David Savastano09.02.14
The label and narrow web market is continuing to enjoy growth, as key segments such as flexible packaging, shrink sleeves and labels make gains on store shelves. With an eye on these growing opportunities, ink manufacturers are looking forward to Labelexpo Americas 2014 (Sept. 9-11 at the Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL) to bring their latest technologies to printers and brand owners.
Jeremy Teachman, field market manager, narrow web, tag and label, Sun Chemical, says that Sun Chemical has seen continued growth in the narrow web, tag and label market, especially in the shrink sleeve and specialty wine, spirits and beer label sectors. “From a technology perspective, UV flexo continues to grow in use as well as various products targeted at engaging the senses (i.e. tactile coatings),” Teachman notes. “Dialogue around product stewardship drivers continues to be an active area of the market, with growing use of products designed for use in sensitive applications (i.e. pharmaceutical, food packaging labels, etc).”
Niklas Olsson, global brand manager Narrow Web, Packaging & Narrow Web division of Flint Group, says that the global label and narrow web market is doing well. “We are using the ‘wider terminology’ commonly used to define the label market,” Olsson says. “The pressure sensitive (PS) label market is actually maturing, with just over 2%-3% growth globally. In many regions the printed PS labels (i.e. prime labeling) may be considered too stagnant as the main volume growth is among un-printed/blank labels (later used for variable information printing through laser, thermal transfer or direct thermal). Another implication is digital printing: that definitely is making in-roads with good growth, though still running with a smaller market share (estimated 5% volume).
“It is also clear that PS labels are in competition with many other product decoration methods, such as wraparound, in-mold labels, shrink sleeves as well as direct print (flexible packaging),” Olsson adds. “The trend in all above applications is for shorter and shorter run lengths. This is caused by the need for differentiation and more targeted marketing where the packaging design is playing an important role. And, for this, there is an interesting need for short run ‘labels and packaging’ converting in-line, making narrow web (i.e. traditional label presses) an ideal tool.
“Strongest areas of growth do differ regionally around the world,” Olsson says. “In the US, we see growth in shrink sleeves and flexible packaging applications for narrow web presses. In addition, we still see strong growth in pressure sensitive labels. Flexo remains a strong and growing application – particularly UV flexo. Interest remains high in UV LED but we feel more education is needed to continue to grow this technology. Digital continues to grow as well.”
Renee Schouten, corporate marketing manager for INX International Ink Co., says that INX is having success throughout the label and narrow web market. “Overall the market is doing well,” says Schouten. “We are experiencing growth and demand for our products across the board, with significant interest in our UV inks.”
Jon Fultz, business development manager, Fujifilm North America Corporation, Graphic Systems Division, says that the label and narrow web market is in a very healthy growth phase. “Converters are expanding and investing in new equipment,” he says. “It’s interesting to note that in addition to the high growth of digital, investment in new analog presses is remains strong. Increased use of thinner and more environmentally friendly substrates continues to grow including all forms of shrink applications.”
The use of metallics can create an impact on labels and narrow web packaging. Scott Schultz, regional technical/market development manager for Eckart America, says that shrink sleeves are a particularly strong area for metallics. “The label market continues to show positive signs of growth as this market is linked to a large number of products used by consumers,” says Schultz. “Shrink sleeves continue to grow in popularity, and interest in printed metallic effects is strong as brand owners use shrink labels to maximize their products premium message on the store shelves.”
Damon Geer, vice president sales, Zeller+Gmelin, North America (Z+G) says that Z+G sees food packaging as a strong opportunity. “At Z+G, we believe the future of narrow web is tied directly to the food packaging industry, and as this industry changes and develops, so to will narrow web,” Geer says. “For instance, one of the emerging technologies that is already impacting narrow web is UV digital Inkjet, and as the capabilities of inkjet increase, so to will its ability to gain market share from standard water-based and UV flexo applications. LED is another growing technology that will be impacting the food packaging industry over the next five years, as printers look for special niche markets that could prove the investment worth while.”
John Pettus, marketing manager, national sales for Wikoff Color, says that Wikoff Color has grown significantly in the label market the past 12 months. “In-mold label, shrink sleeve, cut and stack and premium labels are all strong markets where Wikoff is competitive,” Pettus adds.
Chris Calomino, marketing director, Actega Kelstar, says that Actega has seen generous growth over the last couple years in both the label market along with the narrow web flexographic market as a general technology. “While the industry is driven by both mainstream commercial and niche markets, the market is vastly influenced by the role of the top 25 global retailers, of which the top 10 are based in the United States,” Calomino says. “These major retailers mandate and create market needs such as RFID/barcode implementation, packaging sustainability, and special effect technology. This overall impact and external factors such as alternative label formats will influence continued growth for labels in the foreseeable future. ACTEGA also sees shrink sleeve formats and special effect technologies as being some of the major growth areas in the label and narrow web market.”
Mike Harjung, vice president narrow web, Nazdar Ink Technologies, said that Nazdar experienced continued strong growth in beauty brand, food and beverage markets. “Our strongest growth has been in shrink sleeve ink,” Harjung says.
New Products Launched at Labelexpo
Ink manufacturers are developing a wide range of new technologies for the label and narrow web market, both for the conventional and digital printing sides.
Sun Chemical will have a large variety of products on hand. This includes Sun Chemical’s Solaris System, a complete line of inks, consumables and coatings designed for self-adhesive and in-mold labels, wrap arounds, shrink sleeves, tubes and food and pharmaceutical packaging. The company notes that the Solaris System can be used on films, foils, papers, pressure-sensitive papers, plastics, vinyl, top-coated polyethylene, polypropylene and more.
The company will also showcase its SunSpectro family of reverse/surface print inks; its SunInspire special effect sensory coatings; SunLase data marking systems; SunGraphics high definition flexographic plate technology; Verigard brand protection solutions; and the Sun Chemical Water-Based Flexo Dispenser Program.
“During Labelexpo Americas, we’re taking our customers from concept to consumer by showcasing our full range of solutions for the marketplace,” says Charles Murray, president, North American Inks, Sun Chemical. “Customers can count on us not only for inks and coatings, but also for color management, plates, brand protection and more. We strive to be a partner our customers can turn to for any need they may have.”
The ability to develop smart packaging solutions is another area of emphasis for Sun Chemical, which will showcase its T+Sun collaboration with T+Ink. T+Sun will demonstrate Touchcode, an imbedded code that when touched to a smart device, activates a range of options, including security and web interaction.
“Brand owners and converters are increasingly inquiring about printed electronics on packaging,” says Roy Bjorlin, global commercial director, Electronic Materials, Sun Chemical. “Touchcode is a great first step to engaging an interaction with consumers.”
Olsson noted that Flint Group has several new products at Labelexpo this year, including an expanded EkoCure range with UV shrink whites, UV coatings and adhesives, additional UV rotary screen opaque whites, metallics, and a special UV flexo black and white – all of these curable to with UV LED lamp technology.
“We’re particularly pleased to announce EkoCure ANCORA – our UV LED low migration UV flexo inks,” Olsson says. “These inks are ideal for food packaging and shrink sleeve applications. We are also introducing HydroPropack L and S, a water-based lamination system designed for adhesive and solventless lamination on a variety of film constructions.”
Schouten says that INX will have a full range of label technologies at the show. “The new Komori NW210 inkjet UV digital narrow web press with inline laser cutting is designed to give label converters, direct mail and packaging printers an opportunity to evolve into digital printing with short-run production for narrow web printing,” she notes. “The new HMJ-200 small batch ink dispenser from HMJtech Dispensing Solutions offers a cost-effective solution for small to medium sized batches in the tag and label market.
“The AquaTech series will be represented by three premium quality water-based flexographic ink formulations,” Schouten adds. “Anyone visiting booth 6411 will also find a wide range of UV inks for shrink label printers, including a Low Migration ink, as well as our premium Etona and ShrinkPac F gravure ink systems.”
Stephen Emery, vice president of EFI’s ink business, says that digital printing is a growth area for label and narrow web printers. “Digital printing continues to be one of the most significant areas of opportunity in the label converting market,” he says. “And that is not just EFI’s perspective. It is a telling sign to see the ways flexo press manufacturers are pushing to develop inkjet solutions as well.
“There are some proven and well established digital printing technologies in the narrow-web space, and I believe there will be continue to be strong growth in the market as more and more converters see how inkjet offerings like the EFI Jetrion press line really boost their profitability,” Emery adds. “It is a an offering that is really centered around providing the lowest cost per label in a market where short- and medium-run is more prevalent than ever before, and where there is still a lot of untapped opportunity for brands to embrace multi-SKU applications.”
Emery says that EFI is showcasing its 13-inch wide EFI Jetrion 4950LX LED narrow web press at Labelexpo. “For the first time, we are showing it with full print, cutting and varnish/lamination capabilities in line,” Emery says. “The press gives converters a competitive advantage with its superior, 720x720 dots per inch resolution, and its top speed of 157 feet per minute is nearly twice as fast as previous UV-inkjet Jetrion press models. It is also similar to average actual speeds on flexo presses.
“Our varnish/lamination station on the press allows converters to add gloss or matte flexo varnish or lamination right as the job is printed, saving the labor and time associated with doing that offline,” Emery adds. “We will also feature a new version of EFI Radius software. The newest version gives users the ability to integrate their workflow with our world-class PrintFlow dynamic scheduling software, plus it offers new CRM, a new web portal and integrated shipping and fulfillment using EFI SmartLinc software.”
Schultz notes that Eckart America is introducing its new line of Rotostar UV LED inks and its Rotostar UV Shrink Sleeve Gold ink at Labelexpo Americas 2014. These inks were created to compliment Eckart’s existing range of Rotostar UV flexo inks for the narrow web and mid-web markets.
“With Rotostar UV LED inks, printers with LED capabilities can incorporate metallic inks as part of their product offerings and design capabilities to brand owners,” Schultz says. “These inks are easy to handle and demonstrate outstanding press performance – excellent cure, good trapping and low foaming, while displaying a significant level of brilliance and opacity. Eckart’s Rotostar UV LED flexo silver and golds are the new standards in metallic inks for the emerging LED technology.
“In the final stages of development, Eckart’s Rotostar UV Shrink Gold ink is based on a true bronze pigment that allows for cleaner, more vibrant metallic gold effects that maintain their brilliance even after going through the film shrinking process,” Schultz adds. “Rotostar UV Shrink Gold will offer excellent brilliance, coverage and is designed for printing on PVC, Pet-G and OPS shrink substrates. Printers will be able to create glamorous metallic decorative effects in-line as part of the printing process, offering economic advantageous versus other types of decorating technologies.”
Fultz says that Fujifilm will be demonstrating its new Graphium hybrid inkjet press, including a flexo station prior to and following the inkjet station.
“It will demonstrate all of the benefits of digital printing, including variable data and banner mode, as well as applying a flexo spot color, UV flexo varnish and die-cutting, all in-line,” Fultz says.
The Clarity waterwash flexo plate will also be featured along with an S927 waterwash flexo plate processor. Fultz notes that the Clarity plate allows for very high image quality and processes in under 40 minutes.
Inks will also be an important emphasis for Fujifilm at Labelexpo.
“The full range of Fujifilm UV and water-based inks will also be a major focus for us at the show,” Fultz says. “In addition to being run live on the Graphium hybrid press, label samples, including a shrink sleeve application. will be available. Fujifilm’s UV and water-based inks are engineered for ease of use and high performance, providing real added value to converters.”
Becky Cornelius, marketing manager for Siegwerk, says that Environmental Inks – a member of the Siegwerk group – will be highlighting four key product and service offerings that provide a sustainable, value-add to the label market. “Siegwerk is introducing new UV LED ink solutions as well as new shrink sleeve ink technology,” Cornelius explains. “In addition, Siegwerk will be highlighting its FastMatch - Color on Demand color match system, as well as its global product safety guidance and support. Each key highlight brings a value-add to the customer base.”
Actega has a variety of new and updated technologies being showcased this year at Labelexpo. Calomino says that Actega will have live comparative demonstrations being held at its ColorBar, showcasing its PharmaFlex SW shrink sleeves inks.
“These inks will highlight their high opacity and superior flexibility while maintaining an exceptional design as compared to other inks in the industry,” Calomino adds. “In addition, we will be promoting our entirely new UV Ink system, ACTExactUV Process Inks, which are revolutionary in regards to its almost water-like viscosity and balanced cure rate. They are G7 compliant and provide more stability on press with their ability to have all inks cure consistently at the same rate, which is uncommon with traditional UV flexo ink systems. We are extremely excited about this new technology and have them being run live on many of the presses throughout the show.”
Pettus says that Wikoff Color will be highlighting a new UV flexo ink system as well as 4-color inkjet printing at Labelexpo 2014. Harjung said that Nazdar will be featuring its LED flexo, LED metallic, LED OPV and adhesive, LED R/S and water-based packaging inks.
For label and flexible packaging, Toyo Ink is exhibiting Labelpro, an ultra clean, high strength water-based ink system, and Steraflex, a high strength, fast curing UV flexo ink system. PowerFlex SS is designed for the shrink sleeve market, and Toyo Ink will also showcase its latest ink dispenser system.
David Savastano is editor of Ink World magazine, a sister publication to L&NW.
Jeremy Teachman, field market manager, narrow web, tag and label, Sun Chemical, says that Sun Chemical has seen continued growth in the narrow web, tag and label market, especially in the shrink sleeve and specialty wine, spirits and beer label sectors. “From a technology perspective, UV flexo continues to grow in use as well as various products targeted at engaging the senses (i.e. tactile coatings),” Teachman notes. “Dialogue around product stewardship drivers continues to be an active area of the market, with growing use of products designed for use in sensitive applications (i.e. pharmaceutical, food packaging labels, etc).”
Niklas Olsson, global brand manager Narrow Web, Packaging & Narrow Web division of Flint Group, says that the global label and narrow web market is doing well. “We are using the ‘wider terminology’ commonly used to define the label market,” Olsson says. “The pressure sensitive (PS) label market is actually maturing, with just over 2%-3% growth globally. In many regions the printed PS labels (i.e. prime labeling) may be considered too stagnant as the main volume growth is among un-printed/blank labels (later used for variable information printing through laser, thermal transfer or direct thermal). Another implication is digital printing: that definitely is making in-roads with good growth, though still running with a smaller market share (estimated 5% volume).
“It is also clear that PS labels are in competition with many other product decoration methods, such as wraparound, in-mold labels, shrink sleeves as well as direct print (flexible packaging),” Olsson adds. “The trend in all above applications is for shorter and shorter run lengths. This is caused by the need for differentiation and more targeted marketing where the packaging design is playing an important role. And, for this, there is an interesting need for short run ‘labels and packaging’ converting in-line, making narrow web (i.e. traditional label presses) an ideal tool.
“Strongest areas of growth do differ regionally around the world,” Olsson says. “In the US, we see growth in shrink sleeves and flexible packaging applications for narrow web presses. In addition, we still see strong growth in pressure sensitive labels. Flexo remains a strong and growing application – particularly UV flexo. Interest remains high in UV LED but we feel more education is needed to continue to grow this technology. Digital continues to grow as well.”
Renee Schouten, corporate marketing manager for INX International Ink Co., says that INX is having success throughout the label and narrow web market. “Overall the market is doing well,” says Schouten. “We are experiencing growth and demand for our products across the board, with significant interest in our UV inks.”
Jon Fultz, business development manager, Fujifilm North America Corporation, Graphic Systems Division, says that the label and narrow web market is in a very healthy growth phase. “Converters are expanding and investing in new equipment,” he says. “It’s interesting to note that in addition to the high growth of digital, investment in new analog presses is remains strong. Increased use of thinner and more environmentally friendly substrates continues to grow including all forms of shrink applications.”
The use of metallics can create an impact on labels and narrow web packaging. Scott Schultz, regional technical/market development manager for Eckart America, says that shrink sleeves are a particularly strong area for metallics. “The label market continues to show positive signs of growth as this market is linked to a large number of products used by consumers,” says Schultz. “Shrink sleeves continue to grow in popularity, and interest in printed metallic effects is strong as brand owners use shrink labels to maximize their products premium message on the store shelves.”
Damon Geer, vice president sales, Zeller+Gmelin, North America (Z+G) says that Z+G sees food packaging as a strong opportunity. “At Z+G, we believe the future of narrow web is tied directly to the food packaging industry, and as this industry changes and develops, so to will narrow web,” Geer says. “For instance, one of the emerging technologies that is already impacting narrow web is UV digital Inkjet, and as the capabilities of inkjet increase, so to will its ability to gain market share from standard water-based and UV flexo applications. LED is another growing technology that will be impacting the food packaging industry over the next five years, as printers look for special niche markets that could prove the investment worth while.”
John Pettus, marketing manager, national sales for Wikoff Color, says that Wikoff Color has grown significantly in the label market the past 12 months. “In-mold label, shrink sleeve, cut and stack and premium labels are all strong markets where Wikoff is competitive,” Pettus adds.
Chris Calomino, marketing director, Actega Kelstar, says that Actega has seen generous growth over the last couple years in both the label market along with the narrow web flexographic market as a general technology. “While the industry is driven by both mainstream commercial and niche markets, the market is vastly influenced by the role of the top 25 global retailers, of which the top 10 are based in the United States,” Calomino says. “These major retailers mandate and create market needs such as RFID/barcode implementation, packaging sustainability, and special effect technology. This overall impact and external factors such as alternative label formats will influence continued growth for labels in the foreseeable future. ACTEGA also sees shrink sleeve formats and special effect technologies as being some of the major growth areas in the label and narrow web market.”
Mike Harjung, vice president narrow web, Nazdar Ink Technologies, said that Nazdar experienced continued strong growth in beauty brand, food and beverage markets. “Our strongest growth has been in shrink sleeve ink,” Harjung says.
New Products Launched at Labelexpo
Ink manufacturers are developing a wide range of new technologies for the label and narrow web market, both for the conventional and digital printing sides.
Sun Chemical will have a large variety of products on hand. This includes Sun Chemical’s Solaris System, a complete line of inks, consumables and coatings designed for self-adhesive and in-mold labels, wrap arounds, shrink sleeves, tubes and food and pharmaceutical packaging. The company notes that the Solaris System can be used on films, foils, papers, pressure-sensitive papers, plastics, vinyl, top-coated polyethylene, polypropylene and more.
The company will also showcase its SunSpectro family of reverse/surface print inks; its SunInspire special effect sensory coatings; SunLase data marking systems; SunGraphics high definition flexographic plate technology; Verigard brand protection solutions; and the Sun Chemical Water-Based Flexo Dispenser Program.
“During Labelexpo Americas, we’re taking our customers from concept to consumer by showcasing our full range of solutions for the marketplace,” says Charles Murray, president, North American Inks, Sun Chemical. “Customers can count on us not only for inks and coatings, but also for color management, plates, brand protection and more. We strive to be a partner our customers can turn to for any need they may have.”
The ability to develop smart packaging solutions is another area of emphasis for Sun Chemical, which will showcase its T+Sun collaboration with T+Ink. T+Sun will demonstrate Touchcode, an imbedded code that when touched to a smart device, activates a range of options, including security and web interaction.
“Brand owners and converters are increasingly inquiring about printed electronics on packaging,” says Roy Bjorlin, global commercial director, Electronic Materials, Sun Chemical. “Touchcode is a great first step to engaging an interaction with consumers.”
Olsson noted that Flint Group has several new products at Labelexpo this year, including an expanded EkoCure range with UV shrink whites, UV coatings and adhesives, additional UV rotary screen opaque whites, metallics, and a special UV flexo black and white – all of these curable to with UV LED lamp technology.
“We’re particularly pleased to announce EkoCure ANCORA – our UV LED low migration UV flexo inks,” Olsson says. “These inks are ideal for food packaging and shrink sleeve applications. We are also introducing HydroPropack L and S, a water-based lamination system designed for adhesive and solventless lamination on a variety of film constructions.”
Schouten says that INX will have a full range of label technologies at the show. “The new Komori NW210 inkjet UV digital narrow web press with inline laser cutting is designed to give label converters, direct mail and packaging printers an opportunity to evolve into digital printing with short-run production for narrow web printing,” she notes. “The new HMJ-200 small batch ink dispenser from HMJtech Dispensing Solutions offers a cost-effective solution for small to medium sized batches in the tag and label market.
“The AquaTech series will be represented by three premium quality water-based flexographic ink formulations,” Schouten adds. “Anyone visiting booth 6411 will also find a wide range of UV inks for shrink label printers, including a Low Migration ink, as well as our premium Etona and ShrinkPac F gravure ink systems.”
Stephen Emery, vice president of EFI’s ink business, says that digital printing is a growth area for label and narrow web printers. “Digital printing continues to be one of the most significant areas of opportunity in the label converting market,” he says. “And that is not just EFI’s perspective. It is a telling sign to see the ways flexo press manufacturers are pushing to develop inkjet solutions as well.
“There are some proven and well established digital printing technologies in the narrow-web space, and I believe there will be continue to be strong growth in the market as more and more converters see how inkjet offerings like the EFI Jetrion press line really boost their profitability,” Emery adds. “It is a an offering that is really centered around providing the lowest cost per label in a market where short- and medium-run is more prevalent than ever before, and where there is still a lot of untapped opportunity for brands to embrace multi-SKU applications.”
Emery says that EFI is showcasing its 13-inch wide EFI Jetrion 4950LX LED narrow web press at Labelexpo. “For the first time, we are showing it with full print, cutting and varnish/lamination capabilities in line,” Emery says. “The press gives converters a competitive advantage with its superior, 720x720 dots per inch resolution, and its top speed of 157 feet per minute is nearly twice as fast as previous UV-inkjet Jetrion press models. It is also similar to average actual speeds on flexo presses.
“Our varnish/lamination station on the press allows converters to add gloss or matte flexo varnish or lamination right as the job is printed, saving the labor and time associated with doing that offline,” Emery adds. “We will also feature a new version of EFI Radius software. The newest version gives users the ability to integrate their workflow with our world-class PrintFlow dynamic scheduling software, plus it offers new CRM, a new web portal and integrated shipping and fulfillment using EFI SmartLinc software.”
Schultz notes that Eckart America is introducing its new line of Rotostar UV LED inks and its Rotostar UV Shrink Sleeve Gold ink at Labelexpo Americas 2014. These inks were created to compliment Eckart’s existing range of Rotostar UV flexo inks for the narrow web and mid-web markets.
“With Rotostar UV LED inks, printers with LED capabilities can incorporate metallic inks as part of their product offerings and design capabilities to brand owners,” Schultz says. “These inks are easy to handle and demonstrate outstanding press performance – excellent cure, good trapping and low foaming, while displaying a significant level of brilliance and opacity. Eckart’s Rotostar UV LED flexo silver and golds are the new standards in metallic inks for the emerging LED technology.
“In the final stages of development, Eckart’s Rotostar UV Shrink Gold ink is based on a true bronze pigment that allows for cleaner, more vibrant metallic gold effects that maintain their brilliance even after going through the film shrinking process,” Schultz adds. “Rotostar UV Shrink Gold will offer excellent brilliance, coverage and is designed for printing on PVC, Pet-G and OPS shrink substrates. Printers will be able to create glamorous metallic decorative effects in-line as part of the printing process, offering economic advantageous versus other types of decorating technologies.”
Fultz says that Fujifilm will be demonstrating its new Graphium hybrid inkjet press, including a flexo station prior to and following the inkjet station.
“It will demonstrate all of the benefits of digital printing, including variable data and banner mode, as well as applying a flexo spot color, UV flexo varnish and die-cutting, all in-line,” Fultz says.
The Clarity waterwash flexo plate will also be featured along with an S927 waterwash flexo plate processor. Fultz notes that the Clarity plate allows for very high image quality and processes in under 40 minutes.
Inks will also be an important emphasis for Fujifilm at Labelexpo.
“The full range of Fujifilm UV and water-based inks will also be a major focus for us at the show,” Fultz says. “In addition to being run live on the Graphium hybrid press, label samples, including a shrink sleeve application. will be available. Fujifilm’s UV and water-based inks are engineered for ease of use and high performance, providing real added value to converters.”
Becky Cornelius, marketing manager for Siegwerk, says that Environmental Inks – a member of the Siegwerk group – will be highlighting four key product and service offerings that provide a sustainable, value-add to the label market. “Siegwerk is introducing new UV LED ink solutions as well as new shrink sleeve ink technology,” Cornelius explains. “In addition, Siegwerk will be highlighting its FastMatch - Color on Demand color match system, as well as its global product safety guidance and support. Each key highlight brings a value-add to the customer base.”
Actega has a variety of new and updated technologies being showcased this year at Labelexpo. Calomino says that Actega will have live comparative demonstrations being held at its ColorBar, showcasing its PharmaFlex SW shrink sleeves inks.
“These inks will highlight their high opacity and superior flexibility while maintaining an exceptional design as compared to other inks in the industry,” Calomino adds. “In addition, we will be promoting our entirely new UV Ink system, ACTExactUV Process Inks, which are revolutionary in regards to its almost water-like viscosity and balanced cure rate. They are G7 compliant and provide more stability on press with their ability to have all inks cure consistently at the same rate, which is uncommon with traditional UV flexo ink systems. We are extremely excited about this new technology and have them being run live on many of the presses throughout the show.”
Pettus says that Wikoff Color will be highlighting a new UV flexo ink system as well as 4-color inkjet printing at Labelexpo 2014. Harjung said that Nazdar will be featuring its LED flexo, LED metallic, LED OPV and adhesive, LED R/S and water-based packaging inks.
For label and flexible packaging, Toyo Ink is exhibiting Labelpro, an ultra clean, high strength water-based ink system, and Steraflex, a high strength, fast curing UV flexo ink system. PowerFlex SS is designed for the shrink sleeve market, and Toyo Ink will also showcase its latest ink dispenser system.
David Savastano is editor of Ink World magazine, a sister publication to L&NW.