High-quality flexo print applications can be achieved using high post-consumer recycled (PCR) content flexible packaging materials – this is the conclusion reached by Asahi Photoproducts, following its participation in the Next-Generation Sustainable Flexo Symposium event this month.
The event demonstrated how close collaboration across the entire flexo ecosystem – including plate technology, screening and imaging, inks, tapes, substrates, press technology and process automation – can help overcome limitations historically associated with recycled flexible packaging materials, the company said.
Partners at the event also included Allstein, Esko, Pamarco, tesa, Follmann, Optical Control Systems (OCS), Petroplast and Polifilm.
Print demonstrations on transparent PCR material showed how rapidly flexo printing technology is evolving, said Asahi, with the printed image quality achieved on more than 90% PCR content PE films exceeding what many in the industry might expect. This means that even substrates with such a high PCR content proportion could be used for more demanding consumer packaging designs requiring stronger visual impact.
“The latest print results shown during the symposium suggest that sustainable packaging no longer has to automatically mean compromised print quality, and that flexo continues to play an important role in enabling this transition,” the company said.
