Tactile, a new range of gravure inks and lacquers from Sun Chemical, can be applied to packaging to give characteristics that add value through touch and feel. The products are said to print individual cells to create a difference between a raised tactile touch and the base substrate. Each ink and lacquer is tailored to meet a manufacturer’s individual product requirements - for example, to provide grip on the label of a soft drinks bottle, or to change the feel of plastics packaging to have sensory appeal.
Barry Ferne, business development manager for Sun Chemical UK’s Packaging Division, says: “We have led the way for brand owners and other specifiers to produce packaging with vivid colours for optimal shelf stand-out. 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.”
Sun Chemical and the Keating Group have worked in partnership 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.
In addition, by using special materials and techniques, similar effects can be achieved using the flexo printing system. This aspect is currently being developed by Sun Chemical, and could, for instance, be used to make the packaging on a loaf of bread without crusts feel softer.
Barry Ferne concludes: “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 functionality, 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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