In the years since Labelexpo Europe last took place, INX International Ink Co. has introduced its Coloring a Safe and Sustainable Future (CSSF) model to improve sustainability performance and help brand owners address their circular economy objectives. Each and every new eco-friendly solution and digital inkjet technology is created with customers and consumers in mind.

Some of the new products INX has since developed are on display in booth 7D54 at the Brussels Expo Center. Cleo Nomikos, vice president of sales for INX Europe, says INX offers a complete range of high performing inks and coatings for the tag, label, and flexible markets, including screen and digital ink solutions.

“INX can help because we have global-based technology platforms and local-based manufacturing that actively adapts to customer demands,” he explains. “We address the market and regulatory challenges for sustainable solutions, and understand the desire for lower applied costs. We also have great expertise in color management and are dedicated to making accurate and consistent brand color available in every part of the world, all with a circular economy in mind.”

INXFlex Contour and Genesis washable inks, as well as EcoStage GB-XA Oxygen Barrier coatings, are some of the sustainable solutions Nomikos mentioned that are being discussed at the show and benefit brand owners in their efforts to recycle and meet regulatory standards.

INXFlex Contour flexographic inks for shrink sleeve applications cure both UV and LED. These inks offer high performance, excellent transfer, fast drying, and printability at high speeds, while maximizing shrink contouring and eliminating post-shrink adhesion loss and ink flaking. The Dual Cure (DC) version allows switching from UV or LED unit by unit, providing an option to cure two ways with one ink system for increased efficiencies and lower applied costs.

Genesis washable inks offer a host of sustainable benefits. They are de-inkable from cPET films and floatable with roll-fed OPP labels where ink is typically required to stay attached in the recycling process. With minimal bleed in the caustic wash solution and a reduced impact on recycled PET discoloration, new clear bottles can be produced from the circular reuse of recovered material.

EcoStage GB-XA oxygen barrier coatings have been formulated to address food safety and preservation issues, as well as improvements in sustainability and recycling. The cost-effective, high performance coatings allow for mono-material packaging to replace multi-layer packaging for certain food applications, making the package easier to recycle. An alternative to expensive barrier films, it also extends shelf life and reduces food waste.

Other INX products available at the show include digital inkjet solutions, sealers and primers, various lacquers including high gloss, silicon, tactile, ultra matte, UV and water-based, and RUCOINX UV screen inks. Experts are available at the company’s booth to answer questions about the entire product line, and can provide technical service information about G7 certification assistance, quality improvement processes and more.