INX International Ink Co. has steadily built a reputation throughout the years for developing innovative printing inks and coatings. Some of these high quality solutions are being featured at Labelexpo Europe in Barcelona, Spain.

Traditional and low migration UV flexo inks, conventional and low migration screen inks, and UV and water-based inkjet inks and coatings are all part of the lineup. INX has also unveiled a new proprietary technology platform for packaging applications.

INX Europe’s Stefano Rogora states, “Expectations for this show are always high. Brussels has a particular charm, but moving to Barcelona may attract more visitors from southern Europe and North Africa.

“I have been fortunate to witness Labelexpo’s growth in the past 15 years, which has mirrored the expansion of the label and narrow web packaging sector,” adds Rogora. “The introduction and adoption of digital technologies have brought new energy to the show. With its modern and well-equipped exhibition center, Barcelona has the potential to attract a broader audience and deliver new momentum to our industry’s global benchmark.”

Products on display

INXFlex UV and LED flexographic inks are one of the products Rogora mentions that are being featured at the show. Available in both standard and low migration formulations, these inks  deliver optimal performance with UV and LED curing systems and produce excellent results with high-speed efficiency.

INXScreen low migration inks are designed for packaging that demands both safety and visual impact, too. These UV screen inks support rotary and flatbed printing, making them ideal for regulated markets such as food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

Genesis washable ink technology is a sustainable, solvent-based ink system for shrink label packaging, as well. It enables recycling, supports a circular economy with the reuse of recovered packaging materials, and meets or exceeds the APR’s PET-CG-02 Critical Guidance Protocol for washable and recyclable PET shrink sleeve applications. It’s also available for use with floatable roll fed OPP labels, allowing a customer to print multiple types with one ink system.

In the digital space, the INXJet portfolio of premium digital inks includes a wide range of UV LED water-based inks and embellishment varnishes for label and flexible packaging applications. These high-performance inks produce vibrant graphics and premium finishes on high-speed presses, and are compatible with the most widely adopted inkjet printing technologies such as Epson, Kyocera , and Dimatix Samba printheads.

“In recent years, we have worked hard to be known as a true one-stop source for a wide range of high-quality products across multiple technologies. Our strength is in listening to the market’s needs and responding by delivering solutions that align with global trends, regardless of the required technology,” explains Rogora. “Thanks to our global R&D and manufacturing network, INX can deliver the highest quality flexo, screen, coatings, and digital inks with excellent service, and find the right solution for producing safe and sustainable packaging.”

Low-Migration Technology

Rogora believes attendees have been intrigued with the new Extreme Low Migration (ELM) technology platform. An advanced formulation approach for energy-curable systems, it is specifically designed for OEMs developing inkjet solutions where low migration performance is critical.

“Created by our R&D group and drawing on decades of experience in food packaging, this innovation marks a major breakthrough in inkjet-driven packaging production,” he says. “We consider it to be a true game-changer, a revolutionary platform that could reshape the market. Thanks to LED curing technology, ELM offers customers additional benefits such as compact printer design and an optimized balance of safety, productivity, and cost efficiency, further expanding the portfolio of options available for different applications.”

Rogora adds that ELM has several strengths, starting with a safety-oriented formulation and enhanced performance across demanding applications, offering excellent adhesion and flexibility in addition to water, alcohol, and heat resistance. He also notes that early customer tests have shown promising results, with pouches printed using ELM successfully passing retort and sterilization processes.

“We look forward to discussing with visitors how ELM and our other solutions can help them achieve their goals, while continuing to validate and expand the technology’s capabilities,” he concludes.