Inx International introduces INXShield line of coatings protected by BioCote technology.
Photo BioCote
INX International Ink launched the first two products of INXShield, a new line of functional coatings designed for packaging applications. Developed over a two year time period, INXShield is formulated with BioCote antimicrobial technology that protects the coating by inhibiting the growth of odor and staining microbes on its surface. INXShield is validated and quality control tested on a regular basis by an independent testing facility using the ISO 22196:2011 test method.
INXShield UVF and INXShield GS slip coatings represent a continuing process of delivering new methods to help brand owners and package converters improve their packaging results, says Shane Bertsch, vice-president of Strategic Planning and Innovation at Inx.
“INXShield gives brand owners the opportunity to add another layer of coating protection to their package,” affirmed Bertsch. “With over 25 years of success in the antimicrobial field, the BioCote brand is universally recognized as the standard for quality, experience and credibility. We are pleased with the test results and knowing the treated coatings are protected from odor and staining caused by microbes.”
BioCote technology is formulated into the products to inhibit the growth of microorganisms. The antimicrobial properties do not protect users or others against bacteria, viruses, germs or other disease organisms. But INXShield coatings do support existing cleaning practices to remain fresh and clean while exhibiting improved durability.
INXShield UV flexo coating is suitable for application over dry water-based and cured UV inks. It provides a uniform layer with excellent gloss, slip and general resistance properties. The low viscosity levels provide rapid flow and leveling on higher speed presses, with minimal dwell time for systems with anilox coaters.
INXShield GS slip coating is a premium, solvent-based gravure coating for use on shrinkable film labels. The overprint varnish is formulated for shrinkable printing, including OPS, PETG and PVC. OPV is recommended when a lower COF (high slippage) or additional resistance is needed. Benefits include exceptional film adhesion, excellent heat resistance, good clarity and high resistance to blocking, scratches and scuffing.
2023 promises an interesting ride for print in India
Indian Printer and Publisher founded in 1979 is the oldest B2B trade publication in the multi-platform and
multi-channel IPPGroup. While the print and packaging industries have been resilient in the past 33 months since the pandemic lockdown of 25 March 2020, the commercial printing and newspaper industries have yet to recover their pre-Covid trajectory.
The fragmented commercial printing industry faces substantial challenges as does the newspaper industry.
While digital short-run printing and the signage industry seem to be recovering a bit faster, ultimately
their growth will also be moderated by the progress of the overall economy. On the other hand book
printing exports are doing well but they too face several supply-chain and logistics challenges.
The price of publication papers including newsprint has been high in the past year while availability is diminished by several mills shutting down their publication paper and newsprint machines in the past four years. Indian paper mills are also exporting many types of paper and have raised prices for Indian printers. To some extent, this has helped in the recovery of the digital printing industry with its on-demand short-run and low-wastage paradigm.
Ultimately digital print and other digital channels will help print grow in a country where we are still far behind in our paper and print consumption and where digital is a leapfrog technology that will only increase the demand for print in the foreseeable future. For instance, there is no alternative to a rise in textbook consumption but this segment will only reach normality in the next financial year beginning on 1 April 2023.
Thus while the new normal is a moving target and many commercial printers look to diversification, we believe that our target audiences may shift and change. Like them, we will also have to adapt with agility to keep up with their business and technical information needs.
Our 2023 media kit is ready, and it is the right time to take stock and reconnect with your potential markets and customers. Print is the glue for the growth of liberal education, new industry, and an emerging economy. We seek your participation in what promises to be an interesting ride.
