Michelman has announced it has expanded its suite of high-performance label products used with UV overprint varnishes (OPVs), permitting HP Indigo digitally-printed labels to endure harsh environments, including extreme heat, chemicals, water, or friction during packing and transport. These solutions allow press owners to increase their addressable market size and produce more with their HP Indigo digital label presses in applications such as packaging for personal care & cosmetics, household cleaners, automotive oils & fluids, wine & beer bottles, and industrial & electronic equipment.

Explains Lisa DiGate, Michelman’s Global Business Vice President, HP Indigo, “Michelman has partnered with HP Indigo for nearly 20 years to bring innovation that offers press owners digital print versatility to enter new markets. We are excited to introduce new solutions that protect HP Indigo printed labels, address more demanding label applications, and open up new market opportunities throughout the label industry; for our customers and partners.”

Michelman’s new suite of DigiGuard Plus UV OPV strengtheners is economical and easy to use compared to lamination or other complex solutions.  The entire portfolio, designed to improve UV OPVs’ performance combined with Michelman’s DigiPrime priming solutions, allows press owners’ improved ease-of-use by using off-the-shelf varnish with the strengtheners added. They can use their current UV Curable OPVs without investing in additional products or finishing equipment. Furthermore, their performance has been tested via the Sutherland Rub & other ASTM, Finat, Bottle to Bottle, and submersion tests. All have achieved digital print industry resistance standards for label durability.

DigiGuard Plus 920 & DigiGuard® Plus 921 can be used in combination to provide mechanical, water, and chemical resistance.

Eli Mahal, Head of L&P Products and Solution at HP Indigo, comments, “This new technology allows press owners to extend their application range by meeting the industry’s durability & resistance standards for high-performance labels.”