New technique allows photo-realistic printing on plastic containers
technique for printing containers used for spreads, fats and edible
oils.
RPC Bebo Nederland said yesterday its dry-offset technique allows processors to print photo-realistic reproductions of complex designs.
The company plans to produce the first test run of the printing technique next week, a spokesperson told FoodProductionDaily.com.
"The new technique - known as Supreme Quality Printing - has been introduced to meet the demand for high impact packaging, increasingly critical as brands fight for prominence on crowded shelves and changes in legislation shorten the product life of packaging," the company stated yesterday.
The technique was developed with the company's suppliers of ink and printing plates. Unique inks have been specifically designed for thermoformed tubs and lids and enable clear, consistent quality, the company stated.
The company has also developed a method to enable the dry-offset printing of two colours on top of each other, a breakthrough that makes it possible to make use of the CMYK range of colours. The CMYK technique allows the use of a true black colour, which results in a higher quality of printed image.
Three colour process printing means black is achieved by mixing the inks, which can result in a muddy image.
Another innovation is the use of laser-engraving to reproduce printing plates, allowing a greater definition in the detail of the printed image.
"The technique is cost-effective, even for smaller runs of below 50,000 units, and lead-times are as little as fifteen weekdays," the company stated.
RPC Bebo Nederland produces plastic packaging for the food industry.
