Reading Between the Hues

Conversely, receiving only two percent of responses, photochromic inks came up as the least commonly used of all the specialties. According to Whalen, "Photochromics' time is yet to come. Printers do not have the experience with this type of ink, therefore, they are more hesitant to try it." Many ink suppliers, including Akzo Nobel, do not yet offer photochromic inks in the United States. "The American market doesn't require it right now, so currently we are importing it from Europe on a needed basis," Whalen adds.