News

Hartness International, the US packaging technology provider, has launched a new business unit to develop ink technology for direct print labelling.

Hartness-Inks aims to replace clear pressure-sensitive labels, shrink sleeves and no-look labels with Uvaclear, an ultraviolet curable ink that is said to offer defined colours and images.

The ink dries within seconds and is applied directly to the container with a nylon screen, which can generally be produced in around four hours.

The ink can be supplied in a wide range of colours, including metallics.

Scott Smith, the firm's vice president of sales and marketing, told Packaging News: “This is different from other UV solutions because it really sticks to the container. Previous attempts came off when the container was placed in an iced bath, for example.”

Smith said the technique offered cost savings through reduced energy consumption in the curing process. In addition, it did not use hard metals that produce harmful fumes.

Hartness International’s customers include Coca-Cola, Diageo, Bacardi, Colgate-Palmolive, Kraft Foods and Heinz.