Inks spot on

Sun Chemical spends a staggering two to three per cent of its turnover on research and development. Latest innovation rolled out in Europe is its range of low migration inks first announced at IPEX.

Suncure ULM low migration UV curing inks are based on technology that replaces traditional photo-initiators with initiators that become locked into the cured ink matrix. They are said to reduce significantly the risk of migration and do not use benzophenone or ITX. They are also “fast curing, have good adhesion across a wide range of substrates and are foil blockable”. A range of complementary Suncure coatings is also available. The more conventional offset ink launched in April was Irocart LMQ (low migration quality). Process colours and a mixing system are available, as are fount additives and a specially developed water based coating. (See archives at www.convertingtoday.co.uk)

“Before this launch we had packaging inks that demonstrated low odour and low taint,” explained John Adkin. “But we didn't have products formulated for low migration. We spend more than anyone in the industry on R&D and we have certainly invested a lot of money on the development of both Suncure ULM and the conventional offset LMQ.”

What was the reaction from the converters? “We are selling them and have negotiated contracts with customers. Somewhat of a surprise since Ipex has been the requests from brands owners to meet with us. They turned up with technical experts from their purchasing departments as well as their suppliers. These are brand owners that not only are competent in print and design. Many have the BRC (British Retail Consortium)/IOP (Institute of Packaging) Standard.”

How important is it to meet brand owners? “It was a big surprise, but a good surprise to have these meetings,” replied John Adkin. “The more people that understand about migration the better. You wouldn't necessarily need low migration inks for soap packaging, for example, but for foodstuffs it can be important.

“We try to sell tailored to purpose inks, not over-engineered products. There is no doubt that these low migration inks use ingredients that are more expensive. You wouldn't use them unless it was necessary. I am very optimistic that this growing segment of products will help our customers and their customers choose inks that are more sensitive to their needs.”

Sensitive

He added: “Also I believe that designers no longer just look at design but take on board the sensitivity of for example food and tobacco and their proximity to ink.“

Converters were informed of the six to 10 per cent ink prices rises at the end of last year. Have they stuck? “We have experienced unavoidable cost increases. We turn to our customers to ask them to respect our needs for a profit so as to be able to invest. Some people are sympathetic and it works. Some I guess will look to the East,” he said.

Announced on the Sun website, Liberty, a sheet-fed ink available in the USA from Sun company Kohl & Madden, is based on technology that allows the inks to stay open on press without drying for days. Yet, at the same time, the ink will dry “virtually instantaneously” once printed. Was the product going to be seen in Europe? “We can't sell it here yet as it is not compliant with the EINECS (European Core Inventory of new Chemical substances) regulations,” he replied. “But you can be sure we are working hard to sort it out. It's a very clever invention. It does what it says,” said John Adkin assuredly. “Obviously there is a paper and board limitation. It won't work on all substrates, but it certainly meets a market need.”

Advantages

Said Mark Levin, president, North American Commercial Group: "Liberty inks offer productivity and quality advantages beyond any other ink products we have seen in recent years. These ultra high performance inks should have an instant and measurable impact on a printer's ability to improve their competitiveness and profitability."

Liberty inks use a proprietary formula developed in K&M's new applications laboratory. "This super-fast drying allows the printed product to be sent from the press to finishing in a matter of minutes rather than the hours that are necessary with conventional offset inks, without fear of blocking and other printing problems," said Les Watkins, K&M director, sheetfed products. He pointed out that this can virtually eliminate extended drying periods, cutting production time and handling, while allowing faster delivery of finished goods.

The new technology is being introduced for commercial sheet-fed and folding carton printing, but may have other applications in the future.