Flint Group has expanded its UV LED dual-curing flexographic ink portfolio with the introduction of EkoCure XS shrink white inks for shrink sleeve applications.
The new EkoCure XS shrink whites are designed to provide flake-free performance across the EkoCure series, with formulations developed to maintain ink adhesion on shrink sleeves. According to the company, the inks create a smooth white base that resists cracking or flaking, including in high-shrink and high-stress areas of the sleeve.
The inks are compatible with both UV and UV LED curing presses through dual-curing technology, allowing converters to use the same product across different press configurations. Flint Group recommends that total ink film thickness of the graphic print does not exceed 15 bcm to achieve the intended performance characteristics.
Rob Stendahl, R&D Technology Manager, North America, at Flint Group, said: “With our EkoCure XS shrink whites, we’re removing uncertainty from the most challenging part of shrink sleeve production. High-shrink, high-stress areas routinely risk exposing whites to cracking and flaking that can ruin print quality and damage a design’s shelf appeal. This new formulation is designed to resist these challenges and deliver a glossy, durable finish that keeps branded graphics looking their best.”
Flint Group stated that the inks can reduce time and material waste by eliminating the need to strip ink during tape or crinkle testing. The company also recommends using both the first and second down UV shrink white layers to support overall shrink performance, opacity and coefficient of friction characteristics.
The solution is intended to support longer high-speed press runs with consistent adhesion and reduced print defects within shrink sleeve production environments.