Specialty inks can make a product look (and be) special

Specialty inks come in many forms and can provide added value in many different ways for consumer products companies. A partial list of inks falling into this category includes phosphorescent, fluorescent, thermochromic, optical variable, magnetic, and metallic. Theses inks can be used to simply improve graphic appeal or add an additional sensory experience, provide brand security, or protect the product and/or end users.

Bob Lorenz, vice president of business development for Sun Chemical Corporation, is seeing more and more interest from product/packaging designers for what specialty inks can add to the product. He especially sees opportunities for enhanced brand protection in the tobacco, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries.

Since specialty inks are, many times, a unique formulation, the lead time for development can be longer and there could be additional cost and processing implications. But when a product can offer unique shelf appeal, along with brand security and product protection, there’s a lot that can be justified.

The June issue of packagePRINTING offers a more in depth look at what makes specialty inks special.