THE MOST SUSTAINABLE CI FLEXO PRINTING

NO INTERSTATION OR END-OF-PRESS THERMAL DRYERS

Unlike traditional solvent inks, Gelflex-EB inks are ultra-high solids, gel-based inks which are fluid enough for CI flexo printing, but thicken rapidly, providing effective high-speed ink trapping in the wet state.  Using virtually no solvents, its gel-based technology has double the pigment density, which allows printers to use less ink and smaller dots.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

• 2-part ink system: gel + less than 10% solvent

• Gel wet trapping allows for 1 EB curing unit end of press

• EB provides final cross link and cure

RETROFITABILITY

• Easy to retrofit

• No Gas Burners

• No VOC capture & control

• Finer anilox rolls use less ink and print smaller dots

SUPERIOR PRINTING QUALITY

Gelflex-EB inks have the highest physical properties and are resistant to scuffs, abrasions, and chemicals. Higher density EB inks result in thinner wet (and dry) laydowns resulting in brilliant colors, dazzling highlights and denser solid area. The strongest, thinnest film of ink, while maintaining color density, always prints best, and smaller dots – 180-220 lines per inch – and less dot gain (50% less than solvent inks) result in smooth vignettes and gradients.  

REDUCED COSTS

Gelflex-EB is the cost-efficient choice when it comes to innovative EB technology. When compared to using solvent-based inks, Gelflex-EB saves capital costs related to explosion-proofing the printing process as well as costs associated with the destruction and/or collection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Printers can also save energy costs as well as benefit from extended gamut printing when using Gelflex-EB. 

INCREASED SAFETY

Gelflex-EB is compliant with migration limits established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and it also meets the Nestle packaging requirement as well as chemical composition requirements established by the Swiss Ordinance.  After the Gelflex-EB printing process is complete, it’s virtually impossible for solvents to be retained. Gelflex-EB also has the lowest odor, taint, and extractable levels so packaging will not be negatively affected. It is also safer for the workers who are handling it, compared to traditional solvent-based ink. 

ECO-FRIENDLY 

Among the many features of Gelflex-EB ink is its sustainability. Compared to traditional inks, Gelflex-EB produces an 85% reduction in solvent emissions, reduces ink consumption by 50%, and cuts energy costs by 70%. Additionally, the surface-printed films produced using Gelflex-EB are 100% recyclable. 

CROSSLINK TOP PE FILM WHILE ALSO CURING REVERSE PRINT GELFLEX•EB INKS

By 2030 all plastic packaging within the EU will need to be recyclable or reusable.  Gelflex-EB inks enable printers to move to easily recyclable monomaterial laminations because the Electron Beam (EB) can not only cure the Gelflex-EB inks, it can also crosslink the reverse-printed top PE-based film, yielding higher heat resistance and greater downstream processing.

CONCLUSION:
Gelflex•EB inks enable move to monomaterial

EB-CURED OPV’S PROVIDE BEST-IN-CLASS SURFACE PRINT PROTECTION

Gelflex-EB inks have the highest physical properties and are resistant to scuffs, abrasions, and chemicals.  By combine these best-in-class ink properties with an EB-cured Overprint Varnishes (OPV) it is possible for printers to eliminate laminations entirely resulting in less material use and a package which is easier and less expensive to recycle.

EB OPVs are specifically designed fo the packaging industry and have a variety of features that include different levels of gloss, matte, scuff resistance, coefficient of friction and slide angles, as well as low migration for food packaging. EB OPVs can also be formulated for different tactile and pearlescent effects.

CONCLUSION: Eliminate layers and reduce cost