New engraved gravure concept creates sensory appeal
Sun Chemical and Keating Specialist Cylinders have developed a concept, which will enable confectionery brand owners to apply effects with sensory appeal to packaging cost-effectively without altering the standard design.
The concept sees the application of Sun Chemical’s specially developed inks utilising a unique engraved gravure cylinder, produced by Keating Specialist Cylinders, printed onto a polypropylene film.
The resulting effect can be used in place of a standard filmic overwrap for carton boxes, containing products such as confectionery, to increase shelf presence. This approach also gives brand owners more flexibility to run short-term promotions or seasonal themes using standard packaging, while saving costs on redesigns and wastage.
A key element of the solution is the development of a new technique to engrave cells which are considerably deeper than those found on traditional gravure cylinders, while maintaining a shallow gradient. This technology allows an image to be applied using a heavier ink weight than could be delivered using standard gravure cylinders. This in turn can give the printed film an embossed effect using the specially formulated inks, without the cost or technological challenges of physical embossing. The new ink and cylinder can be used with traditional gravure presses.
Tony Palmer, business director of Sun Chemical’s packaging division, says, “Traditionally, if a brand owner wants to launch a limited edition or seasonal design on their packaging, they would need to brief designers and print a new batch of packaging, which can be a time-consuming process. At the end of the range, there is often a substantial amount of waste packaging which can no longer be used. Now, they can add the limited edition or seasonal design to the film, which allows them to continue using their standard packaging. Security taggants could also be added to the ink to provide a security and authentication solution, helping protect the product against counterfeiters.”
