MetalFX focuses on flexo with new metallic colour system

Ainge said flexo created a "higher lustre" than offset because it laid down a thicker layer of ink. "We tend to see a much more metallic result from flexo and indeed much closer to foil."

He added that it was a "big deal" to move into the "emerging" global flexo market, especially for labels and food packaging.

The Leeds-based firm is trialling the process for cartons at Chesapeake in Portsmouth, previously Field Packaging, while label applications have been ongoing at an unnamed UK beta site.

Neil McInnes, packaging development and new business manager at Chesapeake, said he had been in talks with MetalFX to run the trials on the plant's 10-colour NovaFlex XS, which can "run everything from eight-micron Mylar to 250gsm-plus board".

Silver or gold MetalFX base colours are printed in the first flexo unit, with CMYK inks printed over the top.

Ainge said the system had "no problems" with "most flexo systems". "We have already tested on UV, water-based and solvent on a variety of substrates."

Chesapeake, which will roll out promotional materials for Drupa, said customers of its Branded Division in confectionery, beverage and foods would be likely markets, as would tobacco.

In August 2006, Swiss colour management giant Ciba bought an 80% stake in MetalFX, which Ainge set up in 2002.

Drupa takes place from 29 May to 11 June in Düsseldorf, Germany.

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