New Plate Technology and Thermal Process for Flexo Innovation

Abstract

Flexographic printing is the most popular printing technology for packaging and can be applied to flexible packaging, corrugated boxes, tags and labels, and beverage cartons, among others. Recently, a trend regarding packaging and labelling has developed, which not only emphasizes high quality printing to catch consumer interest, but also being environmentally friendly as well as safe―concerning the content of the packaging (for instance food). Flexographic printing is in line with this trend, delivering high quality and environmentally friendly printing. However, in East Asia―including Japan―the Gravure printing method is predominantly used for flexible package printing, and the Offset printing method for tags and labels. Flexographic printing is employed only for printing on corrugated boxes and some beverage cartons. To meet the current market trend, Flexographic printing must be applied to more areas. DuPont developed the EASY plate that makes flat top dots which does not require a special technique, and New FAST developed a Flexo plate that does not require organic solvent, is environmentally friendly, and offers high productivity. We aim to promote these new technologies to encourage the growth of Flexographic technology within the packaging and printing market.