INKETC: New Metallics Brighten Packages

Traditionally used in high-end applications, metallic inks are also a popular choice for an array of lower-cost consumer packaging applications because their rich, eye-catching look adds value.

“From small surfaces to full coverage, metallic inks have become a must-have in packaging designs,” says Ana Paula Perroni Laloe, marketing manager of effect pigments for BL imaging and inks, Ciba Specialty Chemicals. “Adapting cold metallic looks for every seasonal trend—by combining metallic inks with other effects and transparent colors while exploiting functional features—is a strong differentiation tool.

“Creativity and the need to stand out will allow higher-end effects to expand its application platform,” she continues, “while economy of scale may make them more broadly used.”

“The metallic market is mostly influenced by fashion trends,” adds Thomas Schaller, VP sales and marketing, Schlenk-Both Metallic Pigments. “Silver still is the most popular color in North America .... We see a lot of interest in our new, thinner silver-dollar type pigments that give outstanding brightness and very smooth, metal-like appearance.”

Printers always look to improve efficiency by printing faster and reducing downtime. “This brings technical challenges not only to the equipment manufacturers, but also the performance of the effect pigment needs to be addressed,” says Andrew Edwards, PhD, director of global marketing for inks at Silberline.

“Faster printing speeds and smaller anilox [line screens] mean that smaller particle size pigments that maintain excellent aesthetics are required to get the same high-quality print,” he notes.

Printers also are requesting added functionality, such as intercoat adhesion, lamination, UV overcoating and embossing. Metallic ink composition presents additional challenges.

“Because of the bulky metallic particles, metallic inks have been notorious for piling or building up in the roller train,” says Joseph Perdue, marketing manager NAFTA, graphic arts, Eckart America. “Metallic pigment technology continues to improve with particular focus on the non-leafing side to counter some of the traditional metallic drudgeries. Unfortunately, non-leafing pigment traditionally has its limitations in metallic luster and opacity at the expense of functionality.”

According to Perdue, demands on pigments continue to grow in the high-end folding carton segment, such as cosmetic packaging, where brighter metallics are requested, as well as cleaner colors.

“The advent of finer pigments and non-leafing pigments speaks to the demands of the industry as well as [to] the success of metallic inks in packaging,” he adds.

OFFSET & BEYOND: WOA's 56th annual management/technical conf., April 26-29, Chicago, www.gain.net.