A concept which will enable brand owners to apply effects with sensory appeal to packaging cost effectively without altering the standard design has been developed by Sun Chemical and Keating Specialist Cylinders. The result of several years of research and development, it involves the application of Sun Chemical’s specially developed inks using a special engraved gravure cylinder, produced by Keating, printed onto a PP film, which for the purposes of the development process has been supplied by Innovia.
It is claimed that the resulting effect can be used in place of a standard filmic overwrap for cartons containing products such as cosmetics, tobacco or confectionery, to add value to the product and increase shelf standout. It is also said to give brand owners more flexibility to run short term promotions or seasonal themes using standard packaging, whilst saving costs on redesigns and wastage.
A key element is the development of a new technique to engrave cells that are considerably deeper than on traditional gravure cylinders, but maintaining a shallow gradient. This allows an image to be applied using a heavier ink weight than could be delivered with standard gravure cylinders. This, in turn, can give the printed film an embossed effect using the specially formulated inks, without the cost or technological challenges of physical embossing, it is claimed. The new ink and cylinder can be used with traditional gravure presses.
Tony Palmer, business director of Sun Chemical’s packaging division, adds: “Taking the concept one step further, security taggants could also be added to the ink to helping protect the product against counterfeiters. There are a number of options we can take in order to develop this concept further and we are keen to work with printers, designers and brand owners to convert the concept into a commercial reality.”
John Simms, technical sales director, Keating Specialist Cylinders, comments: “Gravure printing has been the primary printing process in the packaging sector over the last 30 years. However, as brand owners and product manufacturers demand more shelf standout for their products, and other printing processes, such as flexo and digital, become more established in the packaging sector, it is necessary to look for new ways in which gravure can add value. Using this breakthrough technology, we are confident printers can offer their customers the ‘X factor’, as well as a cost effective solution.”
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