Siegwerk, a global provider of printing inks and coatings for packaging applications and labels, is now offering a new generation of NC inks for flexible packaging applications.

For the new generation of NC inks, the formulations have been optimized to match both the latest production technologies and current market trends. The new NC ink series includes colors and clears, and is designed for gravure and flexo printing of all kinds of flexible packaging. The system’s versatility and flexibility make it an all-purpose solution for surface and reverse printing with lamination applications.

“Compared to previous generations, our new series offers an extended functionality, an outstanding quality consistency and optimized rheological properties, significantly improving print results and efficiency,” says Björn Ewig, head of technology, Flexible Packaging EMEA, Siegwerk.

Siegwerk’s new NC product offers customers a higher flexibility through optimized technical performance and higher color strength, allowing an even better tailoring to individual needs. Due to the high-quality consistency through fully automated production and optimized process data control, the new system also supports customers in implementing new production processes such as Extended Color Gamut printing (7-color set printing) to make the printing process more efficient and resource-saving.

With the new NC ink generation, Siegwerk has now launched the first flexible packaging ink system manufactured at the fully automated production facility in Siegburg. All components of this new generation of NC inks – masterbatches, master compounds (technical varnishes) and blending varnishes – are manufactured with the newest production technologies along with an improved process data control, less material waste and a sustainable sourcing of raw materials.

Going forward, the company will gradually convert the production of all its flexible packaging solutions to the automated process.

Over the last couple of years, the company has invested a considerable amount in the automation of its production facility in Siegburg to improve processes, expand production capacities and increase efficiencies. Today, Siegwerk’s site is the largest fully automated production facility for printing inks in Europe equipped with grinding and blending technologies.

“Due to a more precise controllability of all process parameters, the new workflow significantly improves efficiencies and takes product consistency to a whole new level,” says Dirk Weissenfeldt, vice president, Flexible Packaging EMEA at Siegwerk. “This enables us to even better meet the growing customer demand for consistent and high quality, as well as solid and fast delivery.”

All these site expansion activities not only enabled the company to take its production to the highest technical standards but are also a clear signal of a long-term commitment to production in Central Europe. “Customers in the EMEA region can rely on high-quality consistency, fast lead times and short supply chains across Europe when collaborating with us. We are committed to long-term and future-oriented partnerships,” adds Weissenfeldt.

Moreover, the new automated setup supports a safer and cleaner production with less waste and a lower loss of solvents, fully in line with Siegwerk’s sustainability agenda.