The low tack, picking and piling characteristics of the product result in “excellent board compatibility” and “the product’s low misting characteristics improve performance on high-speed presses,” said a company statement.

Novasens P670 Prime is compliant with INGEDE de-inking requirements and is formulated with 75 per cent renewable raw materials. The series complies with standards including FDA, ISEGA, EuPIA, Swiss Ordinance, and the Dutch Commodities Act.

Emil Schroetter, technology director – sheetfed for Flint Group’s Offset Packaging Solutions, said, “Novasens P670 Prime delivers quality without compromise and unlocks unmatched performance regardless of the board grade used. Furthermore, the ink system comfortably performs on fast-running presses, ensuring excellent printability and increased productivity across multiple press types. Importantly, this product boasts the widest regulatory compliance of any Flint Group Sheetfed ink series in addition to a suite of proven environmental benefits.”

The Nekoosa Dye Sublimation Transfer Paper is paper-based and 100 per cent recyclable. $5 Nekoosa Bucks are also available in Nekoosa Dye Sublimation Transfer Paper. Users can collect Nekoosa Bucks in select rolls of the new product and wide-format print media year-round and redeem them online for a gift card of their choice.

Today’s expanded lineup of resin inks and printers offers bold, rich colour options, an ability to handle a wide range of media, environmentally friendly low-VOC output, and fast-drying prints. Resin ink printers provide production power for a diverse set of applications including wallpaper and fabrics, vehicle graphics, canvas printing, and interior and exterior signage.

Two names, one technology

Resin ink and latex ink are two names for similar, water-based, multi-purpose ink technologies. There isn’t latex or resin in the inks. Although the various latex and resin ink technologies are similar, the ink formulations vary substantially from manufacturer to manufacturer, so you’ll want to research your options carefully.

Resin ink printing works by preheating the material, after which the printer deposits a droplet of optimizer on the substrate. The ink is deposited inside the dot of optimizer, yielding just the right amount of dot gain. Using a high-quality optimizer is critical for controlling the level of dot gain, and therefore for controlling output quality.

Colour quality

In the past, resin ink colours have been known for being less rich and deep than those printed using eco-solvent ink. However, with today’s advanced equipment and ink formulations, some resin inks can achieve deep and rich colours that match the performance of eco-solvent inks.

The latest resin printers use advanced technology like variable dot control to fire different types of ink droplets, yielding unparalleled image quality. In addition, these newer ink formulations create more durable prints with greater scratch resistance than in the past.

Resin ink can be used to produce signage, fleet graphics, posters, banners, stickers, and labels.

Versatile print technology

Today’s resin ink printers provide a versatile production platform for a wide range of permanent and temporary signage, including wall, window, and floor graphics, fleet graphics, retail and office graphics, posters, banners, stickers, and labels.

Additionally, resin ink’s water-based print technology meets the requirements for print products used in certain environments, such as schools, health-care facilities, and hospitals. This sustainability aspect of resin inks is also more in demand market-wide, especially for interior graphics. Some manufacturers’ formulations have even achieved GreenGuard Gold Certification, providing assurance that they meet the most stringent standards for low VOC emissions into indoor air.

High-volume production

Many resin ink printers are designed to be high-volume machines and some even offer users lower running costs compared with other technologies. Users appreciate the time savings from resin ink production, which does not require post-production steps like outgassing. This simple workflow means resin ink prints are quickly ready to laminate, install or ship.

Additionally, without the need for post-production steps, resin ink printers can be loaded up with one material and left to run for hours. This makes them suitable for printing on fabrics, signage, window graphics, floor graphics, or fleet vehicle graphics.

Expanded media options

In the past few years, resin ink technology has evolved and the range of media these inks adhere to has expanded. Resin ink printer manufacturers are also focused on helping providers make use of more materials.

There are, of course, specialty materials designed for resin printers. However, when paired with the latest hardware, resin ink is compatible with a wide variety of media types including traditional signage materials as well as fabrics, wallpapers, and uncoated papers.

Durable, sustainable prints

Due to their eco-friendly composition, resin ink prints are in demand for indoor signage and decor, particularly at schools and medical facilities. Since these prints are viewed at close range, they also tend to be higher-margin products for print shops.

Resin inks’ durability has been improved and resin prints are now competitive for outdoor graphic applications such as vehicle and fleet graphics. Some manufacturer’s latex or resin ink formulations are best used for wraps on box trucks and trailers where less conformability is required. However, some of the newest resin inks are far less prone to cracking, which makes them a suitable choice for wrapping vehicles with more curves and edges.

Resin ink printer features

When evaluating resin ink printing technology, there are several important factors to consider.

Production speeds

Like all production equipment, today’s resin ink printers vary when it comes to speeds. Be sure the printer can produce at the speed and volume you need.

Testing, testing

It’s important to request test prints to ensure the ink formulation and printing technology can produce high-quality prints for a variety of applications. If your shop is considering adding high-margin products like vehicle or environmental graphics, you’ll need an inkset and printer that can consistently produce vibrant, rich, durable prints, which can conform to curves and edges.

Printhead technology

For consistently vibrant, detailed output, be sure to inquire about the printhead technology. Some manufacturers use a thermal printhead, which can degrade over time, resulting in colour variation.

Service and support

Another important factor is whether the printer manufacturer you are considering provide solid support and a trouble-free warranty.

Poised for growth

Industry leaders are predicting the printed graphics market will continue its current pattern of growth, and print providers need to consider options that will allow them to successfully meet the expanded demand for digitally printed output.

With their fast-drying, durable, and sustainable formulations, resin and latex inks are making resin ink production an increasingly popular solution.

Daniel Valade is product manager of digital print at Roland DGA. 

This article originally appeared in the November/December 2023 issue of PrintAction.

Extensive trials were conducted on HP Indigo 6K and 8K digital presses—involving concurrent testing by more than 20 press owners over the course of several months—to confirm that DigiPrime Vision 9000 is ready for the market.

Initially offered for HP Indigo 6K and 8K digital presses, DigiPrime Vision is also in the final development stages for the HP Indigo V12 digital press.

Available to purchase now, ReTac Clear PET is a 3.0 mil clear polyester (PET) film with a clear ReTac adhesive​ and forms part of Drytac’s ReTac range of solutions.

The film can be applied to all flat and simple curved surfaces. The solution has also been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for incidental food contact.

“We are delighted to add ReTac Clear PET film to our ever-expanding range of products,” said Drytac’s senior business development manager for North America, Dennis Leblanc. “This new solution is suitable for use across all manner of applications, while its non-PVC qualities make it a more planet-friendly option for users. Add in ease of installation and clean removal, as well as five-year durability across interior and exterior projects, and ReTac Clear PET is an incredibly exciting addition to the Drytac product portfolio.”

The Kodak Ektacolor Inks, used in stream inkjet technology, are formulated to create brighter, clearer, punchier print. It is available for both pigment and dye-based applications. Ektacolor Inks are manufactured using Kodak’s proprietary pigment micro-milling process, which creates fine nanoparticle pigments with a very narrow size distribution.

Kodak has launched a range of Kodak Optimax primers that are said to improve ink receptivity, ink adhesion, rub resistance, and image quality across a huge variety of substrates, including paper, cardboard, plastic, film, and even metalized materials.

“Along with our high-speed continuous inkjet technologies, these inks and primers create a complete inkjet ecosystem with perfectly matched components, all developed and manufactured in-house by Kodak. This helps printers produce a huge variety of applications efficiently, productively and profitably,” said Jim Continenza, CEO, Kodak.

“With HP 2600 as the latest addition to our solvent ink portfolio, big brand manufacturers can continue to reduce maintenance costs and gain production efficiencies that drive higher uptime on their packaging coding lines” said John Meiling, director of marketing and category management with HP Specialty Printing Solutions. “HP is committed to delivering outstanding print quality throughout the life of the print cartridge, helping brands realize low maintenance coding and marking, while also making progress towards their sustainability goals.”

HP also introduces a thermal inkjet (TIJ) 108-mm bulk printing solution for coding and marking on secondary packaging. This TIJ technology enables direct printing on the outside of packaging boxes, improving recyclability by avoiding glues and other adhesives required with traditional labelling processes.

The newest addition to the Drytac Polar Grip range, Polar Grip Air is a 3.2 mil white polymeric PVC film featuring a high-tack grey adhesive and a bubble-free technology release liner.

While built on the same technology used in the Drytac Polar Grip collection, the new Polar Grip Air is easier to apply than its sister Polar Grip film. It is also flexible. Its ability to adhere to coarse surfaces, such as brick or concrete, makes it a suitable choice for projects such as indoor and outdoor wall graphics. Polar Grip Air can also adhere to products with low surface energy.

Compatible with latex, eco-solvent and UV printers, Polar Grip Air is available in roll widths of up to 54 in. The film is also supplied with a seven-year interior and exterior warranty when used with matching laminate.

“We are absolutely delighted to be able to add Polar Grip Air to our already-extensive range of film products,” said Dennis Leblanc, Drytac’s senior business development manager for North America. “Drytac’s Polar Grip products have proved incredibly popular with users around the world and have been deployed in a wide range of projects. Polar Grip Air offers yet another option for customers seeking a reliable, high-quality solution for use in both indoor and outdoor work.”z

“Incorporating texture into a direct mail piece, holiday card, or an invitation is one way to elevate the perception of it and truly bring the piece to the next level,” says Jason Leonard, technical sales manager, Digital Print at Neenah. “Our goal with this sample kit was to get actual applications in the hands of printers with inkjet equipment, in a format that they could use, to inspire their customers.”

Neenah and Canon Solutions America collaborated to create “Next Level,” a sample kit showcasing the new production inkjet items in relatable formats that help customers envision their own printed piece.

“Commercial and photo specialty print providers are seeking to migrate their traditional offset printing to digital platforms for reasons of labour shortages, retiring offset operators, and the need for variable content,” said Francis McMahon, executive vice president, Production Print Solutions, Canon Solutions America. “The ability of Canon’s digital inkjet printers to match, and even exceed, that of offset lithography throughout a print run is making that migration possible. Neenah’s new media items strengthen and support offset migration by offering non-digital treated media in a 13 x 19 in. sheet size and a 20-in. wide-roll format, opening new possibilities in digital printing.”

The choice of the optimal packaging material in terms of appearance and haptics therefore plays a major role for companies. It must be carefully co-ordinated with the corporate identity and should pick up on current trends. With an expanded range of IQ Grass + Packaging papers, Mondi is hoping to serve these trends.

The IQ Grass + Packaging paper is the mixture of up to 30 per cent grass fibre and 70 percent FSC or PEFC-certified fresh fibre pulp. It is suitable for promotional cards, boutique carrier bags and liners for corrugated and solid board.

The paper can be printed not only by flexographic printing technology, but also using offset printing in all grammages. The fine pattern of the grass fibres remains visible in the paper.

The paper can be used as packaging for all dry and non-greasy products. This makes it suitable for cosmetic products, spirits and high-quality clothing as well as for many foods.

“Luxury packaging is literally the first point of contact with a high-quality product. It increases anticipation and conveys quality. With IQ Grass + Packaging there is also a touch of nature and uniqueness because each packaging has its own fine pattern,” said Bernhard Cantzler, head of marketing & business development at Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper.

The Onset 560 ink, which was developed in just six months, “offers excellent print quality and a wide colour gamut combined with low ink consumption,” said a media statement.

This is made possible through Agfa’s patented Thin Ink Layer technology, which uses a unique dispersion method. The Onset 560 ink has also obtained the GreenGuard Gold certification.

Another new ink product from Agfa is the new Avinci 110 ink for the Avinci CX3200 dye-sub textile printer. This ink set obtained the Oeko-Tex Eco passport, an independent certification system for chemicals, colorants, and auxiliaries used in the textile and leather industry. The passport states that the ink is free from any harmful substance and can be used to decorate fabrics that will be safe for both humans and the environment.

The Onset 560 ink set extends Agfa’s range of UV ink family, and the Avinci 110 ink set is an addition to Agfa’s water-based ink family.

“We demonstrate our expertise in developing and producing inkjet ink through our ability to consistently deliver high-quality prints. This is made possible by our inks’ exceptional ink shelf life, consistent batch-to-batch performance, reliable jetting, and vibrant colour strength,” said Marc Graindourze, Agfa’s business manager, Industrial Inks.

ESM-HOLO is a multipurpose, 6-mil holographic prismatic film featuring a permanent adhesive. It’s suitable for indoor and short-term outdoor applications, such as labels, stickers and decals, packaging, POP displays, window displays, and signage.

“This shiny, eye-catching film is unbeatable for creating announcements for special occasions, holiday décor, commemorative stickers, or unique labels and packaging with an upscale look,” said Lily Hunter, senior product manager, Roland DGA. “With the holiday season just around the corner, we expect to see significant demand for this new media, as it’s great for enhancing gifts and packages.”

The Rayoart PVC-free film range (clear and white) are available in both 60 and 92 micron thicknesses and are formulated on the reverse side to enhance adhesive anchorage. Both films are suitable for flat and simple curved large graphics, advertising and PoS applications for indoor and outdoor use.

Alasdair McEwen, product manager, Labels, said, “These next generation products have produced outstanding print results in the market. Their high gloss finish enhances the images and text. The fact that they are also extremely easy to apply or remove and are cost effective even versus monomeric vinyl makes them a perfect choice for graphic applications.”

Sample reels are available for laminators who want to conduct adhesive and print tests.

This new ink supply option increases the ink tank capacity of the JFX600-2513 to a maximum of 3L per colour while allowing for the 3L tanks to be replenished from 1L ink bottles.

Automatic white ink agitation functionality is integrated into the new ink supply option, eliminating the need for manual mixing. Weight sensors are incorporated as well to detect the weight of remaining inks.

“At Xeikon we take customer input seriously. Our solutions are cloud-connected, providing us with a lot of data on how the equipment is performing. This results in the ability to provide more automation in combining production runs to increase efficiency,” said Filip Weymans, Xeikon’s VP of Marketing, ”That is why, along with the presses, we develop fully digital converting and embellishing products such as the Xeikon LCU which can be configured into hybrid print and converting solutions.”

Xeikon hybrid solutions can hold both Xeikon’s Cheetah (dry-toner) as well as Panther (UV inkjet) technologies.

“Some of our customers call a hybrid solution the best of both worlds,” said Weymans, ”All developments at Xeikon fit into our mantra of digitizing label manufacturing with the purpose of enabling label converters to develop a profitable and sustainable future-proof business.”

Also, Xeikon announces its PantherCure LED series, a new family of inks for use with Panther technology. The PantherCure LED inks come with new waveforms, software and optimized screening.

“Today we already supply LED UV-inks to the Xeikon Jetrion base, therefore adding UV-LED inks was the next logical step for our Panther technology. Just last year we introduced a new generation of presses, the successors of the Xeikon PX2000 and Xeikon PX3000, affirming our commitment to the label market and UV inkjet label business,” said Weymans.

The new inks will be available on newly manufactured Xeikon PX3300 and Xeikon PX2200 from October 2022. Starting in 2023, current customers of prior models of the Panther Press, Xeikon PX3000 and PX2000 will be eligible for field upgrades.

The new hybrid printing solution, based on the Xeikon PX3300 (Panther), will be featured during Labelexpo Americas (September 13-15, Rosemont, Ill.). Join Xeikon in Hall F, Booth 5703, to see this and other technologies.

Xante’s X-Series UV Inkjet Flatbed printers apply ink to a layer of clear glue transfer media. A second adhesive layer is then laminated to the printed sheet. Once the two sheets have bonded, the ink can then adhere to almost any surface.

Robert C. Ross, CEO and president of Xante, said, “UV Unlimited is clearly a breakthrough technology, vastly expanding the capabilities of UV printing. Paired with any of our X-series UV printers, UV Unlimited can create new, high-margin applications for our customers.”

The UV Unlimited Transfer System is now available for purchase and delivery. The system includes a laminator specifically calibrated to produce transfer images, a starter pack of 20 A3 transfer media sheets, and one transfer media laminate roll. Additional transfer sheets and laminate rolls can be purchased as needed.

Responding to customer demand, MH-110PCL negates the yellowish tint evident in the previous MH-100CL clear ink, enabling more transparent modelling.

As with the conventional MH-100CL clear ink, the pure clear MH-110PCL ink is not only limited to just clear output. It can also be combined with colour inks (cyan, magenta, yellow and black) to reproduce translucent colour effects.

MH-110PCL will be available in 4.8 L capacity ink bottles.

The formulations have been optimized to match both latest production technologies and current market trends. The new NC ink series includes colours and clears and is designed for gravure and flexo printing of all kinds of flexible packaging.

“Compared to previous generations, our new series offers an extended functionality, an outstanding quality consistency and optimized rheological properties, significantly improving print results and efficiency,” said Björn Ewig, head of technology, flexible packaging, EMEA.

Tony Lord, president of Flint Group Commercial Publication Web and Flint Offset Packaging Solutions divisions, said, “We have been developing this product for some time. It was initially directed toward the retail market as a response to the desire to reduce the carbon footprint within the heatset print process. However, with the devastating impact of global gas pricing, which shows no sign of abating, we accelerated the development program, and are now able to provide Kryoset. Production results have confirmed on various popular substrates that Kryoset is able to provide high quality print with significantly reduced or a totally eliminated drying process, thereby enhancing print economics during this volatile inflationary period. The key to this development is the relationship between the ink, fount and substrate. Recognizing the prevailing shortages with paper supply to the industry, we have consciously developed Kryoset with a wide utilization bandwidth to ensure optimal performance with substrates that are commercially available today.”

“Customization is our bread and butter,” said Susan Cox, LogoJET CEO. “Now we’re taking the capability we know well to the next level in the food industry, and the possibilities are endless.”

Cox says the new FSR printers are built for heavy-duty industrial use and designed to bring customization to large-scale food manufacturers. The FSR30 can print on items up to 2.5 in. thick and the FSR90 can print on items up to 6 in. thick.

“These printers are built on the same industrial platform as our UV printer but formulated with a specific type of edible ink,” Cox said. “The inks are all made in the USA. The printers use full CMYK printing, creating nice vibrant images with a broad range of colours on various types of food.”

These new edible inks were developed in partnership with SunChemical, a global ink manufacturer specializing in safe and compliant edible printing inks.

TowerClean G2 distributes spray evenly across the web, and its optional brushes help remove lint. Using Baldwin’s precision spray technology, the TowerClean G2 offers various operation modes, including combined blanket and guide roller cleaning, blanket cleaning only and guide roller cleaning only.

“TowerClean G2 brings Baldwin surface cleaning technology to the small-format press market,” said Michael Stürmer, Baldwin’s vice president, Product Line Cleaning. “While highly valued for their format flexibility, these presses often do not have the space needed for conventional blanket cleaning. With its modular and expandable design, the TowerClean G2 provides several configuration options to meet production requirements.”

Baldwin is also now offering its Fogra-approved cleaning solvent TowerWash2, which was specifically created for use with TowerClean G2.

The new plant – to be located at Agfa’s headquarters in Mortsel, Belgium – will allow Agfa to serve its current customers, as well as be a key supplier of aqueous inkjet inks for a variety of novel applications.

Agfa’s first target is the growing market of printing on décor paper for the production of laminate flooring and furniture panels, where inkjet printing with water-based inks provides a cost-effective solution. Its second target is the market of inkjet printing on packaging, particularly corrugated board, delivering the most sustainable solution in terms of material, as well as the printing process and ink.

Along with Agfa’s existing facilities, the new plant will form a flexible and efficient production centre where R&D and quality control teams will be co-located. Its manufacturing capacity should cover the expected growth rates of ink volumes for the next five to 10 years.

As a result, the global production output increases to more than 150,000 tons per year. 

The company is investing approximately €2 million in a new integrated site in Brazil that will eventually employ about 180 workers. Located in the city of Araçariguama in the Brazilian state of São Paulo, the new site merges the administration, production and R&D activities from two old Brazilian sites in Guarulhos and Barueri.

The new integrated Actega site in Araçariguama.

“Production and warehousing will occupy most of the 12,000 square meter facility with new high-efficiency equipment installed to produce overprint varnishes,” Andrei Sotkeviciene, managing director at Actega Brazil, said in a statement. “Research and development activities will take place in an ultra-modern, 500 square meter research laboratory set up for this purpose.”

“South America is a very high-growth region for the packaging sector,” Actega division president Thorsten Kröller said. “With our investment in the new Brazilian site in the heart of the South American continent, we want to further promote and expand Actega’s development for the benefit of our employees and customers.”

Most raw materials used in the manufacturing and formulation of Sun Chemical inks sold across Latin America are imported primarily from the US, Europe and Asia and are already sold or indexed to the U.S. dollar.

Raw materials manufactured locally in Latin America are also sold using the U.S. dollar. Combining this with the extreme depreciation of local currencies across the various Latin American countries directly caused by the coronavirus and supply volatility has led Sun Chemical’s price lists to now be referenced to the American dollar.

By using the American dollar as the common currency for the entirety of ink offerings across the region’s organization, Sun Chemical Latin America can maintain price consistency across the region and focus on providing customers with continued product quality and technical support.

“At Sun Chemical, our first priority is offering our customers the highest standards in products and services throughout both the industry and the world,” said Fernando Tavara, president, Sun Chemical Latin America. “By taking this step in Latin America, we ensure we manage the currency volatility in a better way. This will also enable us to maintain our service and quality at the highest standards and minimize any risk of supply disruption during this challenging moment.”

Chris Evans

Recycled paper tubes and cores supplier Yazoo Mills Inc. has announced the promotion of Chris Evans to sales manager.

Evans joined the New Oxford, Pa.-based company in 2017 as an outside sales representative, responsible for creating new business within the East Coast.

He assumes his new role from Sharon Smith, who has spent more than 40 years at Yazoo Mills and will continue working as a key account manager.

Evans has a BA from Rowan University and over 20 years of experience in the tube and core industry. In his new role, he is responsible for driving and expanding business by directing the sales team, as well as implementing sales strategies to maximize the use of existing data in Yazoo’s systems. He will also help develop new territories and markets.

In a March 30 statement, Flint Group said that the surcharge will be implemented as promptly as possible “and will vary depending upon the specific product portfolio and commercial terms each customer has in place.”

The surcharge will remain active until the current raw material volatility subsides.

Orders received up until March 31, 2020, will not be affected, Flint Group said.

“The progressively worsening global economic situation caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is placing untenable pressure on the supply chain for packaging inks and coatings,” the statement said. “Supply across a number of raw material categories, notably solvents, is tightening and costs are rising quickly as the market becomes more constrained. Additionally, freight constraints are resulting in higher costs across all transportation modes.”

Flint Group said it’s witnessing increasing rates of absenteeism and sickness at all sites and disruptions throughout supply chains, and that these have meant that the standardization of production lines has become necessary; in some cases, customers may need to accept alternative products to ensure the continuity of supply.

“The worsening global situation caused by COVID-19 is having a significant impact on our business, yet our facilities continue to deliver consistent output despite major supply chain disruptions,” said Kim Melander, VP & GM Packaging Inks Europe. “However, this output comes at a significant cost which to date we have borne alone. We remain optimistic that this surcharge is a temporary measure – we continue to monitor the situation closely and will stay in regular contact with our customers to discuss any further developments.”

All other raw material categories, such as pigments, are being closely monitored as the pressure in the market builds. Flint Group said it is “constantly reviewing the commercial viability of its raw material catalogs to assess whether further increases will be required.”

“While some regions in the world continue to improve, other regions are facing unprecedented challenges,” Jeffrey Shaw, chief supply chain officer at Sun Chemical, said in a statement. “At Sun Chemical, we continue to monitor our global supply chain, proactively manage each of our sites and warehouses, and frequently communicate with our supply base.”

According to the company statement, all Sun Chemical’s manufacturing and warehouse sites are continuing to operate at present, raw materials continue to flow, and logistics providers continue to ship materials in a timely manner. “With new governmental regulations enforced and varying restrictions in place around the world, the company continues to work with all our stakeholders to make sure the fulfillment process works in an undisrupted manner,” the statement said.

“We have a vast global network in place to manage these changes and an integrated supply chain approach,” Shaw said. “Inventory levels remain in place while we continue to fulfill customer orders. In the event of further changes, we will work with customers to make sure we provide the best level of service.”

Sun Chemical provides pressroom products for a variety of printing processes including digital, flexo, gravure, lithographic, and screen printing.

Greenguard certification aims to ensure that products for indoor use comply with strict upper limits to chemical emissions for a healthier room atmosphere. Greenguard Gold sets even stricter certification criteria with added emphasis on the safety of at-risk groups, such as children and the elderly. As swissQprint explains, this ensures that products are suitable for use in places such as schools and healthcare facilities. Both the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design building rating system (LEED) reference the Greenguard programme.

The Evolve Advanced Digital Solutions custom integration hardware program will also be represented. From a conventional perspective, INXhrc natural-based inks are designed to reduce regulatory risk for brand owners and improve production efficiencies for printers and converters with a 25 to 30 percent lower CO2 footprint than standard aqueous inks, INX explains. HFB multi-purpose UV Curable inks boast a premium formulation that runs cleaner than OEM inks, with “truer reds and excellent adhesion and flexibility on a range of graphic medias,” the company says, noting they are optimized for curing both UV and LED on HP FB printers, and intended for jetting on HP Scitex FB500, FB700 and FB900 printers. As well, GSU is formulated to attain GRACoL standards and hit G7 targets to match colour and produce consistent print quality while running on EFI VUTEk GS series hybrid model printers.

BoFood Organic is a worldwide patented sheetfed offset ink for printing on the inside of folding carton food packaging, also allowing direct food contact. All the raw materials used in the manufacture of the ink have been approved for use in foodstuffs.
 
Under the agreement, ownership of the intellectual property in BoFood Organic remains with Epple, which has granted Sun Chemical a licence to market BoFood Organic under the name of SunPak Organic, reflecting the ink’s food-safe qualities. The two companies have also agreed to work together to further develop the platform technology for other potential applications.
 
“We see ourselves as pioneers in the development of sustainable sheetfed offset printing inks and are particularly proud of having created a worldwide patented offset ink that has been approved for printing on the inside of food packaging,” says Dr. Carl Epple, Member of the Management Board, Epple Druckfarben.
 
“Having carried out the necessary due diligence to ensure that, as with all the products we offer, Epple’s food-safe ink technology conforms to the high standards our customers expect from Sun Chemical, we are delighted to be collaborating with Epple to market the technology under the SunPak Organic name and look forward to a fruitful relationship for both parties,” Felipe Mellado, Chief Marketing Officer and Board Member at Sun Chemical, adds.

“The result is an exceptionally large color gamut, a more reliable high-quality image with outstanding shelf life and a soft, natural feel, as well as better in-printer performance,” the company explains.

Kodak has partnered with ColDesi, Inc., Digital Ink Sciences and Resolute DTG, among others, to bring Kodak’s ink formulations to their respective hardware printing capabilities.

Kodak has been producing and selling digital inks for thermal piezo and continuous inkjet systems since the 1990s, as customization of fabrics for garments, accessories, upholstery, soft signage continues to grow. It plans to offer the Kodacolor Fabric Inks in all major markets by the end of 2019.