Flint Group Narrow Web has introduced a new range of opaque white inks in its EkoCure series; the latest development in UV LED free radical technology for use on shrink sleeves with no limitation in shrink. EkoCure Shrink Whites are designed to provide more than 70% shrink, along with excellent flexibility, adhesion and printability. 

According to Deanna Whelan, marketing manager, EkoCure Shrink opaque whites have excellent adhesion and are suitable for a wide range of films, such as: PVC, OPS, OPP, PLA, & PETG. They have excellent printability combined with very good flow out, excellent opacity and whiteness. These whites are provided in a range of Coefficient of Friction (COF) values.

Since the UV LED curing process does not generate any IR heat, Whelan says these are a perfect match for printing shrink film applications. “Printers can use EkoCure products with UV LED lamps on presses that have no or minimal heat management and be successful printing shrink film labels,” she says.

Flint Group Narrow Web won the Award for Innovation at The Label Industry Global Awards in Brussels September 2013 for its EkoCure UV LED ink technologies. Flint Group was named joint winner alongside co-supplier and development partner, Mark Andy.

The judges’ comments were, “UV LED, mercury and ozone free ink technology, from Flint Group now offers a commercially viable option with its new EkoCure inks providing improved cure response, cost and productivity savings, waste reduction, energy savings and enhanced safety that will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the future of the label industry.” 

First launched in the U.S. in 2012, these inks are now globally available through Flint Group’s extensive distribution network. EkoCure products are available in a complete range of UV flexo inks, from all base colors in the Pantone base range, as well as UV rotary screen whites designed for combination printing. The EkoCure ink range also offers a complete portfolio of metallic inks, varnishes and adhesives.