Following Frimpeks UK’s latest announcement of the expansion of its European label laminate distribution hub, the company has launched an ink mixing and distribution service. The Frimpeks Coatings Division has been manufacturing UV-based varnishes and coatings since 1990 and UV inks since 2015, with Frimpeks placing a huge emphasis on product innovation.

The company claims it can “significantly improve print quality while reducing make-ready times and operational costs.” Frimpeks UK managing director Dave Casey follows up by commenting. “Our knowledge of flexography and supporting ink systems spans decades and we have witnessed it develop in recent years to become the fastest-growing printing process.

“Flexo printing offers a range of advantages when printing on a variety of different materials, such as film, foil, plastic, paper and board, at high speed,” he adds. “Our customers have experienced a tremendous growth and technological advancement in various applications of flexographic printing, which we have supported every step of the way. The main applications are within the packaging industry such as labels, flexible packaging, boards and folding cartons.”

The new 35,000 square foot site in Market Harborough is home to the new North European ink mixing service, which combines naturally with the bespoke slitting operation for labelstock customers. The Frimpeks UV Flexo range can be used on a broad spectrum of substrates, from standard to specialty, including use on thermal substrates plus cold and hot foil applications.

From its purpose-built laboratories at the Turkey HQ, Frimpeks is constantly working on adaptations and NPD projects to develop new products, including emerging technologies such as LED curing. Frimpeks also offers a low migration UV varnish and supplies inks for use in a variety of systems, including litho, screen, letterpress, flexo and digital print.

UV inks will also be supplied via this new ink center to countries in North and Western Europe and as far as Algeria and Australia, underlying the company’s commitment to its global expansion plans. Supporting this product will be a team of hand-picked technical support staff, most of whom are experienced ink users, who will be available to install and support the Frimpeks ink system and then provide ongoing training and support at the local level.