Weekly

New inks for code printing on films

5 September 2024

Linx Printing Technologies is introducing two new inks specially developed for printing on flexible packaging films to achieve continuous, high-quality and easy-to-read codes.

Linx Black Strong Plastic Film Inks 1015 and 3415 (Black Strong Plastic Film Ink 1015 & 3415) have been developed to enable customers to print reliable codes on plastic film packaging. They are ideal for a wide range of packaging formats, such as plastic tubular bags for dried foods and plastic bags for sauces, confectionery, pet food and household chemicals.

‘Legislative changes, such as new plastic taxes, as well as demands from retailers and consumers, have encouraged manufacturers to reduce their plastic consumption and use laminated plastic films and packaging instead, which are more recyclable due to the greater amount of recycled material they contain. As a result, thin, flexible plastic packaging and pouches made from OPP, BOPP, HDPE and LDPE are increasingly being introduced, but these are problematic for ink adhesion. Many universal inks simply do not adhere well enough to plastics with low surface energy. This means codes get smudged, rubbed or scratched in production or in transit, leading to rework, rejects and even fines.’ - Simon Millett, Ink Product Manager at Linx Printing Technologies

These two new inks have been developed to support maximum adhesion, long-lasting legibility and reliable printer behaviour. Both inks are free from PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds) and CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic and repro-toxic substances), in accordance with the specifications in EuPIA (European Printing Ink Association) exclusion lists. Linx Black Strong Plastic Film Ink 3415 is also MEK-free.

To ensure the suitability of the inks for the global market, Linx has carried out extensive testing on packaging formats from around the world, including packaging from Australia, China, France, the UK, India, the Philippines and Poland. ‘Our scientists have produced and tested more than 100 formulations in the process to develop a versatile solution that covers as many packaging types and applications as possible,’ says Dr Amy Ruddlesden, Lead Chemist for Ink Development at Linx Printing Technologies.

Source: Packaging-Journal