INX International announced on Tuesday a brand extension for natural-based INXhrc RC inks: a new low-migration UV/LED dual-cure formulation for plastic and foam-based packaging complements the proven UV-curable formulation. Both offer brand owners and printers a range of operational, regulatory and sustainability benefits.
INXhrc RC LM is a Nestle compliant, high performance ink solution with clean, renewable and sustainable ingredients used for printing low migration applications on rigid container packaging. Formulated with a high proportion of bio-renewable ingredients and no VOC solvents, it delivers premium print quality and reduces the carbon footprint of packaging materials by up to 30%. Thanks to their excellent adhesion and color consistency, these inks are food safe for sensitive packaging applications.
“Consumer expectations of manufacturers’ responsibility for safety and sustainability continue to rise, making low-migration inks increasingly important to the packaging industry,” he says Renee Schouten, Vice President of Marketing at INX International. “This is particularly true for the impact of rigid plastic and foam-based containers. Therefore, we replace resins obtained from petrochemicals with natural and renewable materials.
“These two INXhrc RC formulations provide excellent dry offset print quality of rigid containers or decorative packaging and help reduce your carbon footprint. By keeping consumer safety and the environment in mind, you have confidence in the regulations and access to a product with biorenewable, clean ingredients without compromising on performance.”
INXhrc RC LM is ideal for surfaces on rigid materials that do not come into contact with food. Verified by an independent laboratory as an environmentally friendly alternative to standard UV inks using ASTM D6866-20 Method B, it meets food safety compliance requirements such as Regulation (EC) No. 1935-2004. The so-called framework regulation specifies requirements for materials to protect human health.
INXhrc RC's natural ingredients do not come from food plants, ensuring they are non-allergenic and food safe. They are free from harmful chemicals and do not contain nanomaterials, fluorochemicals, fanal pigments, heavy metals or PTFE.
INXhrc RC inks have always offered outstanding printing benefits. Their high strength and gloss produce sharp, vibrant colors and eye-catching finishes, and precise color matching with single pigment bases allows for accurate PMS color matching. Excellent adhesion and abrasion resistance ensure longer durability. Its excellent flow and transfer capabilities also make it ideal for dry offset printing on rigid packaging presses such as VanDam, PolyType and Kase.
Schouten cited a longtime customer in Michigan who began using INXhrc inks in 2017. As a leader in single-use food packaging, the company has achieved impressive reductions in carbon emissions and strengthened its sustainability goals and environmental responsibility.
“When Dart Container Corporation switched from traditional to natural-based inks with INXhrc, they expected a positive impact on their environmental footprint,” explained Schouten. “However, they were also surprised by the improved ink performance.”
Over seven years, the world's largest manufacturer of foam cups and disposable food containers has seen a significant annual reduction of 200 tons in CO2 emissions by using INXhrc inks. By reducing VOC emissions by 75%, Dart has created a safer work environment while reducing environmental impact. They also improved their pressroom performance through better ink usage, less downtime and greater production efficiency, all while maintaining the high printing standards they are known for.
Click this link to learn more about INX's sustainability vision and approach.