Inks & coatings

Flint Group undergoes rebrand

Akanksha Meena — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 12:41:58 +0000

Flint Group has rebranded to Flint Group Packaging Solutions. This rebrand reflects an important step in the company’s strategic evolution, reinforcing its commitment to the growing and diverse packaging sector.

Pepyn Dinandt, CEO Flint Group Packaging Solutions, said: ‘We are seeing a market evolution across substrates, packaging formats, and coatings to enhance recyclability while replacing complex structures. As a true platform supplier, we are committed to leading with innovation, sustainability, and service, delivering solutions that meet the needs of packaging printers and brand owners today and in the future.’

Dinandt added: ‘We have evolved into a solutions-driven organisation committed to packaging, shaped by the expertise and dedication of our global teams. We have the scale, portfolio, and technical expertise to navigate the dynamic landscape of packaging and grow alongside our customers. Our future lies in the attractive packaging market with its high exposure to resilient, growing consumer sectors. Flint Group Packaging Solutions is well-positioned to lead the way.’

Supported by a robust service and solutions value proposition, the global business operates through five business segments – flexible packaging, paper and board, narrow web, sheetfed offset, and Flint Group Digital Xeikon. These businesses deliver sustainable inks and coatings, tailored solutions, innovative digital print consumables and digital engines that meet the evolving market demands for sustainable, regulatory-compliant, efficient packaging production.

Flint Group’s DAY Transfer Media business remains a dependable supplier of high-performance print consumables and its Varn Chemicals business remains a trusted partner for sheetfed and flexo printers worldwide.

Flint Group web offset continues to support customers with heatset and news inks solutions, underpinned by dedicated service and technical support.

The rebrand includes a new logo and a modernized visual identity honoring the company’s heritage while reflecting its priority to focus firmly on the packaging sector and to grow organically or through strategic acquisitions. Its new brand signifies agility, speed and focus on packaging technology.

Dinandt concluded: ‘Although our story began in publication printing, our strategic journey reflects a future firmly committed to integrated solutions for a full range of packaging applications. The Flint Group Packaging Solutions transformation stands as a testament to our agility, our people, our investment power, and our shared ambition to drive a more sustainable and innovative future for packaging. As the industry evolves, we are ready to evolve with it. Importantly, we remain committed to partnering with our customers to deliver inks, a growing coatings portfolio, services, and equipment solutions that they can rely on. Our company purpose remains strong – we bring color to the World.’

In the coming months, Flint Group Packaging Solutions will share more about its journey and future direction, reinforcing its commitment and support to the global packaging industry.

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1 day 18 hours ago

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Flint Group undergoes rebrand

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The rebrand reinforces its commitment to the growing and diverse packaging sector.

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The rebrand reinforces its commitment to the growing and diverse packaging sector.

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INX prepares for price hike amid Middle East war

Selah Zighelboim — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 18:40:00 +0000

Due to the uncertainty and magnitude of the current situation taking place in the Middle East, INX International Ink is alerting customers to the strong likelihood of price increases across all product lines.

As a global manufacturer of inks and coatings, INX is utilizing its supplier resource network to best serve its customers. The supply chain team is working with its network to mitigate price increases and secure the supply of critical raw materials.

However, the uncertainty of these evolving events has led to a series of increases impacting INX's ability to maintain costs. The company is experiencing higher costs for raw materials, energy, logistics, insurance and transportation, as well as extended lead times due to supply chain disruptions in nearly every market region.

INX representatives will contact customers directly to discuss price increase specifics and the impact on each product portfolio. Customers will be kept updated and should contact their sales representatives directly with any questions.

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4 days 13 hours ago

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INX prepares for price hike amid Middle East war

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The uncertainty of the situation in the Middle East has led to a series of increases impacting INX's ability to maintain costs.

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The uncertainty of the situation in the Middle East has led to a series of increases impacting INX's ability to maintain costs.

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Siegwerk receives RecyClass Technology Approval

Akanksha Meena — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 09:35:07 +0000

RecyClass has recognized Siegwerk’s UR 62 (flexo) and UR 74 (gravure) inks as fully compatible with PE and PP flexible packaging recycling streams in Europe, proving that high-performance printing and recyclability can go hand in hand – a key step toward circular packaging.

Siegwerk has received a RecyClass Technology Approval for two of its nitrocellulose (NC) free ink series. The new approval confirms that the flexo ink system UR 62 and the gravure ink system UR 74 are meeting the recyclability requirements for surface‑printed PE and PP flexible packaging in Europe - the exact conditions can be found in the official approval letter.

This latest achievement reinforces the company's holistic approach to closing technical performance gaps and driving sustainable packaging as part of its ‘RethINK Packaging’ strategy.

With their high quality printability, high heat resistance, quick drying capabilities, and adhesion to various surfaces, NC-based inks have long been a commonly used solvent ink type in flexo and gravure printing. At the same time, however, they are increasingly recognized as a critical obstacle to high-quality mechanical recycling of flexible packaging. Due to the limited thermal stability of nitrocellulose, NC-based inks can lead to an unpleasant odor, discoloration and reduced recyclate quality. With ever-evolving Design for Recycling requirements across Europe and worldwide, the replacement of nitrocellulose has therefore become a key lever for the recyclability of packaging.

That’s why Siegwerk has been systematically developing and expanding its portfolio of NC-free ink solutions for flexible packaging. These alternatives to NC-based inks are designed to support recyclable packaging structures while maintaining the high printing and converting performance required in industrial flexographic and gravure applications. While conventional PU-based lamination inks have long enabled reliable NC‑free solutions and are fully recognized by RecyClass for their recyclability, they have not been suitable for surface printing - making the development of new NC‑free surface systems essential to unlock a broader spectrum of technically demanding applications. The portfolio is bundled in Siegwerk’s NC-free toolbox, which provides converters and brand owners with a structured approach to implementing NC-free printing inks across surface and lamination applications.

‘Switching to NC-free inks is a decisive step for recyclable flexible packaging, especially in surface printing,’ said Dr. Björn Ewig, head of technology flexible packaging EMEA at Siegwerk. ‘Our focus has been to develop NC-free alternatives that work reliably in industrial production and meet recyclability requirements without compromising on print or packaging performance.’

For all its NC-free inks, Siegwerk relies on a set of proprietary, self-developed polyurethane binders as a replacement for nitrocellulose, which has already proven itself in terms of printability and high heat and mechanical resistance.

With the RecyClass Technology Approval for UR 62 (flexo) and UR 74 (gravure), Siegwerk offers brand owners and converters independent proof that these NC-free inks enable recyclable PE and PP flexible packaging. This third-party validation simplifies material and ink selection for designs that meet current and upcoming Design for Recycling requirements, reducing risk and accelerating the transition to circular packaging.

‘Our customers need solutions that combine print performance with proven recyclability,’ explained Ralf Leineweber, head of global technology development at Siegwerk. ‘This approval now gives them the confidence to make the right decisions, supporting the overall trend toward circular packaging concepts.’

By expanding its NC-free portfolio with RecyClass-approved inks, Siegwerk further strengthens its role as a partner for sustainable packaging innovation - helping customers close technical gaps and achieve compliance without compromising on quality or efficiency.

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4 days 22 hours ago

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Siegwerk receives RecyClass Technology Approval

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Siegwerk has received a RecyClass Technology Approval for two of its nitrocellulose (NC) free ink series.

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Siegwerk has received a RecyClass Technology Approval for two of its nitrocellulose (NC) free ink series.

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Siegwerk to acquire Hi-Tech Inks

Akanksha Meena — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 08:19:07 +0000

Siegwerk has signed a definite agreement for the acquisition of Hi-Tech Inks, a prominent Indian producer of flexographic and gravure printing inks. The move will significantly strengthen Siegwerk’s position in the fast-growing Indian flexible packaging market, making the combined business the largest player in the country with over 20 percent market share.

The acquisition underscores Siegwerk’s long-term commitment to India and the broader Asia region, one of the company’s most important strategic growth markets. By bringing together complementary strengths, expanded production capabilities, and a wider product offering, Siegwerk is set to deliver greater value, innovation, and supply reliability to packaging converters and brand owners across the country.

Hi-Tech Inks will add a robust portfolio of solvent- and water-based inks, metallic and special-effect inks, varnishes, and over print varnishes (OPVs) to Siegwerk’s global portfolio. The integration will enhance Siegwerk’s manufacturing footprint in India with dual sites in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan and Vapi, Gujarat – improving capacity and operational resilience. The combined organization will employ approximately 1700 people across India, further boosting Siegwerk’s ability to serve converters and brand owners with more robust capability and responsiveness.

‘Hi-Tech Inks has built an impressive legacy of quality, agility, and customer focus, and we are delighted to welcome them into the Siegwerk family,’ said Ashish Pradhan, president of Siegwerk Asia. ‘This acquisition will strengthen our position in India’s flexible packaging market and will expand our ability to serve customers with greater scale, capability, and innovation. Together, we will be well-placed to shape the next phase of growth for the industry.’

‘Siegwerk’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and customer focus aligns perfectly with the values that we have always stood for,’ said Karan Mahajan, managing director, Hi-Tech Inks. ‘Joining the Siegwerk family represents a significant milestone for Hi-Tech Inks. By combining our strengths, we are creating new opportunities to grow, innovate, and deliver even greater value to customers across India’s flexible packaging industry.’

Completion of the transaction is expected in the coming weeks, subject to customary closing conditions. As Siegwerk’s largest acquisition since its purchase of SICPA’s packaging inks business in 2005, the addition of Hi-Tech Inks will mark a major milestone in the company’s growth journey. It reinforces Siegwerk’s long-term commitment to India’s packaging industry and its ambition to support the market with advanced technologies, reliable supply, and future-ready solutions.

Together, Siegwerk and Hi-Tech Inks unite their expertise, capabilities, and shared values to lead the next phase of India’s printing inks and coatings industry – driving future innovation, growth, and sustainable value creation.

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1 week ago

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Siegwerk to acquire Hi-Tech Inks

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The combined business will be among the largest player in the Indian flexible packaging market with over 20 percent market share.

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The combined business will be among the largest player in the Indian flexible packaging market with over 20 percent market share.

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Flint Group raises packaging ink prices

Piotr Wnuk — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 23:32:56 +0000

Flint Group has announced an immediate price increase across all its packaging ink and coating products, citing rising costs resulting from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The company says the conflict is affecting its cost base across multiple areas, including raw material and intermediate prices, transportation, logistics and insurance costs, energy costs and lead times, with some suppliers issuing force majeure notices and availability of certain materials tightening.

'Recent events in the Middle East are having a significant impact on the cost and availability of many essential materials and services and regrettably, we do not expect these pressures to ease quickly,' said Doug Aldred, chief commercial officer of Flint Group.

'Following a number of significant disruptions over recent years, supply chains are fragile,' noted Heiner Klokkers, president and CEO for Europe, India, Africa and the Middle East at Flint Group. 'Nevertheless, we are working closely with all our suppliers and third-party service providers to mitigate rising costs, secure raw materials and reduce risk wherever possible.'

Specific increases will be communicated through Flint Group's regional sales organizations. Customers are advised to contact their local sales representative for details.

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1 week ago

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Flint Group raises packaging ink prices

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The Middle East conflict drives up raw material, logistics and energy costs across the supply chain.

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The Middle East conflict drives up raw material, logistics and energy costs across the supply chain.

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Actega and Living Ink launch algae-based UV flexo ink

Piotr Wnuk — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:30:00 +0000

Actega and Living Ink Technologies have launched ACTExact UV Black Algae Ink, the first commercially available UV flexographic ink formulated with a carbon-negative, algae-derived pigment, with its debut commercial application on beverage labels for Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages.

The ink uses Living Ink's Algae Black pigment, derived from discarded algae biomass and verified through a third-party life cycle assessment to carry a net carbon footprint of -4.16 kg CO2-equivalent per kilogram of pigment. The two companies entered a joint development agreement in 2024 to bring the formulation to UV flexo, a category Living Ink had not previously entered through a commercial ink manufacturer partnership.

Waiākea, which has been developing algae-based ink alternatives with Living Ink for five years, sponsored the commercial development and became the first food and beverage brand globally to deploy the technology across its supply chain. Labels were produced by NextGen Label Group, which integrated the ink into beverage label production following press trials, replacing 100 percent of Waiākea's black ink with the new formulation.

'ACTExact UV Black Algae Ink finally checks both boxes,' said Ryan Emmons, co-founder and CEO of Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages, referring to performance standards and carbon-reduction potential. 'None of the sustainable inks we have tested over the last decade have met both requirements until now.'

'Algae Black pigment was developed to reimagine how color can serve the planet,' said Dr Scott Fulbright, CEO and co-founder of Living Ink Technologies. 'Our long-term collaboration with Actega demonstrates how industry leaders can unite innovation and impact to deliver scalable, sustainable solutions.'

'ACTExact UV Black Algae Ink represents a meaningful advancement in both performance and sustainability,' noted Ben Lux, CTO of Actega. 'We're proud to bring to market an ink that not only meets high production standards but also helps our customers reduce their environmental footprint.'

The ink is compatible with conventional UV flexographic systems and is now available for trials and bulk ordering in North America and the European Union, with additional regional rollouts planned.

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1 week ago

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Actega and Living Ink launch algae-based UV flexo ink

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Carbon-negative pigment used commercially for the first time on Waiākea beverage labels.

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Carbon-negative pigment used commercially for the first time on Waiākea beverage labels.

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Wikoff Color rebrands as Wikoff

Piotr Wnuk — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:23:46 +0000

Wikoff has unveiled a new brand identity, formally retiring the name Wikoff Color to reflect its expansion beyond traditional ink manufacturing into a broader portfolio covering advanced coatings, digital technologies, technical services and prepress graphics.

The rebrand coincides with the company's 70th anniversary and is anchored around the platform tagline 'Beyond Color', signaling a repositioning as a comprehensive provider across the graphics and printing workflow rather than a specialist ink supplier.

'As we mark 70 years of partnership and progress, we are building on our legacy while continuing to meet the changing needs of our customers,' said Mark Lewis, CEO of Wikoff. 'Through a more unified operating model and expanded capabilities, we are positioned to deliver innovative, customized solutions with deeper expertise and greater value to the markets we serve.'

The new corporate logo features an origami-inspired icon intended to represent precision, movement and craftsmanship. A redesigned website launches alongside the rebrand, with updated navigation, advanced search functionality and an expanded product finder.

'The folded form honors our craftsmanship while expressing a forward-looking brand built for agility, innovation and solutions that extend beyond color,' noted Brandon Devis, vice president of adjacent markets and commercial services at Wikoff.

Implementation of the new identity will roll out in phases across products, facilities, signage and digital platforms through 2026 and beyond.

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1 week 1 day ago

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Wikoff Color rebrands as Wikoff

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Ink and coatings supplier drops 'Color' from name to reflect broader technology portfolio.

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Ink and coatings supplier drops 'Color' from name to reflect broader technology portfolio.

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Sakata INX España earns EcoVadis platinum award

Selah Zighelboim — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 18:23:57 +0000

Sakata INX España, INX Europe's subsidiary that manufactures environmentally friendly inks and coatings in Barcelona, Spain, has been recognized with a platinum medal from EcoVadis.

This now places INX Europe among the top 1 percent of companies worldwide in sustainability, and validates INX’s commitment to continuous improvement, transparency and innovation at all global operations. Additionally, EcoVadis recently bestowed medals to other INX Europe subsidiaries in the UK (silver) and Germany (bronze).

'For INX Europe, achieving platinum demonstrates that our sustainability management systems and practices meet the highest level of external evaluation. It also positions our European operations among the strongest performers within the global chemical and manufacturing sectors assessed by EcoVadis,' said Cleo Nomikos, president of INX Europe.

EcoVadis evaluates over 100,000 companies worldwide based on four themes. INX Europe’s Sakata INX España location achieved the platinum rating by increasing its overall score to 86, with notable improvements in the environmental, labor and human rights, and sustainable procurement categories.

'Compared to last year, the progress in these categories is significant,' said Elizabeth Smith, INX Europe’s environmental, social and governance director. 'The increase is largely attributed to the introduction of more robust policies and procedures, strengthened assurance activities, and a marked increase in training and stakeholder engagement. These actions not only improved the organization’s performance, but it also demonstrates a greater maturity and consistency in how sustainability commitments are embedded into day-to-day operations.'

Nomikos added that the platinum rating supports INX Europe’s long-term strategy to integrate sustainability into its business operations and value proposition to customers.

'This result is not an isolated case. It reflects the progress we are making in structuring our ESG framework, as well as a broader coordinated effort across the INX Group to strengthen operational performance and embed sustainability more deeply into the way our worldwide sites operate. The direction is now clear and visible. Sustainability is no longer treated as a parallel topic, but as a driver for how we organize our processes, assess our performance, and create value throughout our global operations.

'Today,' continued Nomikos, 'sustainability at INX goes far beyond product chemistry. It is expressed through stronger processes, better governance, more consistent standards and a culture that is gradually transforming the daily work of our people. This is not only changing how we evaluate performance, but also how we define long-term value creation for our customers, investors, shareholders and employees.”

Nomikos praised the collective efforts of many team members across the INX Europe network who contribute daily to strengthening its sustainability practices.

'To define ourselves as a sustainable company requires continuous optimization and the development of new processes that would have seemed unrealistic a decade ago. It also requires commitment, investment and change management, including the integration of experienced professionals and the ongoing education and training of our existing workforce.'

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1 week 1 day ago

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Sakata INX España earns EcoVadis platinum award

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Sakata INX España is INX Europe's subsidiary that manufactures environmentally friendly inks and coatings in Barcelona, Spain.

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Sakata INX España is INX Europe's subsidiary that manufactures environmentally friendly inks and coatings in Barcelona, Spain.

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Europe

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EuPIA on Middle East and supply chain pressures

Akanksha Meena — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 09:38:15 +0000

The European Printing Ink Association (EuPIA) is closely monitoring the escalating situation in the Middle East and its consequences for global energy markets, raw material availability and logistics for the printing ink sector across Europe.

Disruptions to shipping flows through the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing rerouting via the Cape of Good Hope are extending transit times for chemical feedstocks and raw materials relevant to ink manufacturing by approximately 10-14 days.

War-risk insurance premiums and freight rates have risen sharply, with further increases anticipated.

Air freight is also affected, as disruptions to regional airspace and logistics hubs are altering transport flows and adding to costs.

Brent crude prices above 100 USD per barrel are driving up costs for key petrochemical derivatives - including solvents, binders, resins and additives - that are core inputs to printing ink formulations.

Utility demands in production processes may see gradual pressure as regional tensions affect gas and electricity-linked expenses.

EuPIA and its Council are monitoring these developments closely while prioritizing resilient sourcing and innovation in sustainable materials. EuPIA underscores the printing ink sector's adaptability in navigating broader supply chain complexities and is in communication with partner associations as and where possible.

Cornelia Tietz, EuPIA director, commented: ‘EuPIA is in active dialogue with its members and partner associations to track the evolving impact of this situation on our sector. We are committed to keeping members informed and to advocating for the conditions that support supply security for European printing ink producers.’

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1 week 4 days ago

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EuPIA on Middle East and supply chain pressures

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Disruptions to shipping flows are extending transit times for chemical feedstocks and raw materials relevant to ink manufacturing.

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Disruptions to shipping flows are extending transit times for chemical feedstocks and raw materials relevant to ink manufacturing.

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GSE integrates ink management with Brazilian ERP systems

Piotr Wnuk — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 22:36:21 +0000

GSE Dispensing has developed a flexible integration approach allowing its GSE Ink Manager software to connect with the diverse range of ERP systems used by Brazilian packaging converters, including locally developed and in-house platforms built to meet the country's complex fiscal and tax requirements.

While some converters operate global platforms such as SAP, many Brazilian packaging companies rely on bespoke systems that present practical integration challenges for specialised production software. To address this, GSE developed a standard protocol with three predefined formats, from which the appropriate interface and workflow can be configured, resulting in the GSE MIS Connect module, available as an optional component within the GSE Ink Manager software suite.

'For many converters, ink logistics is still viewed primarily as a dispensing function,' said Maarten Hummelen, marketing director of GSE. 'But in today's fast-response manufacturing environment, ink data has become far more strategic. Real-time insight into ink consumption, stock levels, formulation adjustments, press returns and job costing can inform purchasing decisions, sustainability reporting, regulatory compliance and long-term planning.'

In flexographic and gravure printing, where spot colors follow a non-linear path through production as base colors are blended, used and returned to stock, conventional ERP systems alone are often insufficient to track ink across its full lifecycle. Several Brazilian installations required close collaboration between converters' IT teams and GSE specialists in the Netherlands to align data structures, integrate manual production tracking into digital workflows and establish reliable communication protocols.

In some projects, GSE provided stand-alone versions of the software while customers awaited integrated hardware, allowing operators to familiarise themselves with digital workflows before full implementation.

'When ink management software is integrated with ERP systems, converters gain real-time insight that strengthens operational control, sustainability reporting and cost visibility,' added Hummelen.

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1 week 5 days ago

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GSE integrates ink management with Brazilian ERP systems

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Dutch software specialist develops flexible protocol to connect ink data with diverse local platforms.

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Dutch software specialist develops flexible protocol to connect ink data with diverse local platforms.

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