Chesapeake adopts ULM ink system

The move to ULM-only ink follows extensive trials and rigorous testing procedures. The Bristol operation is Chesapeake’s lead label site in the UK for food labeling.

It also complements a similar move by Chesapeake’s carton production sites that are focused on food packaging and have adopted the manufacturing guidelines issued by the European Carton Makers Association. Following the full implementation of the ECMA GMP at Chesapeake’s German operations in 2011, sites in the UK and Poland that supply food-related packaging announced compliance with the same directive in September this year.

The new inks were initially tested at ISEGA by Paragon Inks, the supplier, and were then independently tested by Chesapeake using another specialist business. These additional tests covered a broader range of potential migrating components to provide greater assurance.

Andy Walter, Chesapeake Bristol’s managing director, said: ‘We were previously using low-migration inks but we wanted to fully move to an ultra-low migration ink system as soon as we had completed and validated the test results. 

‘As part of this process, we’ve changed our ink stocks, conducted trials and completed profiling tests. We supply labels to some of the UK’s best-known brands and we always strive to offer our customers the latest print finishes and effects. For us, this move to an improved lower migration ink system was an easy decision.’