The INX International Ink Company will launch INXhrc, a new eco-friendly product line, at the FTA’s Info*Flex 2017 tradeshow today at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The high performance inks and coatings, which allow for flexographic and gravure printing on a wide array of end-use packages, will be showcased with special-effects inks and coatings during the May 1-2 event. INXhrc is an ink system developed to replace petro-chemically derived ingredients with clean, renewable and sustainable alternatives. It allows brand owners and printers to reduce their impact on the environment, while simultaneously maximizing efficiencies “with a definitive product that separates them from the competition.” In combination with INXSperse Plus Dispersions ink bases, INXhrc products can print with colour strength and performance, the company added.
Jim Garvey, Technical Manager for INX, said some packaging options being trialed include sandwich wrappers, plastic and paper carry-out bags, folding cartons, trays, corrugated containers, hot and cold beverage cups, napkins and labels. “The INXhrc product line has received a great reception from printers. On the brand owner side, these products are gaining wide acceptance from retail outfitters and food service organizations who’ve made a commitment to lowering their environmental impact,” Garvey noted. “Besides performance, the INXhrc line is compelling brand owners to impact their supply chains and remove harmful packaging ingredients that could pose health concerns to their customers. That’s why INXhrc is the perfect fit. These products address those concerns and are free of allergens, fluorochemicals, heavy metals and nanomaterials. Printers also enjoy the benefits of an ink system that delivers performance at near-zero VOC levels in most cases. This will afford them lowered requirements for reporting, as well as increase the ease of securing new permits.”
Garvey went on to say that printers have reported good results with the INXhrc product line across a diverse portfolio of packaging substrates. This includes opacity, hold out, clean printing in screens and traps, excellent rewet and mileage, and ease of clean up. “INXhrc offers the versatility and customization to run multiple print applications across many processing vehicles on most equipment,” he concluded. “In many cases, multiple ink vehicles can be consolidated into a single vehicle, thereby reducing inventory levels and increasing efficiencies.” INX also has an excellent track record with brand-differentiating special effects inks and coatings. For use on general-purpose food packaging or retort pouches, these products are engineered to connect consumers to brands via eye appeal and enhanced shelf recognition, said the company.
INX introduces INXhrc inks today at the Flexographic Technical Association’s Info*Flex 2017
