This article appeared in a broader Technology Focus feature on Enhancing Print in the October 2022 issue of ProPrint, to view the magazine online, please click here.
Customers are aiming for special visual and tactile finishes as a point of difference with their product’s packaging, said Troy Neighbour, senior product manager, graphic systems, Fujifilm, adding soft-touch textured and high-build finishes are still in vogue.
“Brand owners are also mindful of costs, and sometimes choose efficiencies and economics over specialty finishes. This focus is reflected in a gradual move from UV-coated prints to the more economical water-based coatings,” Neighbour said.
“Despite costs being a driving factor, Fujifilm Graphic Systems is experiencing an increased consumption of UV coatings. The properties of UV coatings that are unachievable by aqueous coatings provide a greater drawcard to marketers promoting supermarket products. Matt and satin coatings have also been quite popular, with consumption volumes almost doubling in recent years. This growth has occurred in both sheetfed and narrow-web markets.”
Fujifilm’s Supernova UV Flexo Opaque White has been popular as a close replacement for screen UV Opaque White, says Neighbour, because it offers high opacity and high adhesion with excellent flow and ability to overprint.
The introduction of Supernova Opaque White has assisted some customers to increase productivity and reduce cost and power consumption. Its use allows for the elimination of screens and screen ink, resulting in faster production.
As the Australian agent for Sicpa inks, Fujifilm has seen an increase in enquiries for security inks, with a greater focus in Australia on curbing counterfeits.
Popular products offered by Fujifilm include UV coatings with high adhesion over critical ink toners and substrates; high-stability flexo UV matte coating for the narrow-web market; ISEGA-certified direct food contact water-based coatings (matte and gloss finishes); and water-based primer for UV combination used in double coaters (used inline over aqueous primed conventional inks with UV gloss on top).
Since this article was written, Neighbour has been promoted to lead the graphic systems division at Fujifilm Australia.
Comment below to have your say on this story.
If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.
Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter