TLMI

PREMIUM WHITE BOPP FACESTOCK FOR PRESSURE SENSITIVE LABELS

·      NEW PRINTABLE COATED CAVITATED BRILLIANT WHITE GLOSS FILM

·      MADE FOR SELF ADHESIVE LABEL APPLICATIONS

·      COMPLIES WITH EU FOOD CONTACT REGULATIONS

Combining the best of both worlds: Innovia Films has recently applied their surface technology to their material science, by developing a uniquely engineered printable coated cavitated BOPP facestock film, Rayoface™ AQBSA.  Designed for pressure sensitive labelling (PSL) applications, the film is 58 microns thick, has a printable top-coating, and an adhesive receptive coated surface on the reverse side.  

“AQBSA is suitable for use within a wide range of market segments such as Household and Personal Care, Food and Beverage, and other consumer packaged goods sectors”, explains Lucija Kralj, Business Unit Director Labels. “The 5-layer technology in the cavitated base film, means AQBSA is a high-performance product that gives both superb economics and a high yield.”

With an extremely high opacity of 91%, Rayoface™ AQBSA provides a brilliant white surface, and even after top-coatings, has EU food contact compliance.

The enhanced coating technology of Innovia Films means AQBSA provides the off-press ink adhesion label printing requires, as well as the print and cold-foiling appearance the PSL market demands. 

This film has already undergone in-depth trialling and shown excellent results throughout the PSL supply chain and is available immediately.

To find out more contact your local Innovia Films Sales Manager or email labels@innoviafilms.com

Rayoface™ AQBSA, printable coated cavitated film for PSL label applications.

For further information contact:

Marika Knorr, Head of Sustainability & Communications / Charlotte Robinson, Assistant Communications Manager

Innovia Films Ltd, Lowther R&D Centre, Wigton, Cumbria, CA7 9XX, UK

Tel: +44 (0) 16973 42281   Fax: +44 (0) 16973 41452 

Email: mknorr@cclind.com

www.linkedin.com/company/innovia-films

Watch our Videos on You Tube: www.youtube.com/innoviafilms

www.innoviafilms.com

Innovia Films is a major producer of highly differentiated specialty Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) films using proprietary ‘Bubble’, Stenter Technology and Cast manufacturing processes. 

The company holds a leading global position in the markets for high performance coated films, tobacco overwrap, labels and security films. Innovia employs >1400 people worldwide and has production sites in Australia, Belgium, Germany, Mexico, Poland and the UK. The company is focused on high-quality value-added products, strong customer relationship, R&D and excellent service.

UPM Raflatac introduces new paper label solutions enhancing PET and HDPE recycling

UPM Raflatac is expanding its wash-off portfolio with new paper label materials that enhance the recycling of PET and HDPE. The label materials have received European certifications of recyclability from Institut cyclos-HTP for PET and HDPE packaging, and they are part of UPM Raflatac’s SmartCircle™ portfolio.

“We are determined to develop solutions for circularity. While plastics have remarkable features to keep valuable content safe until consumption, we also seek ways to increase the share of certified renewable materials in the packaging that go beyond fossils. Now, in addition to our multiple plastic wash-off solutions, we are excited to expand the offer into sustainably sourced paper labels. These innovations enable high-quality recycled PET and HDPE flakes to be used again as the label material separates cleanly in the recycling process,” says Sylwia Jurys, Vice President, Paper Laminates SBU EMEIA, UPM Raflatac.

The certifications verify that PET and HDPE bottles using the certified label materials are recyclable in the most common recycling processes. They separate cleanly from the recycled packages resulting in a greater yield of PET and HDPE. This allows the valuable PET and HDPE flakes to be recovered without contamination with the label materials. The flakes can be converted into new high-quality materials and may be used also within the closed-loop systems. This reduces waste, increases the availability of high-quality recycled raw material, and reduces the need for virgin plastic.

The recycling of plastic waste is a worldwide issue, that calls for attention from every part of the recycling value chain. The EU’s Plastic Strategy foresees that by the year 2030, all plastic packaging should be reusable or recyclable in a cost-effective manner. To achieve these ambitious goals, the packaging itself as well as the recycling value chain must be designed to ensure the recyclability of the packaging.

“The right label material choice plays a critical role in enhancing the recyclability of any packaging. With the comprehensive SmartCircle portfolio we can offer our customers materials for many different purposes, enhance packaging sustainability, and support in the shift to a circular economy,” Jurys says.

Institute cyclos-HTP is a company specialized in the classification, assessment, and certification of recyclability of packaging and goods as well as in research and development in the field.

You can find all the certificates for UPM Raflatac’s SmartCircle wash-off solutions below.

For further information please contact:
Sylwia Jurys, Vice President, Paper Laminates SBU EMEIA, UPM Raflatac
Media contacts coordinated by Saku Uotila, Senior Specialist, Communications, UPM Raflatac, tel. +358 2041 50828 or saku.uotila@upm.com

Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives Introduces Monet X-Dry™ FSC®

Graham, NC – April 12, 2023, Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives (FSA), part of The Fedrigoni Group, a global leader in the production of premium labels and self-adhesive materials, has introduced Monet X-Dry™ Ultra WS FSC® to the North American market. Monet is an uncoated paper with natural brightness and technology that preserves initial opacity and graphics integrity and eliminates bubbles and wrinkles, even when subject to extreme temperature changes or ice buckets.

Monet features X-Dry™ a technology that is specifically designed to preserve the initial label opacity and integrity after being exposed to extreme temperature changes, making it ideal for wine and spirits, which are often placed in refrigerators and ice buckets.

The proprietary X-Dry™ technology also helps ensure the legibility of graphic design and a brand’s image. With added Ultra Wet Strength technology, this material also prevents deformation, wrinkles and bubbles from forming on the label. These two technologies, combined with the permanent acrylic adhesive, which improves adhesion to glass bottles, is an ideal solution for white, rose, and sparkling wines in addition to any premium product that requires a high-performing label in varying temperatures and humidity conditions.

According to Melissa Harton, Marketing Manager, North America, “We are pleased to be able to offer this premium wine and spirits paper here in the United States. Not only is it a highly functional material, but it also offers the perfect canvas for the elegant designs we see in the wine and spirits markets today. We are also pleased to have another FSC® certified product in our portfolio.”

Fedrigoni’s Monet X-Dry™ Ultra WS FSC® not only provides resistance to immersion in water/ice but also helps prevent creases and deformation and offers a sustainability story for brands. Monet X-Dry™ Ultra WS is FSC®certified, made from elemental chlorine-free (ECF) pulp and is acid-free.

Product Details:

●       Available to ship from the CA distribution center

●       MOQ: 12” x 10,000’ 

Products Available:

●       Monet X-Dry™ Ultra WS 110 / SH 6020 Plus / 1.2 mil PET

●       Monet X-Dry™ Ultra WS 110 / SH 9020 / 1.2 mil PET

FSC®-C138765.

About Fedrigoni

Since 1888 Fedrigoni has stood for excellence in the manufacture of specialty papers. Today, it is a world leader in labels, self-adhesive materials and high-added-value papers for luxury packaging and other creative solutions. With over 5,000 employees in 28 countries and 25,000 products, the Group sells and distributes in 132 countries and, thanks to recent acquisitions, has become the first player at a global level in specialty papers for luxury packaging and third in premium self-adhesive materials. The Paper business unit includes the Cordenons Group, the historic brand Fabriano, and most recently Guarro Casas (October 2022) and Papeterie Zuber Rieder (November 2022). The Self-Adhesives business unit includes Arconvert, Manter, Ritrama (since February 2020), IP Venus (December 2020), Acucote and Rimark (June 2021), Divipa (February 2022), Tageos (April 2022), Unifol (July 2022). Furthermore, the American distributor GPA is also part of the Group.

Roland DGA Introduces New Rotary Rack XL and Rotary Rack XXL Accessories for its VersaOBJECT CO Series and VersaUV LEC2 S-Series UV Printer 

Irvine, Calif., April 12, 2023 – Wide-format imaging leader Roland DGA has introduced two new Rotary Rack attachments that enable the company’s recently launched VersaOBJECT® CO Series UV flatbed printers as well as VersaUV® LEC2 S-Series UV flatbeds to print directly around cylindrical objects.

Sturdy, accurate, and simple to use, the new Rotary Rack XL and Rotary Rack XXL attachments allow VersaOBJECT CO Series and VersaUV LEC2 S-Series users to perform full 360-degree printing around a wide variety of cylindrical items, including larger objects, with ease and precision. The Rotary Rack XL is designed for use with the 30-inch CO Series and LEC2 S-Series flatbed and belt-driven hybrid UV printers, while the larger Rotary Rack XXL is built for the 64-inch flatbed and belt-driven hybrid models.

Both the XL and XXL attachments can print on cylindrical items ranging from .5 inch to 7.75 inches in diameter, including angled bottles or glassware, and are capable of full cylindrical wraps. The Rotary Rack XXL is equipped with two 30-inch racks, allowing for increased versatility and production capability.

Rotary Rack XL and Rotary Rack XXL are made in the USA and feature durable aluminum construction for reliable, long-lasting performance. While both attachments are extremely strong and built to last, they are surprisingly lightweight, which makes them easy to lift, transport, and use. They are uniquely engineered to fit perfectly under the carriage of the printer and are powered completely by the gantry, allowing for cost-efficient operation. Rotary Rack setup is also a breeze – users can be ready to print in minutes.

“The new Rotary Rack attachments allow users of our CO Series and LEC2 S-Series UV flatbed printers to expand their applications and customized product offerings to include everything from drumsticks to large water bottles and more,” said Roland DGA Product Manager Kitt Jones. “In addition to being durable, reliable, and simple to operate, these innovative accessories significantly enhance the capabilities of our wide-format UV flatbeds. They add direct-printing on cylindrical objects to the long list of things these amazing machines can do.”

To learn more about the new Rotary Rack XL and XXL accessories, visit https://www.rolanddga.com/rotaryrack. For more information on Roland DGA Corporation, or the complete Roland DGA product line, visit https://www.rolanddga.com.

About Roland DG Americas

Roland DG Americas serves North and South America as the marketing, sales, distribution, and service arm for Roland DG Corporation. Founded in 1981 and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Roland DG of Hamamatsu, Japan is a worldwide leader in wide-format inkjet printers for the sign, apparel, textile, personalization and vehicle graphics markets; engravers for awards, giftware and ADA signage; photo impact printers for direct part marking; and 3D printers and CNC milling machines for the dental CAD/CAM, rapid prototyping, part manufacturing and medical industries.

INX to showcase Performance-Proven Product lineup at MetPack 2023

Schaumburg, IL – April 12, 2023 – It has been six years since the metal decorating industry last came together at MetPack. In a world of change, one thing that hasn’t is INX International’s status as the global leader in metal decorating inks and color management technologies. Many of the major advancements INX has introduced since 2017, including the latest new products, will be exhibited in Stand 3C15 from May 2-6 in Essen, Germany.

INX will demonstrate a full range of products for 2- and 3-piece cans, monobloc containers, and direct-to-metal digital decoration and brand color management solutions. Daily presentations will be offered about Sustainable Ink Innovations and INX Color Perfection.

“The metal decorating industry has experienced rapid change since 2017. Many of our new developments have taken place in the last three years since the show was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Renee Schouten, INX’s Vice President of Marketing, in reference to MetPack’s three-year rotation cycle.

“We continue to ambitiously pursue new projects and developments to stay in front of future trends. Every approach we take, from resource management and sustainability to brand marketability and improved shelf appeal, is done with the brand owners, customers and consumers in mind.”

One of the major innovative contributions that has grown dramatically is INX Color Perfection. The brand and color management program includes the first ever INX Color Catalog, Together with a digitized color library, advanced digital proofing, and color management tools, brand owners are able to get their cans to market quicker with accurate and consistent color anywhere in the world.

Alex Folloso and Sarah Jacks will provide daily presentations at INX Stand 3C15.

“The market penetration of the INX Color Catalog is remarkable,” continued Schouten. “With over 330 catalogs in the marketplace, more than 50% are in the hands of brand owners and they participate in our annual Colored By INX Can Design Contest. It incorporates use of the Color Catalog, and all eligible participants, including designers, metal decorators, and others have until May 31 to enter their designs.”

Sarah Jacks, INX Color Perfection Manager, will conduct the daily INX Color Perfection – A Global Update, sessions starting at 10:30 a.m. The demonstrations will explain the worldwide acceptance of the color management program with the most recent updates and brand owner case studies.

Alex Folloso, Director of Metal Decorating Technology, will be the speaker for the Coloring a Safe and Sustainable Future in Metal Decoration presentations at 2:30 p.m. It’s an opportunity for attendees to learn about INX’s sustainable ink innovations specific to the metal decorating market, and how exclusive resources are dedicated to industry research and development.

Alex Folloso and Sarah Jacks will provide daily presentations at INX Stand 3C15.

Formulated with sustainable practices and consumer safety in mind, the EcoCan 2-piece metal ink system has gained recognition in the marketplace since being introduced in 2021. Schouten said the product receiving a Gold Level Material Health Certificate from the Cradle to CradleÔ Innovation Institute is another example of INX’s dedication to the environment and consumer safety.

“Gold certification is awarded only to products that avoid the use of chemicals of concern,” she remarked. “Our R&D division is dedicated to technological innovations and continuously upgrades our product formulations. EcoCan is a great choice for metal decorators since it is formulated with low VOC and BPA-NI for environmentally friendly printing on high-speed aluminum and coated beverage cans.”

Schouten explained that as part of the focus on PFASNI, INX has reformulated all UV curable flat sheet metal decorating inks including INXCure PrintPro EU.

Designed for flat sheet metal decorating and formulated with European food regulations in mind, INXCureÒ PrintPro EU inks are free of Per and Polyfluoroalkyl substances. For use on crowns, screw caps, closures, 2-piece DRD cans, welded aerosols and decorative tin applications, the performance-proven inks cure fast for UV or LED, with excellent fabrication and printability.

INX’s specialty inks portfolio will also be on display in Stand 3C15. AP Tactile Plus, NoVar Gloss and Matte inks, as well as thermochromic color changing, fluorescent, black light, and brand protection security inks will showcase how metal packaging can have maximum shelf appeal.

With chemists, engineers, and software experts focused on inkjet formulations and print drive electronics, INX Digital provides customer-driven solutions for direct-to-metal digital decorating. Experts will be available to talk about a wide range of digital inkjet solutions, including UV and LED inkjet and Low Migration formulations and advanced digital proofing. MetPack attendees can sign-up to meet with INX or to attend a daily presentation here.

About INX International Ink Co.

INX International Ink Co. is the third largest producer of inks in North America, with full-service subsidiaries in Europe and South America and is part of Sakata INX worldwide operations. We offer a complete line of ink and coating solutions technology for commercial, packaging and digital applications. As a leading global manufacturer of inkjet inks, we provide a full palette of digital ink systems, advanced technologies and integrated services. To stay in touch with the latest developments, follow INX on Facebook and Twitter and visit www.inxinternational.com.

Roland DGA Announces Launch of New VersaOBJECT CO Series UV Flatbed andBelt-Driven Hybrid UV Printers

Irvine, Calif., April 11, 2023 – Wide-format imaging leader Roland DGA has announced the launch of its new VersaOBJECT® CO Series inkjets – advanced flatbed and belt-driven UV printers that combine unsurpassed image quality, outstanding productivity, and unmatched versatility, with legendary Roland DG reliability and ease of use. The newest additions to Roland DG’s innovative line of UV-LED devices, and the first to be introduced under the new “VersaOBJECT” brand line, these next-generation inkjets print directly on a vast array of substrates and three-dimensional items, enabling print providers to significantly expand their applications and product offerings.

Replacing the VersaUV® LEC2 S-Series within Roland DGA’s product lineup, the new VersaOBJECT CO Series offers customers a range of configurations and sizes to suit varying production environments and requirements. Customers can choose from two available flatbed printer widths (30” and 64”) as well as three available bed lengths (F200, F300, or F400). The flatbed models enable print providers and product manufacturers to perform product customization as well as direct-printing on flexible and rigid materials, allowing for an extensive range of merchandising, packaging, sign, and display application opportunities. The two Belt-driven hybrid models (CO-300 B200 and CO-640 B200), which allow for faster loading/unloading and can print on roll media as well as rigid materials and three-dimensional objects, are ideal for those seeking even greater versatility and efficiency.

All CO Series UV printers feature an impressive media height of up to 7.87 inches, making it easy for users to direct-print vibrant, detailed graphics on a wide variety of substrates, including plastic, leather, wood, and cloth. The CO Series printers’ carriage clearance as well as their ability to print directly on gently curved or uneven surfaces makes them perfect for the personalization and customization of consumer products, industrial products and parts, interior décor, signage, POP displays, packaging, and much more. In addition, the belt-driven hybrid models allow printing on items with longer shapes, as well as unique and thicker roll media such as natural or synthetic leather, felt, and rubber mats.

Roland DGA has also introduced two new Rotary Rack accessories – the Rotary Rack XL and Rotary Rack XXL – that further expand the product customization capabilities of the CO Series flatbed and belt-driven UV inkjets. Made in the USA, these durable yet lightweight aluminum attachments allow CO Series users to print quickly and accurately around cylindrical objects ranging from .5 inch to 7.75 inches in diameter, including bottles, glassware, drinking flasks, and more. The Rotary Rack attachments are simple to install and are powered completely by the printer’s gantry, making them extremely cost-efficient. The Rotary Rack XL is designed for use with the 30-inch CO Series flatbed and hybrid printers, while the Rotary Rack XXL attachment, which features two 30-inch racks for increased versatility and production capability, is made for the 64-inch CO Series models.

CO Series printers are engineered to take full advantage of Roland DG’s wide-gamut GREENGUARD Gold certified ECO-UV 5 (EUV5) inks, which cure instantly under the powerful UV-LED lamps. Users can choose from eight different ink configurations to suit their specific needs, including dual CMYK for increased productivity, or CMYK with optional Red, Orange, White, Gloss, and Primer. The White and Gloss specialty inks can be used to incorporate stunning dimensional and textural effects into prints, while the onboard Primer allows for improved adhesion and media compatibility.

All CO Series flatbed and belt-driven hybrid UV printers are equipped with innovative features that optimize overall image quality, performance, and ease of use, such as an intuitive Distance Print Mode that increases print consistency on objects that are flat, irregular, or curved, and a Reverse Blow function that removes material from the bed for clean, efficient production. CO Series printers also boast advanced safety features, including a separate control panel that creates a safe operating area, an emergency stop perimeter around the base and side of the device, and signal beacon that clearly highlights the printer status.

“The unique capabilities of these machines, as well as the various configurations available, make the CO Series perfect for any size print business seeking to grow its product offerings and profits,” said Roland DGA’s UV Product Manager, Jay Roberts, “These incredibly versatile, competitively priced machines allow users to print on just about anything, maximize operational efficiency, and produce vibrant, high-quality output that will please their most demanding customers.” 

Every CO Series UV printer comes with included VersaWorks® 6 software – Roland DG’s most powerful and intuitive RIP to date. This feature-filled software features a Harlequin RIP dual core engine with 64-bit native processing for enhanced speed and file handling, a simple drag-and-drop interface, variable data printing, nesting, cropping and tiling tools, a special Color Plate Generation function that lets you automatically generate White, Gloss, and Primer layers directly in the RIP, and much more.

To learn more about the new VersaOBJECT CO Series flatbed and belt-driven UV printers, visit https://www.rolanddga.com/co-series. For more information on Roland DGA Corporation or the complete Roland DGA product line, visit https://www.rolanddga.com.

About Roland DG Americas

Roland DG Americas serves North and South America as the marketing, sales, distribution, and service arm for Roland DG Corporation. Founded in 1981 and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Roland DG of Hamamatsu, Japan is a worldwide leader in wide-format inkjet printers for the sign, apparel, textile, personalization and vehicle graphics markets; engravers for awards, giftware and ADA signage; photo impact printers for direct part marking; and 3D printers and CNC milling machines for the dental CAD/CAM, rapid prototyping, part manufacturing and medical industries.

INX to offer Sustainability insights at PRINT UV Conference

Schaumburg, IL – April 10, 2023 – The Las Vegas tradition of inviting back popular acts for a return engagement also applies to knowledgeable and well informed industry experts. Rebecca Lipscomb, the Director of Global Regulatory Affairs at INX International Ink Co., will soon experience her return to the centerstage at the 2023 PRINT UV Conference. She is scheduled to address the audience for two seminars at the 15th annual event, May 2-4 at the Encore at Wynn Resort.

Last year Lipscomb was joined by Jonathan Graunke, INX’s VP of UV/EB Technology and Assistant R&D Director, for a presentation on sustainable development goals for printers. On May 3, she will tackle regulatory issues at the 11:30 morning session – Navigating the Green Frontier: Regulations & Sustainability in Print. Later at 3:45 p.m., she will share a road map of information while discussing, Part Two, the Thrilling Revelations: Unraveling the Shades of Sustainability.

Lipscomb said the first session will delve into the always evolving regulatory landscape and discuss the associated complexities and their impact on greener technology.

“Regulatory issues will never go away. They are here for the duration and it’s a growing trend on a global scale,” said Lipscomb, who joined INX in 2011 and has served in her current position since 2020. “I plan to share details about SNURs, Prop 65 – the forever regulation – PFAS, which have millions of definitions covering thousands of substances, and EU regulations. Those are now spreading beyond the European Union and may impact your business.”

Her afternoon presentation is designed to have printer attendees strategize about their own sustainability brand and how it can mesh with brand owner expectations.

“It’s about where everyone is at today and where we go from this point,” remarked Lipscomb. “My goal is to get people thinking and have them build a road map beyond the GHG numbers, in addition to predicting the next evolution of what brand owners may expect, with some options and ideas. I will share some of my personal experiences and what INX has learned. 

It is not too late to learn what Lipscomb will discuss. INX has a registration discount code available that any commercial offset, packaging, or specialty printer attendee can access to save $100 on registration fees. INX is also scheduling appointments to meet with ink experts at this year’s event. Take advantage of these offers and preview what INX has in store for the PRINT UV Conference.

About INX International Ink Co.

INX International Ink Co. is the third largest producer of inks in North America, with full service subsidiaries in Europe and South America and is part of Sakata INX worldwide operations. We offer a complete line of ink and coating solutions technology for commercial, packaging and digital applications. As a leading global manufacturer of inkjet inks, we provide a full palette of digital ink systems, advanced technologies and integrated services. To stay in touch with the latest developments, follow INX on Facebook and Twitter and visit the website.

 

Wausau Coated Products Announces Steve Luedke as the New Vice President of Technology & Engineering 

Wausau, WI — Wausau Coated Products Inc., a leading manufacturer of adhesive-based label products, is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Luedke as the new Vice President of Technology & Engineering. 

Steve joins Wausau Coated Products with over 25 years of label and packaging experience. Prior to his new role at Wausau Coated Products, Steve held a variety of positions in industry leading companies including WS Packaging Group, MCC Label, and Innovairre. During his tenure at WS Packaging/MCC he served in several key roles including Business & Market Development Manager, and Director of Engineering, North America. Steve also held the role of Chief Engineering Officer, Domestic Platform at Innovairre. 

In his new role, Steve will be responsible for R&D/technical compliance; equipment capability; and quality control. 

“We are extremely excited to have Steve in his new role as Vice President of Technology & Engineering,” states, Ben Reif, President/Owner, Wausau Coated Products. “Steve’s industry knowledge and engineering experience will be a huge asset to the organization. We welcome Steve’s knowledge and look forward to watching him succeed in his new role.” 

“I have worked very closely on product development with the team at Wausau Coated Products for over 20 years as a customer of theirs,” states, Steve Luedke, Vice President, Technology & Engineering. “I was always impressed with their ingenuity and willingness to put the R&D time and resources into unique product ideas that we brought to them. It’s a great business model that I feel sets them apart from other suppliers in this space, and I’m excited for the opportunity to use my industry experience to help support and grow the business.” 

LED curing set to take the spotlight for 2023, says Flint Group

April 2023:  2023 is shaping up to be the year of conversion to LED curing for label and narrow web packaging printers, says leading global print consumables manufacturer, Flint Group.

The business notes a drive towards LED curing over traditional UV methods and believes that while the adoption of LED has been slow and steady, market conditions, the cost of energy, and the evolving regulatory landscape is indicating an uptick in the rate of adoption – particularly in Europe.

Niklas Olsson, Global Director Product & Commercial Excellence, Narrow Web at Flint Group, explains: “Just a few years ago, the industry believed that LED curing could never match the quality or performance of UV curing and required significant investment. However, right here and right now, the case for LED curing has never been stronger, so it’s no surprise that we’ve seen businesses of every size making the transition.

“As brands and retailers seek sustainable supply chain partners to support their ESG objectives, achieving more sustainable printing is front and centre for packaging and label printers worldwide. When we talk about LED curing, we talk reduced downtime driving enhanced productivity and the much lower energy use offered in comparison to UV curing – believed to be between 50-80% depending on light dissipation – is becoming an extremely attractive cost and sustainability benefit too.

“With today’s business environment and the cumulative benefits of LED, we’re clearly looking at the tipping point of real market-wide change. This is likely to intensify with global sustainability legislation limiting the use of mercury, which looks set to make UV lamps harder to acquire and dispose of. With LED curing offering lower cost in use, rapid speed, and high quality, it’s time to move the curing conversation forwards, and 2023 could be the year this happens on a broad scale.”

To support customers in this transition, Flint Group designed its EkoCure® range of inks with Dual Cure technology. These inks provide superb performance with both traditional lamps and UV LED curing. In addition, this range includes EkoCure ANCORA F2, designed for stringent food labelling & packaging applications. With EkoCure’s dual curing capabilities, printers can transition unit by unit or press by press.

Mr. Olsson continues: “With EkoCure, and its ability to cure under mercury or UV LED lamps, we are helping our customers futureproof their operations. As the case for LED curing grows, no printer wants to generate unnecessary waste or be stuck with costly UV ink inventory they can’t use as they transition over. With over ten years of experience formulating LED inks, Flint Group is the market leader in this technology with the expertise to make the switch easy and cost-effective for our customers.”

“LED technology today is miles ahead of where it was a decade ago and can finally meet its potential, offering speed, quality, and consistency indistinguishable from traditional UV curing but with additional cost and environmental benefits. From our perspective, it’s the future of narrow web printing. With our pioneering EkoCure range and local technical expertise, we are perfectly positioned to support our customers to adopt LED curing easily.” 

For more information on Flint Group and its full range of ink and coating solutions, please visit www.flintgrp.com or email info.packaginginks@flintgrp.com.