Product category:
Printing Ink, Chemicals and Pressroom Consumables
News Release from: Sun Chemical Europe | Subject: Tactile inks and lacquers
Edited by the Printingtalk Editorial
Team on 15 December 2006
Inks And Lacquers Enhance Brand
Packaging
Sun Chemical has developed a range of what are claimed to be brand-enhancing inks and lacquers, Tactile, that can be applied to packaging to give characteristics that add value through touch and feel.
Sun Chemical has developed a range of what are claimed to be brand-enhancing inks and lacquers, Tactile, that can be applied to packaging to give characteristics that add value through touch and feel The principle behind the gravure option is a product that prints individual cells to create a difference between a raised tactile touch and the base substrate, said Sun Chemical
This article was originally published on Printingtalk on 23 Jun 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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Each ink and lacquer is said to be tailored to meet a manufacturer's individual product requirements, it is claimed.
For example, they could be used to provide grip on the label of a soft drinks bottle, or to change the feel of plastic packaging to have sensory appeal.
Barry Ferne, business development manager for Sun Chemical UK's Packaging Division, said: "Sun Chemical has led the way for brand owners and other specifiers to produce packaging with vivid colours for optimal shelf stand-out.
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With increasing competition to catch the consumers' eyes, particularly in the FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) sector, we wanted to offer a new value-added product that will appeal to other senses.
Touch seemed the obvious place to start." He added: "There are many different effects that can be achieved using Tactile inks and lacquers.
However, rather than offering off-the-shelf products, we believe this product will be most effective if tailored to an individual brand or product.
There is a lot of scope for packaging innovation, especially with shrink sleeves and we see Tactile as a realistic and positive step forward." Sun Chemical has worked in partnership with the Keating Group on the development of a coarse pigmented gravure printing system, which among other effects allows Tactile inks and lacquers to be printed using a standard cylinder, said the company.
John Simms, development manager of the Keating Group, said: "This system offers something new and different.
It is important that customers fully understand the rationale behind the uniqueness of this process and the key benefits that can be achieved so we can all work together to develop appropriate innovative effects." Sun Chemical said that in addition, by using special materials and techniques, similar effects can be achieved using the flexo printing system.
That aspect is currently being developed by the company and could, for instance, be used to make the packaging on a loaf of bread without crusts feel softer, it said.
Ferne commented: "Tactile coatings do not have to be printed across the whole of a product's packaging to be of benefit.
They could be added to specific areas to increase function, or for decoration effect, which makes it an interesting proposition for brand owners who want to add a seasonal aspect to their packaging without changing the base packs.
Any printers or brand owners who are interested in the concept should come and talk to us.
The opportunities are endless.".
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