Ingogroup cuts energy usage with Flint EkoCure inks

Spanish converter Ingogroup has achieved 70 percent reduction in energy consumption by transitioning to UV LED technology, effectively managing expenses and advancing the company's commitment to lower emissions. 

The Girona-based printer began using Flint Group's EkoCure Dual Cure four years ago. Ingogroup selected EkoCure Dual Cure because the range provided a ‘perfect match’ for its ambition of reducing energy costs and transitioning from traditional UV to UV-LED-based printing. LED curing stations require only half the installed power of incumbent UV mercury systems, enabling the business to realize energy savings of up to 70 percent, according to Flint. 

Ingogroup was particularly impressed with how EkoCure Dual Cure inks improve the longevity of its equipment. Since it started using the range, it has not needed to change a single LED lamp.  

Ingogroup's CEO, Íñigo Pons, said: ‘The most important thing when choosing a supplier, more so than quality, price or references, is the quality of aftersales service. Get this right, and it means we can guarantee product supplies, technical support and customer service to our clients. Flint Group gets this right, and its support extends far beyond product quality. 

‘Over the years, the relationship between Ingogroup and Flint Group has flourished, exemplifying a truly collaborative spirit. The technicians from Flint Group played an integral role in helping us transition to LED curing in our label and flexible packaging operations, providing responsive support and helping us to navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with innovative technology.’ 

EkoCure Dual Cure ink is designed to cure with traditional UV lamps and low-energy UV LED lamps and is compatible with curing systems on any narrow or mid-web press. This flexibility means printers can invest in new presses at a speed that suits their individual circumstances while not being left with inventories of unusable ink. 

LED lamps can be instantly activated or deactivated. And, these lamps offer potential operational lifespans of over 20,000 hours. Importantly, with mercury based curing lamps increasingly being phased out, switching to LED can help ensure compliance with changing legislation. 

Jorge Duarte, sales director Iberia at Flint Group, said that as food label and packaging leader, Ingogroup needed a solution to help future-proof its printing for food contact applications. EkoCure Dual Cure was able to offer this functionality, overcoming the challenges of operating with both traditional UV and UV LED curing systems while helping to control costs and support Ingogroup's overall sustainability strategy. 

Duarte added: ‘EkoCure Dual Cure results from over a decade of development, resulting in a UV LED dual curing ink with unparalleled on-press performance. Offering fast curing speed and near-instant set-up, this ink is designed to support today's packaging industry while preparing them for the future. 

‘Switching to dual curing inks may sound complicated, but the reality is straightforward – especially when businesses work with their supplier partner that can offer invaluable expertise and insight. As a pioneer in developing dual curing ink technology, Flint Group's technical experts can work with businesses to determine the right solution for them – ensuring they can start reaping the benefits of high quality, cost-efficient and more sustainable printing.’