INX International launches brand extension for INXhrc RC inks

INX International is launching a brand extension for INXhrc RC natural-based inks: a new UV LED dual cure low migration formulation for plastic and foam-based packaging joins the UV curable formulation. 

INXhrc RC LM is a Nestle-compliant ink system with sustainable ingredients used for low migration applications on rigid container packaging. Designed with high levels of biorenewable content and formulated without VOC solvents, it reduces the carbon footprint of packaging materials by up to 30 percent. These inks are food safe for sensitive packaging applications.

'Consumer expectations for manufacturer accountability in regards to safety and sustainability continues to increase, so low migration inks are becoming a more important consideration for the packaging industry,' said Renee Schouten, INX International’s vice president of marketing. 'This is especially true for the impact of plastic and foam-based rigid containers, so we are replacing petrochemical-derived resins with natural and renewable materials.

'These two INXhrc RC formulations offer superior dry offset printing quality of rigid containers or decorative packaging, and help lower your carbon footprint. By keeping consumer safety and the environment in mind, you have regulatory confidence and access to a product using biorenewable, clean ingredients without compromising performance,' Schouten continued.

Verified by a third-party laboratory as an eco-friendly alternative to standard UV inks by using ASTM D6866-20 Method B, INXhrc RC LM meets food safety regulatory compliance measures such as Regulation EC No. 1935-2004. Known as the Framework Regulation, this sets requirements for materials to safeguard human health.

The natural components of INXhrc RC are not derived from food crops, ensuring they are non-allergenic and food-safe. They do not contain any nanomaterials, fluorochemicals, fanal pigments, heavy metals or PTFE.

INXhrc RC inks' single-pigment bases allow for accurate PMS shade matching. Aadhesion and abrasion resistance enhance durability. Flow and transfer capabilities enable dry offset printing on rigid packaging presses such as VanDam, PolyType and Kase.

Schouten cited Dart Container Corporation, a longtime Michigan-based customer who began using INXhrc inks in 2017. Dart has reduced carbon emissions and strengthened sustainability goals and environmental responsibilities.

'When Dart Container Corporation made the switch from traditional to natural-based inks with INXhrc, they anticipated a positive effect on their environmental footprint,' explained Schouten. 'However, they were surprised by the enhanced ink performance as well.'

Over the course of seven years using INXhrc inks, Dart, the world’s largest manufacturer of foam cups and disposable food containers, has experienced an annual decrease of 200 tons of carbon emissions. Dart reduced VOC emissions by 75 percent and created a safer working environment while reducing its environmental impact. The corporation also improved its pressroom performance with better ink mileage, less downtime and increased production efficiency.