There are two basic printing methods available within Elopak:
- flexographic
- lithographic
Standard Flexo Printing Method
Standard flexography is a highly efficient printing method, but there are certain limitations which must be taken into account during the initial design process in order to obtain the best results from this medium. Standard flexo is used mostly for designs containing large solid areas, bold, sans-serif type faces and course screen rulings (20 l/cm)
Super Flexo Printing Method
Through continuous investment in new generation, high quality nine-and-10-colour printing machines which feature automatic colour to colour registration; gearless drive systems; thin printing plates and sleeves for accurate plate mounting, our flexo print quality has improved significantly. Elopak introduced this flexo improvement as super flexo in 1995. The maximum screen ruling for super flexo is 34 l/cm which is sufficient for many design types.
Offset Litho Printing Method
For over 12 years, Elopak has been using offset printing for the highest print quality demands. Offset permits reproduction and printing of finer screen rulings and photographic images.
Our sophisticated offset machines are equipped with UV (ultra violet) lamps between all printing units for fast ink curing which enables high-quality, high-speed printing on PE coated board.
UV Curable Printing Inks
UV-curing (drying) is a process which occurs when the inks are exposed to intense UV-light. Technically, UV curable inks offer many environmental and quality advantages, for instance increased abrasion and chemical resistance properties; they are non-flammable, non toxic and contain no solvents.
UV-Flexo Printing
Solvent reduction (VOC`s) and improved print quality continue to be key driving factors for the ongoing introduction of UV-flexo into our world-wide operations.
UV-inks do not dry until they are cured (exposed to UV light). They can be left on press overnight for example with no change to colour or performance. As a 100% solid system, UV-inks offer greater consistency in colour and viscosity and also sharper dot structure when compared to solvent based flexo inks.
UV-flexo inks are very similar to UV-offset inks although they are thinner (lower viscosity) and involve no water emulsification as is required with offset. Due to several small differences and a slightly thicker ink film, UV-flexo inks appear much glossier compared to UV-offset printing.
ELOPAK TECHNOLOGY CENTER
At the Elopak Technology Centre various properties are tested, such as filling performance, shelf life and off-taste during storage.
We have to ensure that the filling machine and packaging material protect the product for possible hazards and contamination. Packaging protects the product from the environment, and the level of protection is dependant on the barrier and mechanical properties of the packaging material.
The loss of vitamins and aromas, colour changes are parameters that need to be analyzed very carefully. We must also satisfy the customer expectations of product quality during storage. An internal sensory panel of qualified assessors is used to verify an excellent sensory quality of food products filled in our package.
