Flint Group Narrow Web has announced an upgraded version of CombiWhite – the over-printable opaque white rotary screen ink widely used in beverage, health and beauty, and no-label-look applications.

CombiWhite C3 is designed specifically for combination printing with all narrow web ink technologies and can be used on all types of substrates. Printers can combine print results with virtually any print process such as UV flexo, UV offset, UV letterpress, UV screen or water-based flexo.

“The whole aim with this reformulation is that no one should notice any difference between existing formulations and the new, upgraded, CombiWhite C3,” says ParOlsson, Flint Group product manager. “It is one of those few cases where you are happy to hear there is no difference between the new product and the previous one.”

Through customer interviews, Flint Group identified 15 performance attributes important for all types of combination printing with screen white inks. The top five include: opacity, flow-out (pinhole free), adhesion, printability of overprinting ink and cross hatch resistance.

Initially, CombiWhite C3 will be commercialized in Europe as the regulations have been implemented in this region. It will be available in the same sets of press ready products optimized for no-label look applications that were previously available. New products are subject to a product code change: USW90005 replaces USW90001; USW90006 replaces USW90003.

“We have several clients using CombiWhite C3 on no-label look for beverage labels as well as cosmetic labels,” adds Olsson. “These end applications do possess slightly different challenges but, through our formulation expertise and in-house print testing capabilities, we have managed to optimize press performance with the most stringent end use demands.”

Effective immediately, CombiWhite C3 is available across all Flint Group Narrow Web distribution channels, and Flint Group will no longer supply inks containing N vinyl carpolactam in Europe.

“We were approached early in the testing process.” says Mr. Jean -François Clisson at APE Etiquettes, France, “We understand fully the aspect of printer safety and care for our staff. But safe products should still provide superior performance attributes. We have been running the new CombiWhite C3 under an experimental code for well over three months and we see not a single defect. In fact, we believe flow-out has slightly improved. For us this is an easy switch and win-win for all involved.”