Frimpeks is a market leader in the development of inks, varnishes and coatings. A relative newcomer in the low migration arena this specialist product category will be a major topic of discussion at the forthcoming drupa international trade fair in Dusseldorf (May 31-June 10). Frimpeks technical staff will be on hand to discuss the science behind this important shift in the ink and packaging industries in Hall 03/B35.
But what does the industry mean by low migration?
Low migration describes packaging materials whose chemicals will not migrate, or move, from the packaging into the product. It is particularly relevant in the food, pharmaceutical, beverage and healthcare sectors.
Materials include printing inks, coatings and adhesives which must not have any migratory chemicals which would affect the odour, flavour, appearance, taste, or the safety of the product contained within the packaging.
When printing a job that requires low-migration properties, theres far more to consider than just loading up the press with a low-migration ink. In general, the term low migration ink refers to ink formulated without use of raw materials that have been identified as being able to pass through a substrate. Given there are so many different combinations of inks, print processes, and applications. Therefore printers are advised to work closely with their ink supplier to match up the substrate, process and application.
Frimpeks technical team offer open access to decades of experience and the laboratories in order to deliver a bespoke service to our customers. A substantial amount of research and testing is required to ensure our products are fit for purpose, in turn providing peace of mind.
Our partnership approach means our customers are encouraged to apply best practice manufacturing techniques. Understanding substrates, print speeds and the curing process are the keys to making sure the low-migration ink is fit for the application purpose. Frimpeks representatives will be on hand to discuss how they can assist print converters in a variety of aspects. For example, best practice when curing low migration inks.
Industry commentators interpret the concept of low migration in different ways. One view is it refers to the transfer of various components from the finished package into the food product. Low migration inks really refer to products that have been developed by ink suppliers to help the printer achieve desired results in accordance with current regulations. Others focus purely on producing inks that are formulated to limit migration to the minimum parts-per-billion levels through their chemical composition.
16th May 2016
