12.15.06
Sun Chemical has developed an innovative range of brand-enhancing inks and lacquers, known as 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. Each ink and lacquer is tailored to meet a manufacturer's individual product requirements. 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.
"Sun Chemical has led the way for brand owners and other specifiers to produce packaging with vivid colors for optimal shelf stand-out,” said Barry Ferne, business development manager for Sun Chemical UK's Packaging Division. “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."
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.
"This system offers something new and different,” John Simms, development manager, Keating Group, said. “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. "
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.
"Tactile coatings do not have to be printed across the whole of a product's packaging to be of benefit,” Mr. Ferne added. “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. The opportunities are endless."
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. Each ink and lacquer is tailored to meet a manufacturer's individual product requirements. 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.
"Sun Chemical has led the way for brand owners and other specifiers to produce packaging with vivid colors for optimal shelf stand-out,” said Barry Ferne, business development manager for Sun Chemical UK's Packaging Division. “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."
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.
"This system offers something new and different,” John Simms, development manager, Keating Group, said. “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. "
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.
"Tactile coatings do not have to be printed across the whole of a product's packaging to be of benefit,” Mr. Ferne added. “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. The opportunities are endless."