Inkjet wave builds in printed packaging

Current predictions suggest inkjet is at the beginning of a steep growth curve, playing into the continued trends towards short run label production as well as its major strengths in the industrial label sector.

Comments L&L consultant editor Mike Fairley: ‘Technically we have seen press speeds rising from 45-50m/min, which is now common, to 70 m/min for the latest Kyocera inkjet heads. We can expect speeds to rise even higher in the future, and this is allowing converters to complement their flexo presses.’

Bas Hoijtink, commercial manager graphics & security printing at SPG Prints, sums up the advantages of UV inkjet as follows: ‘UV inkjet offers optimum performance on plastics, screen-imitation effects such as high opacity, brilliant shiny colors and raised images, chemical-resistance and faderesistance in sunlight. This makes UV inkjet ideal for numerous decorative and industrial applications, including the no-label look, cosmetics, and warning labels that must provide clear identification, in harsh conditions as well as outdoors, for several years.’