Flint Group Narrow Web has further expanded its low migration ink range to include UV metallic inks and pastes. The company has introduced Low Migration UV Flexo Silver, its first-generation low migration single-component metallic UV flexo ink.

Migration measurements show that with Low Migration UV Flexo Silver, item code YFM00077, migration levels below 10 ppb may be achieved when correctly applied on suitable packaging structures. This was verified based on the standard migration test method using the food simulants 95% ethanol as set out in Commission Directive 97/48/EC.

“This silver exhibits very good metallic performance, cure speed, and adhesion to a wide range of both paper and synthetic substrates,” the company says. “Low Migration UV Flexo Silver is fully compliant with the Swiss Ordinance SR 817.023.21 listing and the Nestlé Guidance Note on Packaging Inks (version 2.1 Jan 10, 2013).”

Flint Group is also offering three metallic pastes suitable for use in low migration ink systems: Rich Gold, Pale Gold, and Silver. These are first-generation metallic pastes suitable for narrow web low migration applications and are for use as two-component ink systems.

Flint Group Narrow Web has designed a two-component concept which allows printers to purchase the necessary components allowing them to mix gold and silver shades locally, in both Lithocure Ancora (UV offset) and the Flexocure Ancora (UV flexo) systems. According to Flint Group, these components have been designed to meet today’s market requirements and have proven to pass the most stringent migration tests applied by the industry.

These custom designed low migration metallic inks and pastes are available now in Europe; the inks will be available March of 2014 in North America.