Making a Statement

Thermochromics and hot foil stamping inks found a stronger North American market niche in 1998, and should move beyond simple "novelty" usage in the coming year, says Steve Abbott, president of Kromacorp U.S., who primarily provides inks to the wide-web industry. Kromacorp's Kroma-thermic heat-sensitive inks took off more immediately in Europe, appearing on beer, wine and candy bar labels to indicate optimum drinking or eating temperatures. Usage by larger, global beverage companies should spur ahead the spread of these inks to North America, he adds.