The Epotal lamination is an alternative to solvent-based and solvent-free adhesives when it comes to the lamination of flexible food packaging.
HP Indigo ElectroInk
Nurit Raccah, labels and packaging media and materials business manager, Indigo division, HP, said the expansion of HP Indigo digital printing into mainstream flexible packaging meant it needed various adhesive performances with the HP Indigo ElectroInk.
“HP is constantly looking into faster turnaround time to extend the value of digital printing applications,” she said.
“This collaboration with BASF demonstrates our commitment to providing HP Indigo customers full end-to-end technologies with extended performance.
“BASF accomplished several laminations for digital printing including adhesives for dry lamination for food packaging.”
Main advantages of water-based adhesives:
• immediate slitting
• quick response to customer requests
• free of toxic substances
• food contact approval
• broad application range
Reduction of lead times Water-based adhesives allow for immediate slitting of laminates after coating. Therefore lead times can be reduced which allows for a quick response to customer demands.
Dr Axel Weiss, head, marketing dispersions, Industrial Adhesives Europe at BASF said the company recently developed water-based adhesives for digital inks: Epotal DP3820X and Basonat LR 9056.
“In combination with HP Indigo Pack Ready Coating these adhesives enable the production of retort pouches with best lamination quality,” he added.
Direct slitting of laminates
“With Epotal lamination adhesives the high bonding strength of water-based adhesives allows for direct slitting of the laminates.
"Curing times are almost not required since water-based adhesives are already fully-reacted adhesive systems. They bring increased flexibility to the customer by shortening lead times and making printing and lamination in-line possible.
“Additionally, water-based adhesives - due to their chemical composition - are inherently safe systems and suited for food packaging applications. They do not contain any organic solvents nor aromatic isocyanates. The migration potential is virtually eliminated.”