Flint Group Unveils Flake-Free EkoCure XS Shrink Whites

Flint Group has expanded its UV LED dual-curing flexo ink range with EkoCure® XS white inks, which deliver flawless results on even the most demanding shrink-sleeve designs.

The company’s new EkoCure XS shrink whites bring robust, flake-free performance across the EkoCure series with formulations designed to preserve ink adhesion and help brands stand out on the shelf.

These inks are engineered to deliver a tough, ultra-smooth white base that maintains its integrity without flaking or cracking, even in high-shrink or high-stress areas of the sleeve. Dual-curing technology gives converters the flexibility to run EkoCure XS shrink whites on both UV and UV LED curing presses, streamlining print workflows and boosting productivity. To achieve the desired performance characteristics, Flint Group recommends that the total ink film thickness of the graphic print does not exceed 15 bcm.

“With our EkoCure XS shrink whites, we’re removing uncertainty from the most challenging part of shrink sleeve production,” Rob Stendahl, R&D technology manager, North America, at Flint Group, says. “.High-shrink, high-stress areas routinely risk exposing whites to cracking and flaking that can ruin print quality and damage a design’s shelf appeal. This new formulation is designed to resist these challenges and deliver a glossy, durable finish that keeps branded graphics looking their best.”

Beyond lasting print quality, the new EkoCure XS shrink whites offer additional tangible benefits for converters, including time and waste savings, by eliminating the need to strip ink during tape or crinkle testing.

As a best practice, the use of both, the first and second down UV shrink combination of the UV shrink white layers supports the best overall shrink character, opacity, and coefficient of friction (COF) characteristics.

The solution also enables longer high-speed runs with consistent adhesion and fewer print defects, integrating seamlessly with Flint Group’s toolbox inks.

“At Flint Group, we partner closely with our customers to understand what slows them down on press and the challenges they face in meeting brand owners’ requests,” adds Stendahl. “These new EkoCure XS shrink whites represent our latest step in delivering practical, high-performance inks that work in real production environments, enabling printers to operate with confidence and brands to look flawless on shelf.”

EkoCure XS shrink whites are available to customers across North America.