In an interview with The Packman, DIC’s chief technical officer Utsab Choudhuri highlights the company’s customized approach to industry compliance, focusing on products like Solimax EL and Sigma inks for enhanced inventory efficiency across various applications. Dr. Kamakshi Christopher, general manager of flexibles, DIC, notes India’s growth in flexographic printing and Europe’s shift to water-based inks for sustainability. DIC will showcase these innovations at Labelexpo India 2024 in Hall 11, Stand J11.
DIC-Sun Chemical is a key innovator in the flexographic inks market. The company’s strategic efforts, particularly through its dedicated Center of Excellence in the AP region, enable it to stay ahead of market trends. The company works closely with global teams to leverage the latest innovations and ensure that our products are competitive.
As the packaging and printing industries face mounting pressure to adopt sustainable practices, DIC is focusing on advancing the sustainability of its flexographic ink portfolio. In response to concerns about volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the biodegradability of inks, the company has launched the SunVisto Aquagreen range. These water-based ink products are formulated with bio-renewable resins and are designed for high-performance applications, especially in the fast-food industry.
Customization across industries
DIC’s flexographic inks serve a diverse range of industries, from food packaging to consumer goods, and the company understands that these sectors have different performance and compliance needs. Utsab Choudhuri, chief technical officer, DIC, says, “We have a special compliance team and global application testing methodologies to meet the specific demands of various industries. In fact, in 2023, DIC India introduced Solimax EL from the Americas, a highly compliant flexographic ink suitable for adhesive and extrusion types of laminations. This product reduces inventory for converters and performs well in applications ranging from snacks to FMCG goods”
Additionally, DIC’s Sigma inks are used across multiple applications, including flow wrappers, pouches, and labels. According to the company, the performance and compliance requirements for flexographic inks differ based on substrates and packaging content. To address this, DIC has a dedicated compliance team and employs global application testing methodologies to ensure these standards are met.
Regional dynamics shaping innovation
The regional market dynamics in Asia and Europe play a significant role in DIC’s product development strategy. Dr. Kamakshi Christopher, general manager, flexibles, DIC, says, “The Americas and Europe lead in flexographic ink consumption, while parts of Asia remain dominated by gravure. However, India is emerging as a significant player in flexographic printing, with innovations from Indian labs now influencing broader markets across Asia. In Europe, there is a growing trend toward water-based flexographic inks, aligning with the region’s sustainability goals.”
Looking ahead, DIC sees substantial growth opportunities in the flexographic ink sector, particularly with the rise of mono-material packaging. The company believes printing on polyolefin substrates like PP and PE will see a sharp increase. The company is well-prepared to meet consumer demands across segments such as FMCG, hygiene, and personal care products.
Flexographic inks in a digital era
With the rise of digital printing, the role of flexographic inks is evolving. The labeling industry is adopting both digital and flexographic printing processes. While digital printing is ideal for short runs, flexographic printing offers good quality for medium and longer runs, especially when using Extended Color Gamut technology. Flexographic printing remains versatile across multiple substrates, ensuring its relevance in the industry.
End-user acceptance and product range
DIC is witnessing growing acceptance of flexographic inks in several key product sectors, particularly in hygiene products, processed food packaging, and aseptic packaging for beverages. Major brands such as HUL, Unicharm, P&G, and PepsiCo are part of DIC’s customer base.
DIC provides a wide range of inks to suit different packaging needs. Its Polytone inks are specially designed for the hygiene segment, while DaiOl caters to milk and oil packaging. Water-based Aquathene inks are ideal for PE substrates. In addition, DIC’s Sigma inks are versatile, used in printing flow wrappers, pouches, and labels, while Solimax Inks offer a one-stop solution for lamination. DIC offers Solar Flex HT UV inks and coatings, as well as Solar Wave Integra for UV LED applications. DIC’s most popular products include Polytone, Sigma, and Solimax.