Xeikon has announced the launch of its SuperBlack toner. Normal black toner produces a density of 1.8, while the new SuperBlack provides a density of 2.2-2.4. SuperBlack is a spot color that can be applied using the fifth color station of a Xeikon digital press.

“A solid, dense black on the packaging of a product conveys a sense of quality and high value, and is very appealing to companies selling luxury items,” says Jeroen Van Bauwel, director – product management at Xeikon. “As a result, this effect is used often by brand owners in the wine and spirits markets as well as in the folding carton sector.”

Xeikon dry toner is already the preferred technology for wine and spirits labels, which often utilize structured label substrates. The toner particles follow the substrate’s surface, covering the peaks and troughs evenly to create excellent print quality. Xeikon has gone a step further with the development of SuperBlack, which provides a cost effective and easy solution for printing labels and packaging that incorporate full black tones or large areas of black.

“Xeikon is constantly looking to expand the scope of digital printing. Developing specific toners based upon the needs of the market is one way of meeting this goal. Just last year, we launched ICE toner for pressure sensitive PE labels and IML substrates. The ICE toner has been received extremely well by our customers. We are convinced that the benefits and opportunities offered by the new SuperBlack toner will be embraced by luxury brand owners everywhere,” adds Van Bauwel.

As with all Xeikon toners for the labels and packaging market, SuperBlack meets FDA regulations for food contact.