Pressroom Panacea?

Langendorf predicts UV flexo will make further wide-web inroads with the evolution of inert systems now in testing phases. These systems employ an inert gas blanket around the curing lamp, reducing the amount of photoinitiators, improving speed, and reducing energy consumption.

On the continent

The trans-Atlantic gap in multitude and manner of UV flexo applications is one press manufacturers are quick to point out. As Langendorf states, "New markets for UV flexo are in folding cartons and liquid packaging. In the U.S., contrary to Europe, it is still widely used for labels." Why the global divergence? Comco International's National Sales Manager Wes Harrington says, "The only major concern with UV flexo is in direct-food contact."