, explains how the and with almost no VOCs or vapours generated. Thanks to our clever
considerable savings offered by the nyloflex® Xpress plates go beyond heating system that uses very little energy, the nyloflex® Xpress plates
environmental. “We knew there was no point in creating a ‘me too’ never overheat and, due to the special plate chemistry, we have solved
product; we wanted to get ahead of the curve, to use our expertise in traditional issues like shallow reverse depth and unwanted patterning of ECO FRIENDLY OFFICE IN POLAND
plate technology to address the traditional quality issues with thermal the plate surface due to the non-woven developer material leaving its
plates. Once we realised we had successfully created a solution that mark. The printing surfaces of developed nyloflex® Xpress plates are Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental
delivered consistently beautiful printed solids and screens at the speed of virtually indistinguishable from the surface of solvent-washed plates.” issues, as rapidly increasing production of disposable plastic products
thermal processing and the quality of solvent plates, the overwhelms the world’s ability to deal with them. Only a small percentage
nyloflex® Xpress Thermal System was ready to of plastic products is recycled so it is important to do our best minimise
hit the market.” their usage. As a result, we decided to make some changes to our office
in Lodz to help the environment!
Fronczkiewicz notes, “The nyloflex® Xpress
Thermal System goes beyond VOC savings; The first step we made was to stop ordering plastic mugs, cutlery and
energy savings are considerable too, with a dishes. Before this change we had used reusable dishes but many
typical 6-colour flexible packaging job using Sustainble employees were used to using plastic ones and didn’t want to change
three 42x60 plates seeing 50 fewer kilowatt Improved
their habits. So we restocked our tableware, making sure everyone had
hours consumed when comparing nyloflex® Xpress Productivity a fork and a plate to eat lunch or glass to drink coffee or water, and we
to solvent. That’s equivalent to recycling 24lbs bought more reusable items for our kitchens last year.
of rubbish instead of throwing it in a landfill! While Excellent
the energy saving is nice, it’s the impressive quality of Print Quality We also noticed that each month, we ordered around 400 bottles of water
the finished plates where nyloflex® Xpress really shines, and beverages for guests for internal or external meetings and workshops.
Our next action was therefore to replace single-use water bottles. We
exchanged bottled water coolers for fed ones and began to serve water
for all meetings in carafes and glasses. It’s not only more environmentally
Health & Safety
friendly but also more elegant.
In-house Single-use plastics account for 40 percent of the plastic produced each
Platemaking year. The small changes we made contribute to reducing the production
of plastic products and we believe that even small actions like ours can
Reduced
positively impact the world we live in.
Operating Costs
1. https://www.trendone.com/en/trend-universe/mega-trends/mega-trend- 5. https://chemlinked.com/news/chemical-news/voc-managementchina & in Willstätt, Germany, in percentage per m² 2016 compared to 2013.
detail/sustainability.html (20.05.2019) https://www.loc.gov/law/foreign-news/article/china-2020-air-pollution- 10. Savings of nyloflex® Xpress Thermal Processor FIV compared to the
2. https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator action-plan-released/ (09.05.2019) majority of similar-sized units in the market. Savings for other sizes are
(20.05.2019) 6. http://cpcb.nic.in/index.php(09.05.2019) estimated to be similar, as all nyloflex® Xpress Thermal Processor units
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volatile_organic_compound#Anthropogenic_ 7. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds- operate without a catox and chiller.
35
sources (20.05.2019) impact-indoor-air-quality 11. https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator
4. http://ec.europa.eu/environment/archives/air/stationary/solvents/legislation. 8. Performance of Flint Group worldwide in 2018 compared to 2016 (29.04.2019)
htm (09.05.2019) 9. Reduction of power consumption in manufacturing nyloflex® printing plates
Flexographic | Climate change | Environment | Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020
rotec® ECO BRIDGE
SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF ENERGY

CONSUMPTION AT WILLSTÄTT PLATE PRODUCTION SITE
Significant investment has been made at the Willstätt Industrial Park to

reduce Electrical Energy and Natural Gas consumption improving the
overall CO2-footprint of the site.
A track record of CO2 footprint reduction at Willstätt site

As a site with high demand for electric energy, from 2012 to today, the
CO2 footprint for Electrical Energy has been reduced to 33% through the
Standard Eco Bridge
conscious selection of suppliers with the highest percentage of green
Adapter
energy sources.
Highly efficient LED street lighting

The Willstätt Flint Group Plates Manufacturing Plant has replaced more
than 180 street lamps along the roads and paths on site in the last two
years.
The conversion of the existing street lighting to environmentally friendly In 2017, Flint Group launched its revolutionary state of the art 100 Train
LED technology reduced energy consumption by 75%. rotec® Eco Bridge for use in flexographic printing presses and on
plate-mounting equipment. 90
Another benefit of the conversion to LED technology was also the extended ≥ 85 dB
lifetime of the light source. Conventional technology has an average The rotec Eco Bridge is an adapter with a breathable metal ring at the
®
lifetime of four to five years, while highly efficient LED technology can be operator side which creates an air pillow to allow easy and fast mounting 80 City traffic
expected to last around 10-15 years without maintenance. of sleeves. Typical adapters have only four to eight air stream holes to help
mount the sleeves. In comparison, the rotec® Eco Bridge forms a ring of 70
New steam boiler for the Industrial Park air across the entire circumference of the adapter.
< 60 dB
2m€ have been spent to install a new boiler system for the supply of Another significant benefit of the rotec® Eco Bridge is the reduced air 60
the whole site with steam and heat. The replacement is managed by the volume requirement. A standard adapter normally needs about 720 l/min Quiet office
industrial park management with the full approval and support of local of compressed air at six bar of pressure to mount a sleeve; the rotec® 50
authorities. Eco Bridge can achieve the same results with only 50-70 l/min, and the
required pressure can sometimes be reduced. This is more than 90 %
The overall energy efficiency was increased from 91% to 96%. reduction in air volume needed. Not only do the savings in air pressure 40
significantly contribute to our customers sustainability efforts, but reduced
All of these projects and activities have taken place on one of the 36 air volume also equates to much less noise contributing to a healthier Whisper
30
biggest manufacturing Sites of Flint Group boosting overall sustainability working environment. A working rotec® Eco Bridge produces decibel levels
efforts. a little over normal room noise (< 60 dB) compared to a typical adapter
Standard Adapter rotec Eco Bridge
®
set-up at ≥ 85dB.
36
Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020 | Environment | Climate change | Packaging Inks
IMPLEMENTING SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING AND OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE IN FLINT GROUP PACKAGING INKS
A widely understood definition of sustainable development is, align with our sustainability objectives. As such, operational management
“development that can meet the needs of the present circumstances is critical to build the best balance between consistently providing
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own customers the products they need on time, in full whilst maintaining our
needs.” focus on the environment.
In any manufacturing process, various tasks and activities have a potential Facility improvement programmes across all Flint Group Packaging Inks’
impact on the environment. Protection of our environment is not a new sites have delivered sustainable results. Here are just a few of our global
concept for Flint Group Packaging Inks and a consideration we take very initiatives and projects, designed to both reduce our environmental impact
seriously. Our goal is to create value for our customers, employees and and increase production efficiency:
shareholders in a responsible, reliable and consistent way. This goal must
Greenhouse gas emission, process energy Water discharge and waste to landfill
Replacement of chillers Recovery of the heat from the chillers

Reducing waste to landfill by returning NC
with the heat recovery as a source for heating in Flint Group Reduction of NC packaging
packaging to suppliers.
system Clermont.
Improvement of waste separation allows

Replacement of standard Providing significant energy savings in Increase quota of
for better and increased recycling of
bulbs with LED technology both in/around Flint Group facilities. recyclable material
material waste.
Renewing the central ventilation system

Central ventilation system Increase cooling water Reduction in the use and discharge of
to recuperate the heat and gain the
improvements recycling water in the Flint Cinisello plant.
energy back for the incoming area.
Automatic control of energy consumption Optimisation process aimed at lowering

thanks to switch off function for the Installation of new water the level of water consumption, reducing
Power management
energy consuming devices on standby treatment units the amount of cleaning water thanks to
mode. smaller water treatment units.
In North America, Flint Group Fairfield, Ohio location is committed to
Installation of timers for
Automatic time management allows for operating in the most cost effective manner with some of the latest
just the right amount of mixing time, technology to optimise energy usage, reduce waste, and increase the
dispensers
saving energy.
use of renewable resources. One way they demonstrate commitment to
environmental stewardship is by generating zero process water discharge.
This facility recycles all of the water that they use in their manufacturing
process through a closed loop system. None of the domestic water used
in their process is discharged to the city; it is recycled and used in the
Many methodologies have been implemented into our operational establish standardised processes for both task at corporate and local production of additional products.
processes to drive efficiency and a reduced ecological impact. By locations. The processes developed within these frameworks enable
transforming theoretical frameworks into practical solutions, our people our business to continuously improve its value proposition to our valued For example, water used to clean mixing tanks is reclaimed and filtered
are the key to achieving our sustainability goals. Flint Group Packaging customers, financially perform, achieve organisational health objectives and is then reintroduced back into the ink production process. By doing
Inks encourages change management by engaging and inspiring all and sustainability goals. so, we are able to save over 250,000 gallons of water annually!
employees, while ensuring that our objectives and key performance
indicators are being met. LEAN & Six Sigma manufacturing transformation is making a positive
contribution to the Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ)
Lean Production, Maintenance Excellence and Process Engineering performance of the entire Flint Group Packaging Inks organisation.
work streams collaborate closely together via multiple stakeholders to
37
Packaging Inks | Climate change | Environment | Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020
REDUCING OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT WITH RECYCLED MATERIAL PALLETS
Flint Group Packaging Inks manufactures inks and All of this, coupled with the smart use of recycled
coatings in sites strategically located in many regions materials!
around the world. Our sites and personnel are focussed on
sustainability and have implemented various programmes The GreenyPack project underlines our commitment to
to reduce their carbon footprint. contributing to a truly circular economy. With this project
we minimise waste and support the use of renewable
One such example has been initiated within our solvent- resources.
based manufacturing facility at Cinisello in Italy, where we
have successfully launched our GreenyPack Project. With When you see a green pallet coming from Flint Group, you
GreenyPack we introduce a new, environmentally-focussed, can thank our Italian team who is focussed on the well-
pallet that is an excellent alternative to a traditional wood being of our environment!
pallet.
*Traditionally, polycoupled materials (made up of several layers of
These innovative pallets are made from 100% recycled materials – generally polyethylene, paper, aluminum) are difficult to
polycoupled* materials. These environmentally friendly separate without adopting long and complicated processes.
pallets provide multiple benefits:
• Increased hygiene properties – these pallets do
not attract humidity, bacteria, mould or insects.
• Lighter weight – much easier to move and stack.
• Excellent resistance properties when stored in
open-air environments and exposed to outdoor
weather conditions.
• Strong and durable – increased resistance to
breakage and scratches.
38
Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020 | Environment | Climate change | Narrow Web
The positive environmental impacts of using UV LED curing technology as
a replacement for mercury UV are far reaching. Those benefits primarily
stem from the fundamental LED technology and efficient conversion
UV LED CURING: A TECHNOLOGY TO REDUCE PRINTERS’ of energy to light with less heat by-product. Traditional mercury
bulbs generate a significant amount of heat that requires appropriate
IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT management. The supporting system to manage that heat can be a
significant consumer of energy as well. Whereas UV LED as a curing
UV LED curing technology was commercially introduced to the mechanism requires less energy to operate and lower heat management
flexographic printing industry in 2014, and since then has gained capacity. Printers who have converted from traditional UV to UV LED have
a firm footing in the market place. measured a 50% reduction in energy consumption or more.
A secondary positive impact centres on the reduction of waste product. Curing

with UV LED utilises a focussed dose of energy that results in the opportunity to
start printing immediately after starting the press as well as very fast full cure
of inks. The first of these two benefits will reduce the amount of start-up scrap
generated each time the press has to stop and start. Additionally, as the inks
and coatings are cured more thoroughly, printing defects, such as tracking on
press or poor ink adhesion, are reduced leading to less waste requiring disposal
and the opportunity to print at faster production speeds. Both are pivotal to a
printer’s continuous improvement programme and achieving their sustainability
goals.
Ever since the first introduction of the UV LED technology into the market, Flint
Group Narrow Web division was at the forefront of this new technology with a full
product portfolio and strong technical and application support. Our most recent
product launches, EkoCure ANCORA and EkoCure XS are two examples of this.
EkoCure ANCORA, our UV LED FCM (Food Contact Material) product line has
been specially developed to address the specific needs of the short run, indirect
food contact, flexible packaging market. The assuredness and depth of cure
of the UV LED technology in combination with less heat generation allows our
customers to use thinner, heat sensitive substrates which, when combined with
the good adhesion of the EkoCure ANCORA products lead to migration proof
flexible packaging and labels for the indirect food contact market.
The EkoCure XS product line has been specifically designed for the dynamic
application challenges associated to the shrink sleeve labels like the high
shrinkage requirements (up to 70%), the post-shrink adhesion and the use
of heat sensitive substrates. The EkoCure XS product line and the UV LED
technology are a perfect fit to address all these challenges. The extreme flexibility
of the EkoCure XS allows converters to print sleeves with up to 70% shrinkage
while still having a perfect post-shrink adhesion and the less heat generation of
the UV LED lamps will not damage temperature sensitive substrates.
The next generation EkoCure® F utilises the latest in UV LED technology which
optimises finished ink properties to match those of conventional UV inks that
many of our converter customers have been running for years.
UV LED curing is recognised as a growing and more sustainable technology to

cure UV inks. Flint Group Narrow Web will continue to partner with customers
to design solutions that further enable the use of this technology and drive
sustainability in our industry.
39
Digital | Climate change | Environment | Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020
DIGITAL HEAT TRANSFER TO REDUCE CO2 EMISSIONS BY MORE THAN 70%
Xeikon technology enables print service providers to change conventional

decoration processes and revolutionise their way of working . An example
of this is in heat transfer decoration. Typically today, in a direct printing
process, the container to be decorated requires surface treatment, which
typically involves flame treatment. The surface treatment enables inks to
adhere and ensure durability for the lifetime of the container. The flame
process involves the use of gas flames being directly exposed to the
surface of the container, which involves the consumption of natural gas
and creates CO2 emissions.
The digital heat transfer process overcomes the need for flame surface
treatment by using and primers and glue instead to ensure ink adhesion.
Xeikon customers have indicated that they were able to reduce CO2
emissions by 77% compared to their traditional decoration process.
Xeikon contribution to the digital heat transfer decoration

• Provide a digital press which can print the labels. Xeikon presses
enable print service providers (PSP) to produce run lengths in shorter
volumes.
• Xeikon toners can be tailored to provide very high scuff and rub
resistance, as well as light fastness, key factors in this type of
application.
In summary, Xeikon solves environmental challenges for its customers by

offering an alternative more sustainable decoration process and high CO2
processes are eliminated or vastly reduced.
40
Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020 | Environment | Climate change | Offset Solutions
WASTE WATER REDUCTION PROGRAMME

Flint Group Offset Solutions has been looking into ways to improve the efficiency of waste streams at the Irlam site. Our target for 2018 was to reduce our effluent
waste creation by 10% in 2019 which we didn’t achieve, only managing a 5% reduction. Our effluent and clean in place process is our biggest waste stream due to the
clean down process in the aqueous production plant. As with most manufacturing industries, waste creation is one of our significant environmental concerns. As such
environmental improvement plans are in place to reduce our impact.
Effluent waste produced (in kg)

400000
350000
300000
Effluent waste produced in kg

250000
Despite several projects being implemented to improve our cleaning

process, to reduce product contamination, we only achieved a 5%
200000
reduction against our target of 10%. However, we have reset the target to
10% this year. Looking at previous programmes we realised that we could
recycle the water flushings as water additions, rather than sending these 150000
for disposal as effluent waste, due to these being the diluted finished
product.
100000
In order to understand why previous attempts had failed, we formed a
cross department project to investigate all the reasons for the previous
failures. The project team consisted of Product Development, Production, 50000
Supply Chain, Quality Control, Packers and Batch Makers performing a
deep dive into the issues. The Project team made a strategic decision
0
to analyse the top 50 products and groupings. The product development Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
team broke down and analysed each product to assess which flushings
could successfully be recycled.
2017 2018 2019 2020 (projected)
Finally, we addressed the practical process and control of recycled
flushings into our procedures to ensure no cross contamination could
occur. A critical factor to ensure this processed worked was getting buy in
and ownership from the production teams carrying out these tasks.
We had our final implementation meeting in the 3rd week in May 2020
putting us in a place to start our trial on group products. If these prove
successful this will reduce the amount of effluent created by 30 tonnes,
which is almost our 10% target. More importantly if all groups succeed
this will create a zero waste finished product for around 30 products,
saving a total of approximately 60 tonnes of effluent per annum.
41
Pollution & waste | Environment | Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020
POLLUTION & WASTE TOXIC EMISSIONS

AND WASTE
PACKAGING MATERIAL
& WASTE
ELECTRONIC WASTE
MANAGING WASTE EFFECTIVELY

Managing waste effectively is still one of our top environmental priorities. Our key waste challenges are
continuously linked to the complexity of our product portfolio and the high frequency of production changeovers,
combined with relatively small batch sizes.
With all our waste-focussed initiatives, e.g. the VIVO Colour Solutions, the new filtration technology for nyloflex®
or the RST cleaners, we managed to significantly reduce the amount of hazardous waste, non-hazardous waste,
waste to landfill and materials requiring recycling.
Hazardous chemical waste (in tonnes) Non-Hazardous chemical waste (in tonnes)
2000 500
Non-Hazardous chemical waste in tonnes

Hazardous chemical waste in tonnes
1500 375
1000 250
500 125
0 0
Waste to landfill (in tonnes) Recycled materials (in tonnes)

1100 4000
Recycled materials (in tonnes)

Waste to landfill in tonnes
825 3000
550 2000
275 1000
0 0
42
Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020 | Environment | Pollution & waste | Narrow Web
FOOD CONTACT MATERIAL (FCM) INKS

Flint Group Narrow Web has developed a complete range of UV inks FCM stringent food contact packaging legislation. The ANCORA range enables
(Food Contact Material) meeting regulation levels of migration designed our customers to manufacture safe and sustainable labels and flexible
for food applications. packaging.
When printing onto indirect food-contact flexible packaging and labels, In addition, we have developed and commercialised the EkoCure
FCM inks are almost always needed as strict regulations are in place to ANCORA range of UV FCM LED inks. With excellent technical performance
control the migration of any components of the ink or coating system into combined with outstanding migration behaviour, this range improves the
the food product itself. At Flint Group Narrow Web, we have developed environmental performance of our customers utilising UV LED technology
over the years a complete portfolio of FCM inks and varnishes for label delivering less energy use, reduced maintenance requirements, less
and flexible packaging manufacturers. In addition to a comprehensive ink waste, less noise and does not generate ozone.
range, we also offer global and regional technical support to meet the
needs of indirect food contact applications printed by our customers. Both ink ranges, as well as all other Flint Group FCM ink ranges, are
manufactured according to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)
Our comprehensive portfolio allows converters to manufacture safe and standards, which ensures contamination and hygiene is controlled. These
sustainable labels and flexible packaging for the indirect food contact inks are also compliant with EuPIA guidelines and The Swiss Ordinance
industry. requirements.
Included in the portfolio, we offer the ANCORA ink range for UV Hg flexo
printing of labels and flexible packaging. This ink range enables converters
to benefit from excellent technical performance, while meeting the most 43
Narrow Web | Pollution & waste | Environment | Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020
For Packaging Inks & Narrow Web
SUPPORT FOR PRINTERS TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY AND REDUCE WASTE

Flint Group Packaging Inks and Narrow Web offers a suite of By working with a small number of Beta customers in Europe, the Flint
custom-tailored service offerings through its XtraMile® service Group team demonstrated how big an impact could be made by simply
platform. The seven modules of XtraMile provide printers and preparing colour offline, in terms of productivity and the reduction of set
converters with various tools and expert insight to increase their up waste.
operational efficiencies, reduce waste, and increase productivity.
Within the Colour module of XtraMile, we are proud to offer VIVO Customers were using their press to make final colour corrections,
Colour Solutions. resulting in up to 10% unnecessary material waste creating cost and
environmental impact.
VIVO Colour Solutions was introduced to support customers with their
colour matching requirements and to meet the increasing demands on Utilising the VIVO Colour Solutions, converters can benefit from improved
colour accuracy today associated with digital colour communication. productivity, more efficient energy use, reductions in ink waste as well as
ensuring colour targets are correct the first time.
Brand owners are challenging label converters with more new colour
targets, meaning designs are changing more frequently and up to 50% of
mixed colours today are new colour targets.
A Root Cause of Printer Losses - Improper Colour Management visible
Customer VOC highlights the impact of poor colour match capability

$
ls
• Is the # 1 reason that ink impairs operations
Ma ria
t e
d
• Converters mix a lot of colours - min: 7/day - max: 50/day Spen
• Converters have many new matches - 20%-50% of all colours mixed/day
e
own Tim
• On average 3.5 NEW colours to match every day
P r e s s D
• The average converter loses 2.5hrs/day of printing time while striving for the brand
owner expected DeltaE < 1.5
Poor Colour Management causes both visible and hidden costs

ls Waste
• Press Down Time Materia ejects
• Rejects / re-run of job
Quality R
• Material waste due to match adjusted on press hidden
y
n n e l I n efficienc
Perso
• Extra waste ink / extra ink inventory
• All above reduce personnel efficiency
44 You will learn more about XtraMile on page 51 of this report.

Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020 | Environment | Pollution & waste | Flexographic
WASTE REDUCTION IN AHAUS, GERMANY
Waste reduction is important in all our lives. By implementing the

NEW FILTRATION TECHNOLOGY FOR NYLOFLEX® TO LEVERAGE MANUFACTURING manufacturer’s handling instructions for an RST cleaner, the Ahaus
production site for Sleeves reduced the consumption and disposal of
YIELDS AND MAKE FLEXO PLATES MORE SUSTAINABLE the mixture considerably. This product is mainly used in the winding
department and it helps to reduce the use of solvents (harmful to health)
The implementation of continuous melt filter technology for manufacturing The 1m€-investment in new manufacturing technology is another good for cleaning tools and plant components. The polyester resin processed in
flexo plates in 2019 was a significant step change in yield improvement example of continuous improvement and manufacturing efficiencies our production is prevented from reacting with RST and can be removed
and waste reduction. As a regular step in the manufacturing process combined with a reduction in the CO2-footprint of every flexo plate produced from the tools without the use of solvents. RST acts like an alkaline soapy
the polymer has to undergo a filtration step for removal of all foreign at Flint Group in Willstätt. A win-win scenario for cost reductions, capacity water and stops the reaction of the resin.
matter. Before the introduction of the new technology the sieves had to gains and environmental protection! It is not only the lower consumption
be changed every few hours discontinuously with a loss of several plates of raw materials that benefits the business, but the reduction of waste The PH value of the cleaner is measured once a week, additionally if
during the change over operation. that is now incinerated has a positive impact on our carbon footprint. necessary, and new cleaner is added according to the data sheet until the
effective PH value range is reached again.
For manufacturing flexo plates the improvement of yield, as well as
product quality, are key targets to increase manufacturing efficiencies as Previously, the mixture was changed weekly, thus reducing the waste from
well as to reduce the waste which has to be incinerated. 12.8 tons in 2017 to less than 3 tons in 2019.
We started carefully with one production line at our plant as a pilot to This reduction in use of RST cleaner was introduced in late summer 2019
gain experience with the new technology. It took six months of careful and has led to a saving of 3850€ in 2019. So the positive effect in 2020
monitoring of the results with all plate formulas and – even more should be even bigger. In addition to this, we were able to achieve 3500€
important- maintaining the high level of quality. But, at the end, all those savings in disposal costs.
efforts were successful and the decision was a given to roll out across
other production lines. 45
Digital | Pollution & waste | Environment | Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020
GREEN ENERGY, LESS WASTE

In 2010, Xeikon converted to 100 percent green energy generated from
renewable sources – such as wind, sun and water – for its factories,
ensuring a significant CO2 reduction. Gas consumption was also drastically
reduced by investing significantly in a system for heat recovery from the
production processes and air compressors. Heultje plant in Belgium is
continuously being optimised to increase efficiency and reduce energy
consumption, leading to gas consumption being decreased to 1/6th the
volume in just three short years. Electricity consumption dropped more
than 1/3rd since 2008.
Through this type of intervention in its working method and by rethinking

the energy and material processes, Xeikon has been successful in targeting
overall waste reduction, halving the quantity of waste originating from
toner production over a period of 10 years. Paper and carton are mostly
recycled, but the amount has been drastically reduced at the same time:
from some 40 kilograms of recycled paper and board per tonne of toner in
2008 down to only 20 kilograms in 2018. Moreover, a large component
of the remaining waste is used as raw material in other industries, such
as in the production of cement and concrete. And again, the total amount
of this type of waste has significantly decreased, from 150 kilograms per
ton of toner in 2008 to some 90 kilograms in 2018. Ultimately, only
about 40 kilograms of waste per tonne of produced toner is destined for
incineration. Zero toner waste from the manufacturing process ends up
in a landfill.
Energy usage reduction

400 3000 6000
Electricity consumption MWh/ton toner
Natural Gas usage (kWh/ton)
300 2250 4500
kg CO2 per ton toner

200 1500 3000
100 750 1500
0 0 0
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Waste reduction
High energy waste used in concrete industry
Residual waste kg/ton toner (incineration)
Paper and Board waste (recycled) kg/ton

400 100 80
300 75 60
(kg/ton toner)
200 50 40
100 25 20
0 0 0
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
46
Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020 | Environment | Pollution & waste
UNITING TO ADDRESS PLASTIC WASTE AND POLLUTION PARTNERING WITH CEFLEX IN EUROPE TO
SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF A CIRCULAR
Flint Group IT function strives to dispose all electronic waste produced at greater system flexibility and better performance.
its sites in an environmentally correct way and according to legislation.
ECONOMY FOR FLEXIBLE PACKAGING.
The IT department operates policies that regulate how equipment should
This is carried out by sending obsolete computers, printers and other be handled by users, what is allowed and prohibited in order to stay Flint Group Packaging Inks has partnered with CEFLEX to support the
office electronics to recycle where possible, using only ISO 14001 certified aligned with Flint Group environmental regulations. development of a circular economy for the flexible packaging sector.
disposal companies.
Choosing partners who take their commitments to the environment very Working with CEFLEX, a European consortium of companies and
Most of our partners have recycling programmes that we use for our seriously is also a key factor for Flint Group. associations representing the entire value chain of flexible packaging, Flint
toners, batteries, computers and certain hardware. Group Packaging Inks is supporting the development of a set of design
In addition, most of our tech-partners use recycled material in their plastic guidelines and innovating new ink technologies to aid the sorting and
Flint Group is also encouraging users of IT equipment to ensure a caging and packaging material. For example, Dell is using up 25% recycled recycling of packaging.
sustainable power plan on their equipment, so that machines not used, ocean plastic in their new computers and monitors.
go into power-save mode. Thomas Gray, Global Director of Strategy & Marketing, Flint Group
Packaging Inks, comments, “We have a clear strategy to support the wider
Maintaining the battery life of any hardware is also taken into consideration, “According to some estimates, there are more than 5 trillion pieces of
packaging industry achieve its sustainability goals and truly believe that
therefore the policy is applied to all the laptops regulating the power plan plastics in the oceans right now – equivalent to 5 grocery bags full of plastic it takes a joint effort from all corners of the market to make it a reality.
in battery mode to shut down the monitors when not used and processor stacked upon every foot of every nation’s coastline around the world. The vast CEFLEX has identified seven key areas to drive change in the flexible
speed reduction. majority of the debris is less than 5 mm in size. packaging market and ultimately create a circular economy. By lending
our expertise in inks, print and packaging and aligning our sustainability
That’s because the plastics break down into ever smaller pieces (despite what you
Our focus on reduction of waste has also meant that we have replaced may have heard, it never breaks down completely).”
strategies, we believe we have a crucial role to play.
physical servers with software based solutions, helping greatly to reduce
source: dell.com
power use, conserve space and resources, while at the same time offering “The flexible packaging market is growing thanks to the versatility,
durability, functionality and light weight nature of the format. It really
is an engineering masterpiece and perfect to meet the demands of an
increasingly complex global supply chain. However, it presents a number
of obstacles that need to be overcome in order for it to meet the needs of
today’s recycling infrastructure.
Flint Group is proud to be working alongside CEFLEX to implement

solutions that support a circular, rather than a linear, approach for a more
sustainable future in flexible packaging.
47
Digital | Environmental opportunities | Environment | Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020
ENVIRONMENTAL OPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES IN

CLEAN TECH
OPPORTUNITIES IN
GREEN BUILDING
OPPORTUNITIES IN
RENEWABLE ENERGY
TONER PACKAGING
& BOTTLE RECYCLING
With the launch of The Sirius digital printing machine (Xeikon SX30000
press), Xeikon also has developed even more efficient and sustainable
ways of getting the toner to our customers. While keeping the packaging
size the same, Xeikon increased the weight of the toner in the bottle by
25 % so we ship more within the same space. In addition, Xeikon also
launched a test programme with some big users to actively collect the
DEINKABILITY empty toner bottles and return them to the toner plant for cleaning and
For the last 20 years, Xeikon has always been at the forefront of reuse. R&D developed ingenious damage free decapping tool for that.
programmes to ensure graphic paper is reused as much as possible, as The plan is to roll-out this new initiative to other customers, having the
we do not have enough trees to address the need for paper in world. potential of reusing/cycling more than half a million big bottles per year.
Collecting paper is one thing, making it white again for reuse in magazines,
sanitary tissues, office paper, is another thing. Therefore marking particles
(offset ink, toner) should be easily removed from the paper fiber. Xeikon
guarantees, in contrast to a lot of other digital printing technologies such
as liquid toner, many water-based and UV inkjet systems, that all our paper
prints are 100 % recyclable and deinkable; this also applies to our latest
high performance toner systems recently brought to market. Furthermore,
last year we started initial tests to check if plastic material printed with our
packaging toner systems could be deinked to obtain transparent or white
polymeric material in order to make it possible to reuse these plastics
again in a pure form. The tests have shown this was possible and have
also opened new recycling opportunities for this printed matter as well!
FUTURE SUSTAINABLE DIGITAL INKS

It is more common to find packaging made with biodegradable substrates.
From a digital printing point of view we want to be sure that the decoration
on these biodegradable or compostable materials doesn’t alter the
biodegradability or compostability of the pack or label. Therefore R&D
is focussing on water-based inkjet inks and dry toner systems that are
biodegradable. A division of
Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020 | Environment | Environmental opportunities | Narrow Web
RECYCLABILITY AND COMPOSTABILITY TRELLEBORG ENERGY REDUCTION
We are currently developing solutions via new ink technologies and The Trelleborg plant of the Narrow Web business in Sweden produces
formulations, to improve the performance and recyclability of labels, a large proportion of the division’s total volume and supports the vast
shrink sleeves and flexible packaging, which will help our customers to network of regional service centres. Since 2019, significant investments
meet their sustainability goals. have supported core performance enhancement including Safety and
Sustainability. The facility is now operating on 100% renewable energy
These solutions target the removal of the inks during the recycling process from hydro- , wind-, and sun power. This has reduced the emissions of
in order to increase the quantity and improve the quality of the recycled green house gases by 38% per year. In addition, a heat recycling system
material e.g. PET in the recycling process of PET bottles, where the for the compressors has been implemented to recycle heat back to the
purpose is to get PET flakes as clear as possible. production facility. The system delivers annual energy savings equal to
12 000 kWh. In 2019, the site connected to the municipality’s distant
We also have engaged in developing inks that are compostable according heating system that fully operates on bio fuels.
to the DIN EN 13432 norm and are looking to increase the use of
renewable raw materials, which reduces the product’s carbon footprint.
The above initiatives, both on raw materials level as well as end-product

level, clearly underline Flint Group Narrow Web’s commitment towards
sustainability and will further design the future of labels, shrink sleeves
and flexible packaging.
49
Packaging Inks | Environmental opportunities | Environment | Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020
RESPONSIBLE SOURCING OF MATERIALS
Packaging sustainability is an increasingly important topic around the Below you will see how our key themes connect with the elements, and To confirm that suppliers fit within our guidelines, we have developed an
world. Brand owners and consumers look for packaging which is more the essence, of UN principles such as human rights, anti-discrimination, assessment process which addresses all four quadrants and calculates
sustainable and not harmful to our environment. Therefore, printers and environmental well-being, anti-corruption, and equal opportunity. a supplier score. Once a supplier has been qualified to work with Flint
converters seek suppliers who can help them address these sustainability Group, we schedule regular audits to review their performance and ensure
concerns through the consumable products they use every day. Furthermore, to ensure that we address sustainability in the supply of our high standards are continuously met.
our materials, we have developed a Sustainability Supply Model which
Flint Group Packaging Inks employs stringent global standards for all consists of four key quadrants: Packaging printers who seek responsible sourcing of materials, supply
material suppliers; responsible sourcing is of utmost importance to us. chain compliance, and a supplier who is environmentally conscious, can
With an ethical business platform for the sourcing of all raw materials, we 1. Supplier Selection Process rely on us.
can assure our customers that we are environmentally conscious within
our manufacturing processes and raw material sourcing. 2. Green Initiatives
We connect our standards with the United Nations Global Compact and 3. Safety Health & Environment
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by considering three key
themes: 4. Quality & Regulatory
• Socio-Economic Growth
• Green Economy
Four key quadrants comprise our
• Socio-Environmental Progress Sustainable Supply Model
Financial assessment Supplier delivery Culture People Service
Code of Conduct requirements
Supplier Agreement Supplier packaging and
Terms & Conditions labelling requirements
Supplier Safety,
Economics Selection Health &
Process Environment
Wages/Benefits
Taxes
Equal Opportunities Flint Group
sustainable Base Quality Innovation
Anti-corruption supply
Conditions
Green Quality &
Sustainability initiatives Regulatory Supplier regulatory
Socio-
Green Assessment requirements like REACH,
Economic Supplier site and waste TSCA, CLP, CE, Metal
Economy
Growth management inspections content, etc.
UN Supplier /
Social
Principles Product Costs Limiting
Human Rights Environment Portfolio Conditions
No Child & Forced Hygiene
Labour Waste Treatment
Socio-
Health Re-engineering
Environmental
Anti-Discrimination
Progress
NA Diversity
50
Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020 | Environment | Environmental opportunities | Packaging Inks
COGENERATION PLANT LEADING AT ENERGY
SAVING AND EMISSIONS REDUCTION
Flint Group Caronno Pertusella site (VA, Lombardia, Italy) produces about
FLINT GROUP PACKAGING INKS: 23.000 tons of resins for inks every year. 88 Flint Group employees work
SERVICES DESIGNED TO GO THE EXTRA MILE THROUGHOUT OUR SUSTAINABLE JOURNEY here and the Plant area is wide 37.619 m2. All the activities in the plant
consume about 5 GWh of electricity per year and about 1.700 Sm3 of
gas per year.
XtraMile® Programme - helping our customers achieve their goals to • Understanding the difference between necessary and unnecessary
reduce their ecological impact. waste and value-added activities across the entire printing workflow. After a successful energy saving plan started in 2007 with an energy
consumption reduction of about 15%, Resins and site Director Ing.
Flint Group offers a wide range of services to support our customers in XtraMile Force can reduce waste from the press run scenario. Enrico Boffi decided to make the next big step with the installation of a
every aspect of their operation. XtraMile is a portfolio of services to assist cogeneration plant.
customers in optimising their quality, performance, and cost in the entire XtraMile® Colour:
value chain. The seven modules of XtraMile are designed for customers He started work with the installation of a 530 kWel Cogeneration plant
who want to achieve improvements in their process and increase their This module of our XtraMile programme is dedicated to colour powered by natural gas for the production of electrical and thermal energy
overall profitability by streamlining their operations through press management. We know that printers are concerned about achieving ‘right for process use and requalification of the integrated thermal power plant.
productivity, ink management, waste reduction, colour consistency, and first time’ colour and brand colour management. Regardless of where He had the idea that optimisation of the input energy flows necessary for
by using the latest innovative technologies. printers are in the world, Flint Group Packaging Inks can help printers this Flint Group plant could be generated by the combined production of
reach their colour objectives. thermal and electrical energy on site.
When it comes to sustainability, two modules shine through – XtraMile®
Force and XtraMile® Colour. VIVO Colour Solutions, a state of the art ink and colour management He found in Edison S.p.A. a capable energy partner for the project signing
system, was developed to help converters achieve colour consistency, an 8 year «tolling» contract, generating an economic saving for Flint Group
XtraMile® Force: ‘right first time’ printing, and a reduction of total cost to print. With VIVO since the first year of operation, with an average 35% reduction in energy
Colour Solutions, printers have access to achievable recipes and digital costs.
Following time spent working closely with printer converters – we colour standards, full traceability, and colour process improvements to
understand the difference between necessary and unnecessary waste. enhance their end result printed packaging. The next phase in the cogeneration project was temporarly suspended by
XtraMile Force can increase value added activity, along with a reduction the Covid-19 lockdown. Once this new phase is operational it will result
of energy and waste, in the press room. Therefore, Flint Group XtraMile With VIVO printers have access to: in an 80% reduction in the plant’s reliance on the electrical grid/network
Force module connects productivity and reduced waste to sustainability and a reduction in CO2 emissions equal to -770 tCO2 per year (that
by providing insights to printers on the best use of printing inks and the • A modular set of colour toolbox options corresponds to a saving of 962 trees!).
productivity of their printing process. • A multi-site, multi-region, solution
The Cogeneration plant consists of a 530 kWel indoor gen-set, capable
For example: • Process improvement opportunities of generating up to 600 kWth, divided between hot water and steam,
• Quality control processes through its heat recovery systems.
• Utilisation of expanded gamut printing to realise lower ink Caronno Pertusella plant is also
consumption and less ink waste. • Savings through efficiencies, time, resources, and waste equipped with an SCR system -770
tCO2 /y
• Processes to reuse and rework post press run inks reduce new ink capable of significantly reducing NOx
Imagine the elimination of unnecessary press stops and wasted material emissions. +962
consumption. Equivalent
– imagine cost saving and value creation through reduced waste and Trees
• Advice and insight on how to reduce setup and make-ready times to increased efficiency! These things are a possible today with VIVO Colour This is a great example of how plant -37%
51
reduce substrate waste and unnecessary use of power and energy. Solutions. efficiency and technology can help Energy
Cost
environmental sustainability.
Flexographic | Environmental opportunities | Environment | Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020
LONGER LIFE OF THE SLEEVE

The product development group for rotec® sleeves and adapters is
continuously working on innovations with the customer in mind, often
inspired by direct conversations with individual clients. Retaining this
collaborative approach when it comes to product development has been
key to Flint Group success in the marketplace. We have a passion for
finding solutions to help our customers excel.
Flexographic printers use many different sizes of sleeves on various jobs for
the flexible packaging market. Very thin sleeves are often quite brittle and
prone to cracking, especially at the notch. Metal- or composite-reinforced
notches are not possible when the sleeve is so thin. These sleeves often
have a short lifetime and must be replaced quite often.
In 2016, the product development group integrated a robust, reinforcing

material into the base of the sleeve to help strengthen the notch and
the sleeve, in general. This helped the customer to extend the life of the
sleeve. Unfortunately, the production process for these thin sleeves was
still quite complex and in need of further stability.
In 2019, using a new sleeve construction from a separate development,

the production process was simplified and the stability of the resulting thin
Blue Light Sleeve was significantly improved!
The new sleeves have been sent to several test customers, who are
extremely happy with this new construction of the thin Blue Light Sleeves.
One said, “This new version of Blue Light is so much more stable. It
has already lasted more than 50% longer than our usual sleeves.” The
operators at a second test customer claimed, “The surface is more cut-
resistant than other sleeves on the market.” And, compared to competitive
sleeves, the tape is much easier to remove for the next job. The improved
stability and longer life offers customers a more sustainable product with
significant savings.
In the end, the new construction of thin rotec® Blue Light Sleeve allows for
a better, more stable, longer-lasting product for our customer… an easier,
52 more robust production process… and an improved environment from a

more sustainable product and process.
Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020 | Environment | Environmental opportunities | Offset Solutions
HEATSET AUTOMATIC BLANKET WASH AND SHEETFED UV WASH DEVELOPMENTS SUSTAINABILITY FORCE
AT OFFSET IN ASHEVILLE
New more demanding machines, tougher legislation and increasing A further advantage E9294 is that it has similar evaporation characteristics Co-Op students, Aurora Whitson and
health and safety standards are driving the development of print over a wider temperature range. This allows the printer more flexibility in Cathrine Campbell gathered support and
chemicals that are safer to use and have less impact on the being able to run the oven at a higher temperature whilst still maintaining started a Sustainability Climb team in
environment. safe levels of hydrocarbons. This allows for greater ink drying performance Flint Group Ashville. The goal of the team
at higher press speeds and improves the efficiency of the print process. is to promote sustainability awareness
This is most noticeable in the heatset segment where the size and speed Under EU definition E9294 is classed as a zero VOC product and reduces and implement sustainable solutions to
of lithographic printing presses has increased considerably over the last the use of conventional fossil fuels such as petroleum distillates by 50%. wasteful problems. In collaboration with
20 years. The performance of automatic blanket washing systems and Ashvilleideas.com, the team is exploring
consumables have become more critical both from an environmental and The demand for efficiency and effectiveness of UV washes for our customers’ environmental ideas and encouraging all employees to speak up about
health and safety aspect. sheet-fed lithographic printing presses is also continuously increasing in any wasteful habits they notice. The team is currently investigating landfill
order to reduce press downtime, reduce product environmental impact, alternatives and methods to reduce and reuse waste. In 2018, the Ashville
Historically, the use of blanket and roller washes based on low flash point and reduce the health and safety impact on people. team recycled or reused 15% of its waste, and the rest went into landfill. The
petroleum distillates was commonplace. This practice carried a higher sustainability team aimed to increase recycling to 40% by the end of 2019
risk in the heatset oven due to a build-up of hydrocarbons above the The development of our new UV Wash SFW9295 has focussed on and foster a green culture within the plant.
critical lower explosion limits. In an attempt to regulate the use of these improved cleaning power to reduce the frequency of press washes and the
more volatile washes, the press manufacturers together with the German amount of wash used. In combination with this, the wash has a very low Sustainability Achievements in Asheville:
research institute FOGRA and BG-ETEM (the body that oversees the health swell advantage on EPDM & combi-roller compounds and is formulated to
and well-being of employees in the print industry in the DACH region) minimise the VOC content. • Recycling Lunch and Learn
introduced strict approval criteria for automatic blanket washes. These • Created single stream waste awareness with posters and Town Hall
criteria mandated the use of higher flashpoint solvents, limited the use There are a number of reasons why we are looking to make — and presentation
of aromatic hydrocarbons and imposed restrictions on other chemicals consumers should be looking to buy — low VOC products: • Made recycling a 5S audited standard
linked to health concerns.
• Improved air quality • Made reporting sustainable problems easier and implementation faster
Other criteria such as explosion testing and tests to determine the Poor air quality can have a detrimental effect on health and the by working with Asheville Ideas
evaporation characteristics of the wash became critical in preventing environment, as VOCs evaporate transferring chemicals into the air.
explosions in the heatset oven thereby enhancing employee safety. These Using products with high VOC levels can be dangerous Future Flint Group Asheville Sustainability Efforts:
criteria are now used in the calibration of the automatic blanket washing • Better for the environment • Continue search for sustainable rubber dust solutions
system with a particular approved blanket wash in order to ensure safe As well as having a potential negative impact on health, poor air
quality caused by products with a high VOC content can also cause • Implement talc recovery ideas in granulator room
levels of hydrocarbons in the oven.
damage to the environment. If everyone was to make more of an • Continue looking into wasteful problems and finding sustainable solutions
From a cost perspective paper waste is a key factor in blanket washing. effort to make and use low VOC products, this could help to reduce • Remember hierarchy of waste pyramid
Paper continues to run through the press during the wash cycle generating the overall levels of air pollution both indoors and outdoors
waste copy. Waste Lifecycle &
• Reduced odour
Source Reduction Policy Options
Products with a high VOC content tend to have a strong odour and
Mo
If there was some way to shorten the wash cycle, surely savings often the fumes can cause headaches. This means, by producing
st
Waste Generation
Pre
could be realised due to waste minimisation. low VOC products, people can buy products with a reduced odour Reuse Organic Waste Disposal Ban
fer
ed r
One way to shorten the wash cycle would be to apply more blanket wash The development of SFW9295 is complete and we are in process
Recycling Collection & Transfer
for faster cleaning and strengthen the ink dissolving power of the wash. of conducting field trials prior to submitting the product for press Deposit Refund Schemes
Applying more wash inevitably leads to higher hydrocarbons levels in manufacturer approval.
the heatset oven and a less safe condition as far as explosion risk is Resource Recovery
concerned. This problem can be overcome by careful selection and use of In the Offset Division, we recognise that we have a responsibility to Treatment
Waste-to-Energy Policy
less volatile solvents so that more of the wash remains on the paper rather continually challenge ourselves to achieve the best results in terms of Incineration
than evaporating in the oven. Irlam is currently developing a new Heatset developing innovative, sustainable, new product solutions. We focus on
Automatic Blanket Wash E9294 with these goals and characteristics in the improvement, wherever possible, of product portfolio in terms of Landfilling
Lea
Disposal
mind. meeting and exceeding our customers’ expectations for each products’
53
st
Sanitary Landfill Standards
application, health & safety and environmental performance.
Pre
fer
red
*VOC - volatile organic compounds. The term refers to a class of chemicals that begin to vaporise under typical indoor temperature and pressure conditions.
Social
54
Contents:
BUILDING ENGAGEMENT AND COMMITMENT - CREATING ENVIRONMENT FOR OUR DEVELOPMENT
TALENT RECOGNITION - CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMPLOYEES AND APPRECIATION OF THEIR

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE
TAKING SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY - EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT IN SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
EMPLOYEE INITIATIVES - ENHANCING TEAM SPIRIT THROUGH TEAM ACTIVITIES
55
Social | Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020
Building engagement and commitment
56
Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020 | Social
Through our established People Strategy, we consistently aim to achieve We put significant effort into strengthening our internal communication Employee Testimonials
working environments across all our locations around the world, which and in creating transparency about the goals and progress. Divisional
are good places to work with strong cross-functional collaboration & newsletters, CEO videos, conference calls, all give our employees greater
teamwork, and regular celebration of success. We aim to ensure that insight into the business and more opportunity to share success stories.
all of our employees are treated with respect, their ideas listened to and
opportunities provided to grow and develop their skills. Town Hall meetings (staff meetings with General Managers) are a standard
feature with a dedicated session of Q&A where employees can ask
To look for opportunities and ways to further develop and build on company questions to senior management.
success, we ran the Global Organisational Health Index survey at the
beginning of 2018. Understanding our internal perceptions and hearing We also pay more attention to cascading goals and strategy, which helps
the voice of our employees enabled us to identify the actions to further employees better understand how the targets of different departments are
engage and motivate our teams. The results of the survey were extensively interconnected and contribute to overall company success.
reviewed on all organisational levels and hundreds of great actions were
designed and implemented worldwide. Improvement of the Performance Management process allows everyone
to better align their operation goals with business strategy and direct
The number of employees who participated in the survey shows how individual focus on high priority areas.
much we want to contribute to the culture of the company. Many of our
sites have created local teams to develop tailor made action plans and These are only a small range of initiatives implemented in the past two
employees at all levels were involved in the initiative’s implementation. In years. You can read more about some great actions on the next pages.
addition, to encourage a ‘bottom up’ approach, a cross functional group
of volunteers, called ‘Change Champions,’ was created to support the
organisational transformation, representing the employees voice and
needs as well as advocating strategies and bringing initiatives to all layers
MAIN ORGANISATIONAL HEALTH THEMES Daniele Teruzzi – HR Manager Italy & Turkey
of organisation and regions. ”...we are moving in the right direction. I see more engagement within
all our employees around the world, whether that is from hosting
To draw special attention to these organisational health initiatives Rewards and recognition barbeques, through videos or articles, through all of those different
a Health Weeks/Months programme was introduced. Thanks to the medias for communicating. These are big changes ensuring more two way
cross country collaboration of local Site Management Teams, each communication that enables people to start the discussion and to have
quarter many meaningful initiatives were introduced. Some examples Clarity of vision and mission their questions answered.”
include a ‘Leadership Table’ programme supporting the development of
managers focussing on improving leadership skills, building confidence
and motivation. The ‘Open Days’ initiative allows people from different Personal ownership & employee
departments to learn more about specific functions in our company. Lunch involvement
and Learn sessions or HR Caffe enhances the knowledge sharing between
the employees. Supportive Leadership
Sharing knowledge & best practices
57
Building high performing teams

At Flint Group, we aim to create an environment where our people and teams are motivated to give their
best and enjoy meeting the opportunities and challenges posed by the world around us
We are committed to the development of teams & Individuals and firmly
believe that we can only grow as an organisation by allowing and enabling
our people and teams to grow with us. Our ability to develop high-performing,
cross-functional and multicultural teams, following a clearly defined set
of priorities, sets us apart from our competitors and helps us to perform
effectively in our chosen markets.
STEP UP PROGRAMME
We endeavour to create strong-performing teams whose skills and knowledge
respond to the complexity of our industry and the market demands of our diverse
businesses and international customers. In today’s very competitive business
environment, having an advantage over the competition is crucial. One of the most
important tools that we have to ensure that we stay one step ahead is our powerful
product and service portfolio, mastered by our strong sales teams. As it is our
ambition at Flint Group to become the innovation leader in the Packaging industry,
it is natural to invest in equipping our commercial teams for success.
To assist our employees in increasing market-focus, we introduced a tailor-made

sales development programme in 2018, called Step Up. It was designed to support
our Sales Teams in offering and delivering our products in a way that creates optimal
value for our customers and best corresponds to their needs. The programme
was held globally in cross-functional teams allowing best practice exchange
and high quality market approach development across the whole of Flint Group.
The workshop formula, based on real-life examples, increased understanding
of business challenges, self-awareness of the employees and ability to set up a
valuable dialogue with our current and potential customers.
Employee engagement & social responsibility initiatives

Corporate responsibility is an integral part of our company culture. As a high
performing and responsible company we look beyond our organisation to see how
we can contribute to society at large. We respect the environment and society in
which we operate and we actively seek opportunities to contribute to underserved
communities.
We strive to create a supportive, open and inclusive environment where people

can share their passion for helping others and visibly involve into CSR initiatives for
worthy causes but we believe our highly engaged employees are and will be the
58 main drivers of charity activities.

Flint Group Employee Engagement Model... Our approach to continuously improving on employee engagement is Employee Testimonials
underpinned by our Mission and Guiding Principles - a set of clear and
simple values.
At Flint Group we aim to create an environment where our people and

teams are motivated to give their best and enjoy meeting the opportunities
and challenges we face. We are committed to the development of teams
and individuals, and firmly believe that we can only grow as an organisation
by allowing and enabling our people and teams to grow with us. Therefore,
we encourage our employees to use their skills and expertise to build both
team spirit and creativity within our organisation and the world around us.
Yves Jegou – Sales Development Manager, France

“It is more than useful to have tools streamlining the way of negotiating
and managing relations with Customers.. It’s good to know your personality
and be open for differences in approach from the other side. Diversity is a
great tool in negotiations.
“We spent a very good time together with people from various divisions...”
HOW WE EMPOWER OUR PEOPLE TO SUCCEED
A. Leadership and Capability B. Team and Individual Performance

• Ensure consistently high standards of Integrity and Compliance • Continuous improvement in safety, quality, customer service,
globally productivity and cost – build sustainability programmes into site
• HSE – systematically reducing life changing accidents/incidents and Balanced Scorecards/Vital actions
application of behavioural safety tools • Communication channels optimised with alignment to strategy, values
• Leadership assesment, development and succession planning to and sustainability – with increasingly effective employer branding
ensure the right mix of internal promotions and key hires – including • Encourage team and individual recognition – celebrate success and
coaching and mentoring also encourage local social responsibility programmes.
• Further develop a collaborative culture – open to new and innovative
ideas.
C. Employee Engagement D. Effective Organisations

• Equipping our people with required tools, skills and knowledge – • Driven by segment and functional strategies with clarity of roles and
invest in learning, coaching and mentoring responsibilities Keith Redmond – Regional Sales Manager, Ireland
• Effective performance management – aligned goals and regular ‘how • Vital Action management through project management tools “Step up training was very thought-provoking, giving a lot of good ideas
is it going?’ discussions • Total compensation and beneﬁt costs in line with business and processes for better sales planning and relationship management.
• Further develop digital HR processes – with Capability & Talent performance It was nice to get to know our colleagues better from other departments
management next and regions. Culturally, we can be different, but we all aim to achieve the
• Effective change management – ensure we are open to newly
same goal... and our Italian colleagues taught us that drinking cappuccino
• Variable pay plans with the right level of line of sight to accountabilities acquired cultures and manage well the ‘soft’ side of integrations.
after 10 is a crime.”
and targets. • Treating our people affected by change to our business or locations
with full respect and appropriate support
59
Personal data security is our priority,

but also a lifelong journey
Flint Group is dedicated to conducting business lawfully and ethically. Due to strict legal requirements and technological advances the
need to ensure effective protection of personal data privacy is paramount. Given the risks associated with the collection and use of
personal data, Flint Group has made personal data protection and respect for privacy a critical initiative.
Our Global Personal Data Policy establishes

appropriate, worldwide standards for data
protection (privacy) and security of Personal
data that we collect and process. Our privacy
standards are designed to be consistent with
all applicable laws and requirements and
also take into account and comply with any
notices and contracts or other agreements
that we enter into.
But personal data protection is not only about tools and templates,
it is about trust and business awareness. Being a business leader,
Flint Group embraced this responsibility with a wide range of tools
and trainings that empower our people to process data in a safe and
compliant manner.
At Flint Group we are aware that complying with world-wide data

privacy legislation is challenging, but we take this challenge as an
opportunity to excel. Strong data privacy culture is a competitive
advantage that builds trust, results in enhanced security standards
and improved processes. Cultivating the values of data security is a
way to highlight our respect to customers,’ vendors’ and employees’
data privacy.
60
SINGLE MOTHER SUPPORT
For three years Flint Group employees in Poland have been helping a Thanks to our latest contributions – two rooms in the facility have now
Single Mother Charity in Lodz, providing support for expectant mothers been renovated. We also participated in an annual picnic to celebrate
and women who are raising their children alone having encountered International Children’s Day – organising a play day for the children and
difficulties. their families. The children also enjoyed refreshments in the form of ice
cream and enjoyable activities such as soap bubbles, face-painting and
The facility, which is run by Antonian Nuns, provides a safe place where creative time. At the end of an enjoyable day, each family also received a
single mothers can find shelter, help and support for themselves and their portraits as a souvenir supplied to them by our team in Poland.
children. It can house up to 60 people with private living space, communal
rooms and support services such as professional development, social
assistance and counselling.
OPEN DAY FOR COLLEAGUES AT THE TECHNICAL CUSTOMER SERVICE AND LABORATORY
DEPARTMENT IN WILLSTÄTT WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!
On Friday, 11th January the Technical Customer Service (TCS) and
laboratory department in Willstätt opened its doors to colleagues
from all other departments. The teams around Eddy Arbogast, Lead
Lab and Regional Technical Manager FP CE & EE, organised a detailed
information session related to products and their applications at
customers.
The tour started with an overview of which raw materials are used
within our inks and how the right mix of solvent, pigments, technical
compounds and additives is crucial in order to set up inks that fulfil
customer, as well as legal requirements, and are safe to use.
The R&D (Research & Development) team presented case studies of

some recent projects to improve product performance and explained
how they interact with colleagues from other Flint Group laboratories,
print technicians, sales colleagues that visit our customers and of
course, the TCS.
All of our products are tested thoroughly before they are approved
and released for sale. The TCS team showed different test equipment
they use to examine individual parameters such as scratch and rub
resistance, gloss, deep freeze and water resistance.
Before our inks leave the Willstätt premises, Quality Control (QC) always
takes a sample that is then stored safely for 12 months, using a well-
regulated process. At the same time, the colleagues from QC examine
each delivery of raw materials arriving at our site. In case of customer
audits, or any other product related issues, the corresponding batch
can be found within a few minutes.
During the open day, colleagues also learned more about the different
printing processes and watched short videos showing live print demos.
As a final step, a variety of end-use products - from pouches for pet

food, chips bags and beer labels to baby diapers and cigarettes - were
presented and the attendees realised just how often we come across
our inks when strolling through the supermarket. Four groups in total
were guided through the different stages, allowing 60 colleagues to
benefit from the event.
The open day was very well-received and is likely to be repeated on a

regular basis. Well done and a big thank you to everyone involved!
62
THE IDEA GENERATION,

PROBLEM SOLVING & RECOGNITION PLAN
The Flint Group Idea Generation Programme was created in 2018.
The main purpose of the project was to improve organisation health
by challenging employees to be more creative, go an extra mile
and reward them using financial and non-financial incentives.
Involvement and participation of employees in continuous
improvement helps improve motivation as well as financial results.
We created a place where our employees are able to search for solutions
to their problems and share good practices.
The Idea Generation Programme is a global platform

with two aspects:
Problem solving
Sharing specific existing issues/ challenges/ problems and asking for
ideas to solve the problem
New Idea Generation

Sharing new solutions/improvements/ideas globally
Idea Generation Programme in numbers:

(as for May 2020)
19
19 14 29
1007 Silver Bronze
320 Gifts, vouchers
550
and others
234 919 907
63
Social | Flint Group Sustainability Report 2020
THE IDEA GENERATION EXAMPLES

Özkan - Istanbul, Turkey
Idea: Each week the site fills and dispatches

hundreds of ink tins to customers all over Europe.
While being ideal for shipping and storage the

metal tins do not come without their problems…
It can be difficult for customers to empty the
entirety of the contents often leaving a residue of
unused products (up to 250g)
Özkan’s solution? To simply line each can with a nylon bag! This simple but
effective solution will provide significant savings in recycling costs to the
organisation – reducing the need to wash used tins while also allowing for
more flexibility in using the tins full contents saving waste at the customer.
FLINT GROUP BRAZIL RECOGNITION PROGRAMME
Flint Group could also then offer a collection service from customers to
return the tin pails for reuse. This provides a win-win situation for the Every quarter a group formed by the Brazilian leadership team Evaluation criteria
customer from a value and service proposition and for the company in choose ‘employees of the quarter.’ They are recognised in public
cost efficiencies with enhanced environmental benefits due to the ability for their exceptional service in the last quarter during a Townhall The evaluation criteria are diverse: higher-than-expected customer
of the nylon bag to be rubbed and filtered. meeting for all employees. contributions, excellent performance, savings generated, cost reductions
(expense, inventory, formulation, raw material), improved controls,
Chris - Irlam, UK Purpose improved safety, productivity gains, winning new customers, problem
solving and teamwork.
Idea: Reducing waste effluent disposal costs The Recognition Programme in Brazil seeks to make a public recognition
while improving environmental footprint… for exceptional service of employees. The team then uses a fair and transparent voting process to select the
winning employees.
Flint Group Irlam site creates solvent waste as Participants
part of the process to clean mixing tanks and Souvenirs
lines between batches to avoid contamination. All employees below management level may participate in the recognition
Under the existing process – this waste then had event. Souvenirs are given to the winners as a symbol of recognition during the
to be collected and disposed of by specialists townhall. In focus groups conducted in June 2018 with employees of
to ensure it did not enter the water course and Evaluating Committee all levels and areas, it was identified that Flint Group employees really
cause potential pollution. appreciate company souvenirs such as shirts, sweaters, backpacks and
Formed with a leader from each department, the evaluation Commitee is purses.
This did not seem to be an effective solution to Chris who flagged this responsible for presenting and evaluating outstanding contributions that
issue, as part of the idea generation and problem solving initiative. With deserve recognition. These events happen once a quarter and are very well received . Well done
the collective help of the team Chris was able to identify a third-party to all the winners!
who would be willing to purchase the solvent effluent to recycle as a fuel Members of this Committee nominate employees from their respective
source – not only saving the site over £8000 per annum in disposal costs teams and from other teams that have delivered something beyond
but significantly reducing its environmental footprint in the process. expectations. All members treat nominees and evaluations confidentially.
64
Flint Group Sustainability Report 2020 | Social
TALENT MANAGEMENT - HIGH PERFOMANCE TEAMS EMPWR COAT - WINTER FUND RAISER
PROGRAMME CALLED T-EVOLUTION “Breaking the cycle of homelessness through employment”
Flint Group has developed, with the help of an external provider, Step 4 Step 6
a programme to develop teams with the aim of improving team
performance. Three coaching sessions of Evaluation of final results.
2h30min.
High-performance teams are those that exceed conventional standards Delivery of final report and
and limits. Step 5 workshop to present the results
and final recommendations.
Process steps: Resitting the questionnaire and
evaluation of results.
Step 1 Step 3 Upon hearing about the EMPWR (sleeping bag) coat last fall, an employee
in Flint Group’s Michigan facility did some research on the organisation
• 8-hour workshop with the
Kick-off meeting with consultants
entire team
KPIs behind it and was amazed to learn this was a local, non-profit organisation
and Flint Group sales team in order based in Detroit.
to review the methodology and • 3-hour meetings each month Score before and after the questionnaire applied.
objectives of the course. thereafter The materials used to produce the sleeping bag coat are donated from
• Meeting 1 - Presentation by Implementation of the Action Plan = implemented actions / total approved various manufacturers, so these materials are not going to waste or
Step 2 the working groups actions. landfills, which has a positive impact on the environment.
• Meeting 2 - Presentation of
Diagnosis questionnaire completed Measurement of the performance against agreed action plans 1 year later. In the metro Detroit area, the organisation collects the used EMPWR coats
action plans drawn up by each
by all team members. Interviews, if during warmer months to have them professionally cleaned and provides
group
necessary. each recipient with a claim check to exchange for a clean coat before the
• Meeting 3 - Approval of the colder months arrive.
action plan
Not only does this organisation produce and distribute sleeping bag coats
to homeless communities around the globe, but they train and provide paid
employment, along with a host of useful resources and benefits to local
single parents with children who are homeless. By helping them to obtain
a home, health care and the skills necessary to build confidence and self
esteem, they can boost their job opportunities and experience to create a
better quality of life.
The Empowerment Plan’s track record is quite impressive. Each homeless

person they’ve employed has been able to enrich their lives and retain a
home AND none have returned to the streets.
All of these factors indicate that this organisation knows how to come
full circle and why our colleague in Michigan encouraged the Flint Group
“CONNECT” committee to support such a worthwhile cause this past winter.
EMPWR coat can transform into a sleeping bag

or be worn as an over-the-shoulder bag. 65
30 MINUTES IS ALL IT TAKES TO SAVE A LIFE

Blood is a life-giving fluid – one unit can save three lives. That is why donating blood for the sick and the wounded is a noble act, and at the same time
it gives extraordinary satisfaction.
SUPPORT FOR PREMATURE BABIES

The Otuklinka Centre is a unique place in Lodz, found by the Kolorowy
Swiat Foundation. Its main goal is to support parents and their newborns
born with developmental risks in the first few months after birth. A
group of specialists - physiotherapists, neurologists and psychologists
- provide care and support to make sure that babies develop properly.
The Foundation also conducts a range of activities in the city and across
Poland to increase the awareness of these babies’ needs.
Flint Group Polska has been a partner to the Centre since 2018 with
financial donations. The team at Lodz have run competitions including
‘Cuddle for the premature baby.’ Children in kindergartens all over Poland Blood donations in Poland Blood donations in Sweden
take part in the competition and design cuddly toys and dolls to give to
newborns but, importantly, to also familiarise children with the problems Envision, a CSR group from Poland, organises every year honorary blood In Trelleborg, our employees were encouraged to take the time off from
premature newborns can have. donations. Before every event they organise a promotional campaign work (for free of course) to either donate blood or register to become a
among local Flint Group employees which contains all the necessary blood donor. About 25-30 people visited the bus, which was very good for
information for those who want to donate blood. Usually one of the the few hours it was here. Given the high interest this will be a recurring
conference rooms is transformed into a professional blood donation event at our site.
room. Last year was quite unique – a special bus from the Regional
Blood Donation and Blood Care Centre in Łódź came to our site ready to
welcome donors in safe and sterile conditions. Before each donation of
this invaluable fluid happens, a detailed interview is conducted concerning
the state of health, past diseases, operations or travel of the individual. A
small blood sample is also taken and tested on the spot - all to make sure
that the donor can donate healthy blood.
Congratulations young winners!

Every year, a group of Flint employees gets involved and commits to give
blood. They say that doing this with their colleagues gives them extra
courage and the knowledge that someone’s life is being saved is priceless.
66 We are glad to be able to support and promote the selfless attitude of our
committed employees.
LUNCH AND LEARN

To expand employee engagement within the Narrow Web division, an
optional training programme has been created. The topics are selected
by popular vote through regular surveys. Employees, regardless of role,
physical location, background, or experience, are offered the opportunity
to participate. The programme, titled Lunch and Learn, offers an
opportunity for employees to step away from their typical daily work and
learn something new with people they may not normally see or even know.
As it is conducted electronically, remote employees are also encouraged to
join virtually. As the name would suggest, it is conducted during the lunch
hour at our Rogers, MN manufacturing site and lunch is provided as an
added benefit. Top vote receiving topics include: Effective Communication,
Business Finance, Meditation and Mindfulness, Personal Finance, and
VIVO Colour Solutions.
The programme has been quite successful as measured by the participants

on the feedback survey that follows each training. One participant
commented “I think this training should be mandatory. It was very helpful!”
The topics are refreshed regularly and new trainers are recruited to allow
the team to become more connected. It is a programme that will continue
on as the team grows.
FLINT GROUP ASHEVILLE LEAN SIX SIGMA PROGRAMME

Flint group Asheville has developed a progressive training and mentoring above is of the first three Greenbelt graduates under the new programme.
programme to support lean transformation, helping drive positive change Certification requires 88 hours and a completed, approved project. There
and growth. This programme is a Lean Six-Sigma based process that are ten more Greenbelt candidates going through the certification process.
involves all levels and areas of an organisation. Yellow belt training is scheduled to begin 2020 Q2 and white belt training
is nearly complete.
Lean Six Sigma is a process improvement methodology designed to remove
waste and inefficiency (Lean) and reduce variation in our processes (Six The Asheville site has achieved over $6M USD annualised run rate savings
Sigma). This process also improves working conditions and provides a since 2018 and is on target to increase that total to $7M USD by the
better response to customers’ needs. It combines the tools, methods end of 2020. The Lean Six Sigma programme is a critical part of the lean
and principles of Lean and Six Sigma into one powerful methodology for transformation and has demonstrated its importance in driving change
improving the organisation’s operations. Lean Six Sigma’s team-oriented and improving culture. (Lunch and Learn team meeting on Zoom)
approach has proven results in maximising efficiency and dramatically
improving profitability for our business.
Flint Group Asheville has set targets for the number and type of Lean Six
Sigma training levels based on industry standards. There is much training
left to hit the 2020 targets but progress has been made. The picture 67
THE APPETITE FOR HEALTH

We constantly encourage our employees to take care of their health.
Apart from promoting physical activity, we emphasise the importance of
changing eating habits by including fruit and vegetables in our daily menu.
They are so important because they contain vitamins that are necessary
to maintain health and proper functioning of our body. This is the message
behind the Appetite for Health initiative organised monthly in Poland.
Each month a different vitamin is the main theme of the Appetite for
Health Initiative and each month a different team prepares healthy meals
that contain the vitamin for the rest of employees. Such monthly events
create great opportunity to integrate with colleagues whilst having a
healthy meal. Moreover, employees often share recipes with each other to
help them implement healthier diets in their everyday lives.
OFFSET SOLUTIONS – HAND SANITISER

With hand sanitisers in short supply, at the time of writing and much laboratory trials to factory production in a short time and in response to
needed to help protect individuals in the fight against Coronavirus, Offset the Covid19 pandemic.
Solutions happily switched over some of its solvent production capacity
at the Irlam Pressroom Chemical factory to the manufacture of hand With stringent health and safety requirements around the use of Ethanol
sanitiser. and Isopropyl Alcohol (the main ingredients used in hand sanitizer),
our Irlam factory was well-placed to start producing supplies quickly, as
Having never manufactured hand sanitiser before, we were satisfied that alcohol is already used in some of the products manufactured at the site.
in April 2020 we were able to manufacture our first batch according to the
World Health Organisation approved formula. In order to ensure we could make an effective, compliant product, and to
identify any potential issues, we made a small trial batch in our on-site
In addition to complementing our Pressroom Chemical product range and pilot plant. Colleagues from across our business were called on to advise
enabling us to pursue potential new sales markets, our aim is to donate on all aspects of producing the hand sanitiser from hygiene regulations, to
further product to support local Care Homes and Schools in the coming quality control, to transport safety etc.
weeks.
In time we intend to scale up production of hand sanitiser to also help
It’s thanks to the teamwork and efforts of employees from across Flint Flint Group employees, local communities and individuals stay protected
68 Group, with Regulatory advice, materials, packaging and labels, that

we have been able to scale up production of the hand sanitiser from
against the virus.
Flint Group Sustainability Report 2020 | Social
SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER IN

SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL
Flint Group Brazil is holding SIPAT (Internal Week for The Prevention of
Accidents) and one of our activities will be the collection of donations to
the Marta Kuboiama Child Cancer Support Centre.
CMK is a non-profit organisation and was founded on January 11, 2006

thanks to the initiative of Marta Kuboiama, who has had cancer since
1994.
The project aims to assist children with cancer from all over the country
and to welcome them during their treatment in São Paulo.
WANTED – BIGGEST LOSER! Congratulations to our week 4 top 5 winners!

We invite everyone (employees, apprentices and regular third parties
working for Flint Group) to participate in this Donation Campaign and to
As the Asheville site Safety Health and Environmental Manager I would get to know the CMK institution.
admit that our focus has been primarily on safety. No doubt the safety of
the people that work at and visit the site is absolutely critical. It takes an Employees can donate food and other goods. Participants can deliver as
everyday, all the time effort by all to work safely and to help each other many donations as they can.
do the same.
The participation of all employees is very important in continuity of our
Recently we’ve started a new emphasis on employee health, addressing work focussed on Social Responsibility.
the H in SHE! Every year in the Fall, around the beginning of the flu
season, we hold an annual health fair offering flu shots, some other great
health checks and receive a lot of good information from local vendors.
To complement the fair, we recently started a ‘Biggest Loser Challenge’ in
an effort for some of us (myself definitely included) to lose weight through
healthier eating and (at least a little) physical activity. We’ve enlisted help Left to right… Michael Plemmons (7.6% body weight loss), Dean Moore (6.53%),
from a local registered dietician from Pardee Hospital to provide some Eddie Nichols (5.09%), Connie Douglas (5.47%), and Fenton Lang (3.76%)
guidance and share some recipes too!
In addition to our challenge, a few of our employees had started a lunch
At the time of writing, we are in week 5 of the 12 week challenge and time walking routine and now the group is adding to their numbers. In the
the 46 people that are participating have lost a total of 194 lbs. The photo starting in the back, from left to right we have some of our most
Challenge winners will be based on percent weight loss honouring the passionate walkers – Sandra Suttles, Amy Dill, and Cindy Greer, and in the
top 5 participants through week 4, then through week 8 and then finally front row left to right – Helen Fowler, Connie Douglas and Toni Keenan.
celebrating our overall Biggest Loser at our week 12 weigh in. So far it has Snowdena Scott, also one of our walkers, was not available for the photo.
been great for all participating: making us healthier and helping to build a
true team spirit among our challengers. Thanks for getting us moving ladies and gents!
69
HELPING THE LITTLE ONES...

In Winter 2019, as part of the activity of a CSR group from Flint Group
Poland, a collection of money and gifts in kind for the Asylum Foundation
was organised in our local sites. Thanks to their proactivity and the
generosity of the rest of the Polish team, we managed to collect a
considerable amount of money, as well as many gifts - a total of 97 kg of
wet and dry dog food, 41 kg of cat food, as well as blankets, towels and
accessories for animals such as toys, bowls or leashes.
The owners of the foundation were grateful for the support and donations
and said that our contribution will help their pupils survive the winter.
The local Flint Group team was delighted to help and decided to turn
this initiative into a regular annual action. Helping others brings a lot of
satisfaction, especially when it concerns our four-legged friends!
NOBLE PACKAGE FOR

FAMILIES IN NEED
The Christmas season is supposed to be a time of joy, but
for families finding themselves in a difficult financial situation,
it can be a tough time. In December 2019, the Flint Group
employees in Poland organised help for families in need as part
of the ‘Noble Package’ charity initiative.
As always, it was a very intensive 3 weeks full of various actions

such as internal auctions, cake fairs as well as the collection
of donations and gifts for chosen families in need. Although
the organisation of the whole initiative requires volunteers to
devote a lot of time and energy, they were delighted to be able
to bring joy to those in need and make their holidays more
pleasant.
70
FEEDBACK FROM SCHOOLS:
“Absolutely OUTSTANDING! We are so well acquainted with Storieskip’s
high standards, excellent quality and exceptional talents! Their visit is a
highlight on our calendar!”
WE ARE PROUD TO SUPPORT STORIESKIP Gordon’s Bay Primary School
A TRAVELLING THEATRE COMPANY IN SOUTH AFRICA “FABULOUS! Pitched at the right level, educational and relevant to the
Flint Group South Africa is proud to support Storieship, an educational Moral Values and Respect for all. When visiting schools, Storieskip kids. Storieskip never disappoints!”
group introducing theatre to underprivileged youth. Storieskip shared their provides everything and educators and learners can just walk into the Fish Hoek Primary School
thanks to our South African organisation in this positive letter. venue and enjoy the show. Our venues vary from libraries to school halls
with stage lights and lovely acoustics, to performing outside under a tree.
Dear Flint Group,
We love every moment! The children’s reactions and excited faces
“EXCELLENT! Learners were mesmerized and the educators became
We focus on bringing Educational Theatre to Junior Schools and more make what we do worth while! Storieskip also provides schools with a
totally de-stressed! Thank you, Storieskip! See you next year!”
importantly to the disadvantaged schools in the Western and Southern Word Search Puzzle. Teachers often use our visit as a Second Language
Cape Provinces of South Africa. Vocabulary Lesson. Golden Grove Primary School (Rondebosch)
Storieskip has been operating successfully for the past 19 years! The We use Flint Group Sponsorship for:
background of our crew has had a positive influence on our success. • Sponsoring under privileged schools
Members have Qualifications and Experience in Theatre and Acting as well • Keeping us on the road ( petrol ) “Always ENTERTAINING, Educational and captivating! Everyone enjoyed
as Teaching and Languages. • Accommodation and food when touring ( once a year) every moment - the smiling faces said it all! Please come again and
• Sound and Editing again!”
Storieskip strives to introduce Theatre to the poorest of the poor and we • Costumes
also get invited by Private Schools to bring Theatre to their doorstep. We Sir Lowry’s Pass Library
• Backdrops
aim to introduce as many children possible to Theatre! This is why we are
• Props
so grateful for the Flint Group sponsorship and support!
• Rehearsals
• We travel safely in the Opel Vivaro sponsored by Flint Group, we have
With the help of Flint Group, we can reach children in the rural areas, seating for 3 and enough space for the Set and Sound. “We are so grateful! Thank you for traveling so far to bring Theatre to our
where we are always welcomed with open arms. For many children our community. It is a WONDERFUL opportunity for our children to experience
visit is their first and sometimes only exposure to Theatre. Our main aim On behalf of the Storieskip Crew, we would like to thank you for your loyal Theatre. Thank you for the valuable Life Lessons. We appreciate your hard
is to promote the importance of Reading as a skill and we visit libraries support. Thank you for your share in keeping Theatre alive in South Africa! work! See you next year!”
regularly. We focus our attention on learners, aged between 4-14 years
old. (Duration : 50 minutes ) We write our own material. Our productions Storieskip will spread Flint Group name proudly wherever we go! Denneoord Primary School (George)
always have Educational themes Eg: Pollution, Global Warming, Recycling,
Endangered Sea Life, Pet care, Poaching and looking after Mother Earth.
Valuable Life Skills are brought across in a fun way Eg Good Manners,
Theatre Greetings!
Storieskip (Bernadette) 71
From Ahaus to Asheville, Santiago to Shanghai...

EUROPE / MIDDLE EAST / AFRICA
Belgium Flint Group Digital Division - Leper Sweden Flint Group Sweden AB - Lund Flint Group Packaging Inks North America Corporation - Tualatin
Xeikon Manufacturing NV - Lier Flint Group Sweden AB - Malmo
Flint Group Incorporated - Ypsilanti
Xeikon International - Westerlo Flint Group Digital Division Scandinavia AB - Stockholm
Flint CPS Inks North America LLC - Warsaw
France Flint Group - Frétin Flint Group - Trelleborg
Flint Group - Clermont Flint Group Sweden AB - Trelleborg Flint Group Packaging Inks North America Corporation - West Chester
Flint Group France S.A.S. - Clermont Switzerland Flint Group Switzerland AG - Burgdorf
Flint Group France S.A.S. - Coignieres Turkey Flint Group Matbaa Murekkepleri San. Tic. A.S. - Istanbul LATIN AMERICA
Flint Group International BV - Messigny Et Vantoux U.A.E Flint Group Middle East LLC - Dubai
Flint Group France - Nanterre United Kingdom Flint Group Ltd. - Corby Argentina Flint Group - Buenos Aires
Flint Group France S.A.S. - Sarrebourg Flint Group - Dundee Brazil Flint Group - Cotia
Germany Flint Group - Ahaus Flint Group - Irlam Flint Group Soluçoes para Impressão S/A / Perttu Matias Katila - Curitiba
Flint Group Germany GmbH - Boizenburg Flint Group (UK) Ltd. - London Chile Flint Group Overseas Incorporated Agencia en Chile - Santiago
Flint Group Germany GmbH - Frankfurt Flint Group (U.K.) Limited - Swindon Flint Group Chile Comercial Limitada - Santiago
Flint Group Germany GmbH - Stuttgart Flint Group - Wrexham Colombia Flint Inc. de Colombia Lyda - Bogota
Flint Group Germany GmbH - Willstätt Flint Group - Wolverhampton Mexico Flint Group - Lerma
Flint Group Germany GmbH -Winterbach Flint Group (UK) Ltd. - York Flint Group De Mexico S.A. DE C.V. - Estado De Mexico
Greece Flint Group S.A. - Athens Flint Group - Mexico City
Ireland Flint Print Group Ireland Ltd. - Dublin Peru Flint Group - Lima
Italy Flint Group - Caronno Pertusella NORTH AMERICA Venezuela Flint Group - Caracas
Flint Group - Cinisello Balsamo
Flint Group - Milan Canada Flint Group - Montréal
Flint Group Italia srl - Rome USA Flint Group - Arden
Luxembourg
Netherlands
Flint HoldCo - Luxembourg
Flint Group - Deventer
Flint Group Packaging Inks North America Corporation - Atlanta
Flint Group Packaging Inks North America Corporation - Batavia
ASIA-PACIFIC
Flint Group Netherlands B.V. - Helmond Flint Group - Beaufort Australia Flint Group Australia PTY Ltd. - Dandenong
Flint Group Supply Platform B.V. - Hilversum Flint Group Packaging Inks North America Corporation - Charlotte China Flint Group - Dalian
Flint Group - ‘s-Gravenzande Flint Group Packaging Inks North America Corporation - Dallas Flint Group Print Media Asia/Pacific - Guangdong
Flint Group - Winschoten Flint Group - Elizabethtown Flint Group - Guangzhou
Norway Flint Group Norway A/S - Oslo Flint Group Packaging Inks North America Corporation - Fairfield Flint Group Chemicals (China) Co. Ltd. - Shanghai
Poland Flint Group Polska Sp. z o.o. - Konstantynow Lodzki Flint Group Inc. - Fletcher Flint Group Printing Ink (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. - Shanghai
Flint Group Polska Sp. z o.o. - Lodz Flint Group - Indianapolis India Flint Group India Private Ltd. - Guwahati
Russia Flint CPS Inks LLC - Moscow Flint Group Digital Division America Inc. - Itasca Flint Group Ltd. - Hosur
Flint Group LLC - Moscow Flint Group - Lebanon Flint Group India Private Ltd. - Hyderabad
Flint Group Ltd. - St. Petersburg Flint Group Packaging Inks North America Corporation - Livonia Flint Group India Private Ltd. - Kolkata
Serbia Flint Group Balkan d.o.o. - Gornji Milanovac Flint Group Packaging Inks North America Corporation - Louisville Flint Group - Lamdapura
Flint Group South Africa (PTY) Ltd. - Bellville Flint Group Packaging Inks North America Corporation - Marietta Flint Group (India) Private Ltd. - Navi Mumbai
South Africa Flint Group South Africa Ltd. - Blackheath Flint Group Packaging Inks North America Corporation - Neenah Flint Group Private Ltd. - Noida
Flint Group South Africa Ltd. - Cape Town Flint Group Packaging Inks North America Corporation - Ontario Flint Group Private Ltd. - Vadodara
Flint Group South Africa (PTY) Ltd. - Durban Flint Group - Pine Bluff Indonesia PT Flint Group Indonesia - Jakarta
Flint Group South Africa Ltd. - Eastern Cape Flint Group - Portland Japan Flint Group Japan, Inc. - Tokyo
Flint Group South Africa Ltd. - Eiland Flint CPS Inks North America LLC - Rochester Republic of Korea Flint Group Korea LLC - Seoul
Flint Group South Africa Ltd. - Johannesburg Flint Group LLC - Rogers Malaysia Flint Group (Malaysia) SDN BHD - Selangor
Flint Group South Africa (PTY) Ltd. - Midrand Flint Group Packaging Inks North America Corporation - Romeoville Flint Group Asia SDN BHD - Shah Alam
Flint Group South Africa Ltd. - Milnerton Flint Group Packaging Inks North America Corporation - Sheridan New Zealand Flint Group NZ Ltd. - Auckland
Spain Flint Group Iberia S.L. - Vilanova Flint Group Coatings - Shreveport Thailand Flint Group Company (Thailand) Co Ltd. - Bangkok
Flint CPS Inks North America LLC - Spartanburg Vietnam Flint Group Vietnam Co.,Ltd. - Thu Dau Mot City
Flint Group - Three Rivers
72 ...You are probably closer to

Flint Group than you think! 73

www.flintgrp.com
LinkedIn.com/company/flint-group
Twitter.com/flinteresting
Facebook.com/Flintgrp
Published July 2020.
Instagram.com/flinteresting
Printed on sustainable forest stock (FSC) with
Xeikon digital press using eco-friendly dry-toner technology Youtube.com/c/FlintGroupCorporate

Flint Group Packaging Sustainability Report 2020

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Flint Group Packaging

Sustainability Report 2020

Flint Group sustainable growth as a business

TINTAS GRAFICAS 2015

Flint Group divisional structure:

Narrow Packaging Digital Offset Web Sheetfed

Antoine Fady, CEO Flint Group

Our sustainability journey…

We have set up a transparent process for collecting and monitoring

UNITED NATIONS’ SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Governance Guides corporate governance, Code of Conduct, risk and compliance.

FLINT GROUP PACKAGING MISSION AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES

At Flint Group, our mission is to be the best-performing

Our Guiding Principles

RESPONSIBLY BUILT PRODUCTS AND SOLUTIONS DESIGNED FOR A CIRCULAR ECONOMY

WE PROVIDE SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS AND SOLUTIONS

Addressing the converter operation

Addressing the recycling process

At Flint Group Packaging Inks, we aim to address sustainability concerns

PRODUCTS DESIGNED FOR CIRCULARITY

FLINT GROUP FLEXOGRAPHIC

We are continuously evaluating every lever we have to reduce our own

FLINT GROUP DIGITAL

We have defined three keys areas where we focus our actions.

CONTINUE TO REDUCE OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

OFFER SOLUTIONS THAT PROMOTE RECYCLABILITY

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR THE CIRCULAR MARKET

XEIKON REX PROGRAMME A division of

1) Full life cycle management

FLINT GROUP NARROW WEB

A RESPONSIBLE STRATEGY TO PROTECT HEALTH AND THE

Our innovation plans aim to deliver against these objectives.

INNOVATIVE & SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR AN EXIGENT

CONTINUE TO REDUCE OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

FLINT GROUP OFFSET SOLUTIONS

Flint Group Offset Team 17

Integrity and Compliance

Integrity and Compliance

Identifying and managing risk

MANAGING OUR RISK IN AN UNCERTAIN WHAT IT MEANS IN PRACTICE

We compile the risk events in a central database and perform a risk

Health and Safety OUR APPROACH TO HEALTH AND SAFETY

In 2018-2019, we continued to implement the health and safety strategy

Leading & Lagging Indicators YTD

First Aids 294 214

Near Misses 1.772 2.012

CONTINUOUS HEALTH AND SAFETY

incident investigation and sharing lessons learned – with a deeply rooted

INCREASING AWARENESS, DEVELOPING

HEALTH AND SAFETY COMPETENCIES

Increasing awareness of our employees and contractors, and developing

Number of actions Close out percentage

Flint Group sustainable supplier management

• provide a financial assessment

Principle 5: Support the effective abolition of child labour (exploitation).

Principle 6: Support the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.

Principle 8: Undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility.

Principle 9: Encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.

Chemical legislation and

FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, FLINT GROUP FOCUSSES ON ENERGY USE, WASTE,