Pulse launches new products at Labelexpo Europe

Inks, coatings and varnishes supplier Pulse has launched new products at Labelexpo Europe 2025, including two newly developed overprint varnishes approved for use with Ravenwood Packaging's linerless label printing ecosystem.

The new OPVs are available in matt and gloss finishes and are formulated to be in line with the demands of the impending German Ink Ordinance update, which becomes mandatory on January 1, 2026.

These have been developed and refined in collaboration with Reflex Group, the internationally renowned label and package printing business. Comprehensive press trials have been supported by extensive end-user application testing. This has validated the performance of the new OPVs during production and their suitability for use in the market.

The results confirm that both OPVs met Ravenwood Packaging's stringent standards, with the matt varnish in particular delivering superior on-press performance compared to alternative products currently available.

A spokesperson from Reflex Labels noted the performance of the matt varnish as 'noticeably better than other products we have trialed. It not only improved print results but also made the varnish much easier for our operators to use, which is a significant advantage on-press.’

'We are very pleased to receive Ravenwood Packaging's approval for our new OPVs,' commented Gary Seward, managing director at Pulse. 'The testing carried out by Reflex Labels and verified through end-user applications provides a strong endorsement of their quality and reliability. The matt varnish especially has shown clear advantages on-press, offering printers a dependable option for consistent performance and efficiency.'

These products are now commercially available to all those wanting to target the growing market for linerless labels, which is anticipated to have a compound annual growth rate that exceeds the overall label market for the next five years.

Pulse has also added a new primer to its range suitable for toner-based digital printing. This updated formulation ensures toners adhere strongly to a wider range of materials, from self-adhesive papers and unsupported films to lightweight cartons.

The company's support for folding cartons extends to the suitability of high-strength, single-pigment Pulse Puretone UV flexo inks for this growing section of the packaging market. The high-strength formulation of this ink series is ideal for use on porous substrates such as cartonboard, where washout and ink saturation are common issues.

The availability of high luster silver inks and use of the Monolox fixed anilox printing system for Pantone spot colors further complements the specific needs of the folding carton market.

'Our streamlined and versatile portfolio of inks, coatings and varnishes is the perfect approach for any printer looking to simplify how they work, to maximize the utilization of their machinery and to capitalize on the different revenue streams available to them,' added Seward.

Pulse exhibits at Labelexpo Europe 2025 on Stand 3G93, where it presents products and processes for Making Print Simple. In addition, daily clinics at 11:30am and 2:30pm detail the reality of ignoring bottlenecks and overlooking the impact of constraints on throughput and ultimately, profitability.