Manufacturers need to rethink inks

The changing regulatory framework with regard to the inks used for coding and marking products and packaging can pose considerable challenges for manufacturers in numerous industries.

Whilst many are aware of the strict regulations for food contact inks, a similar level of control applies to their handling and use in many other manufacturing sectors.

„Changes in the safety and environmental classifications and regulations of inks used to code and mark products, along with new trends in packaging design and materials, are causing headaches for manufacturers in many industries. Our in-house ink innovation capability offers the solution“
Josie Harries, Ink Development Technology Manager at Domino

Inks are Complex formulations and contain numerous different substances, which are individually selected by the developers to give the final ink its unique character. certain properties to lend.

Occasionally, a reclassification of the „Ink ingredients“ which can have a significant impact on the availability of inks. Either because a component is no longer suitable for the application, or because a more restrictive Reclassification leads to a switch to alternatives.

Often, it is not enough to simply replace one component with another, as this would jeopardise the Ink performance can have a significant impact, for example in the areas of code readability and durability, printer efficiency, nozzle cleaning frequency, etc., which can affect the Product quality and production reliability can have an effect.

If raw materials are no longer available due to problems in the supply chain or a reclassification, there could be a lack of ink supply, meaning that coding is no longer possible.

The result is expensive Production stops, which is why manufacturers according to alternative coding solutions have to search.

When Special substrates or packaging If new coding solutions are used for a wide range of applications or if special performance features are required, the procurement of new coding solutions can be a lengthy and costly process.

„Some people outside the coding and marking sector may be surprised that something so insignificant can have such an impact on throughput, profit and contractual fulfilment. That's why at Domino we recognise the importance of developing agile inks in relation to supply chain processes“
Josie Harries, Ink Development Technology Manager at Domino

The trends

Product packaging is constantly being further developed, which has an impact on the suitability of existing inks, and Ink innovations drives us forward.

Current trends include increased consumer interest in the Reduction of disposable packaging, which has accelerated the introduction of more sustainable packaging - plastic alternatives - and the shift towards products that can be used within a circular economy. without waste can be used.

By involving our customers and analysing market trends, Domino is able to, Innovative and reliable ink solutions to be provided.

For example, many of our customers are looking for an ink that is durable on the one hand and lasts for the entire life of the product, but on the other Recycling at the end of life can be removed. This can be quite difficult.

The Domino ink team is currently focussing on Innovative solutions for environmentally friendly and sustainable inks and the development of proof-of-concept solutions to see how the environmental impact of inks can be reduced.

In addition to the know-how and expertise of Domino's ink developers, the internal analysis team the substrates of customer packaging, using numerous methods to identify the correct raw materials, resulting in the printing of high-quality codes.

Another trend is the endeavour to Product integrity and thus ensure customer confidence in the supply chain.

It is expected that all persons involved in the production, processing, transport and marketing of goods will do everything possible to Avoid problems and to ensure consumer safety.

„Domino's membership of EuPIA and other key industry informing associations means that we consider the risks and carry out exposure assessments in line with internationally recognised scientific principles. We are committed to the principles of continuous improvement in relation to consumer safety. In addition, we are a member of various interest groups so that we are always up to date with any upcoming market changes“
Josie Harries, Ink Development Technology Manager at Domino

During the ink development process, it is important to collect data such as the Composition of individual substances and to collect the full performance of the ink.

However, it is also important, keep pace with upcoming regulatory changes and thus ensure that ink mixtures can be replaced with the least possible disruption in the event of reclassification.

Thanks to this approach to the development of inks, the No or only minor faults in the customer's supply chain.

In a world where rapid evolution of inks is required, Domino's automated approach with statistically designed trials means that new or updated inks can be brought to market quickly so that the Reduced risk of downtime for the customer becomes.

Dominoes Agile ink development process enables the provision of quick solutions to the ink challenges faced by customers.

Source: Domino Deutschland GmbH