SIEGBURG, Germany — Siegwerk is now offering a new generation of NC inks for flexible packaging applications produced with state-of-the-art production equipment at its headquarters in Siegburg, Germany.

For the new generation of NC inks, Siegwerk reports the formulations have been optimized to match both the latest production technologies and current market trends. The new NC ink series includes colors and clears and is designed for gravure and flexo printing of all kinds of flexible packaging. The system’s versatility and flexibility make it a genuinely all-purpose solution for surface and reverse printing with lamination applications. “Compared to previous generations, our new series offers an extended functionality, an outstanding quality consistency and optimized rheological properties, significantly improving print results and efficiency,” said Björn Ewig, head of Technology Flexible Packaging EMEA.

According to Siegwerk, its new NC innovation offers customers a higher flexibility through optimized technical performance and higher color strength, allowing an even better tailoring to individual needs. Due to the high-quality consistency through fully automated production and optimized process data control, the new system also supports customers in implementing new production processes such as Extended Color Gamut printing (7-color set printing) to make the printing process more efficient and resource-saving.

With the new NC ink generation, Siegwerk launched the first flexible packaging ink system manufactured at the fully automated production facility in Siegburg. All components of this new generation of NC inks — masterbatches, master compounds (technical varnishes) and blending varnishes — are manufactured with the newest production technologies along with an improved process data control, less material waste and a sustainable sourcing of raw materials. Going forward, the company will gradually convert the production of all its flexible packaging solutions to the automated process.

Over the last couple of years, the company has invested a considerable amount in the automation of its production facility in Siegburg to improve processes, expand production capacities and increase efficiencies. Today, Siegwerk’s site is reportedly the largest fully automated production facility for printing inks in Europe equipped with state-of-the-art grinding and blending technologies. “Due to a more precise controllability of all process parameters, the new workflow significantly improves efficiencies and takes product consistency to a whole new level,” said Dirk Weissenfeldt, Vice President Flexible Packaging EMEA at Siegwerk. “This enables us to even better meet the growing customer demand for consistent and high quality as well as solid and fast delivery.” All these site expansion activities enabled the company to take its production to higher technical standards show the company’s a long-term commitment to production in Central Europe. “Customers in the EMEA region can rely on high quality consistency, fast lead times and short supply chains across Europe when collaborating with us. We are committed to long-term and future-oriented partnerships,” added Weissenfeldt. The new automated setup also supports a safer and cleaner production with less waste and a lower loss of solvents, in line with Siegwerk's sustainability agenda.

Learn more about Siegwerk at www.siegwerk.com.