Global Print Konnect organized a press briefing in Delhi to introduce Western inkjet professionals to the Indian market. The event brought together several companies, including Kao Chimigraf, Seiko Industrial Instruments, Meteor, Trijet, and People and Technology. The primary objective of this gathering was to foster collaboration and partnership among the companies. The briefing highlighted the interconnectedness of various elements within the inkjet ecosystem, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship among ink, printing technology, software, and electronic components.
During the press briefing, Francois Aguilar, chief commercial officer of Kao Chimigraf unveiled an innovative technology poised to revolutionize the printing industry. Aguilar’s presentation delved into the intricacies of thermo switch polymer technology, shedding light on its potential impact on sustainability and resource conservation. This polymer, when applied to a substrate such as plastic film, exhibits remarkable properties that redefine the boundaries of inkjet printing. The solution will be showcased at this year’s drupa in Dusseldorf.
Two years ago, Kao Chimigraf embarked on the development of this idea, originally conceiving it as a primer intended for recycling flexible films. Aguilar explained that traditionally, primer is used to enhance substrate adhesion and improve print quality, but Kao aimed to augment this primer technology with additional functionalities. He further elaborated that they now can integrate it directly into the ink, eliminating the need for separate primer applications.
Aguilar’s demonstration showcased the transformative capabilities of the thermo switch polymer. By printing ink onto a plastic film treated with the polymer, Aguilar illustrated how the ink remained steadfast when subjected to water at 30°C for 10 minutes. However, when exposed to water at 70°C under identical conditions, the ink effortlessly washed away, leaving the substrate pristine.
The fundamental concept of the technology revolves around utilizing a variation in water temperature to initiate a chemical reaction. This reaction triggers the polymer, potentially integrated into the ink, to transition from adhering to the substrate to actively repelling from it, facilitating the ease of substrate recycling.
While emphasizing the imperative of sustainable practices in manufacturing and waste management, Aguilar said that the significance of this technology extends beyond its immediate applications in printing. He said, “It is an inkjet print, but we can consider applying a flexo varnish on the back as a barrier coating to avoid using a multi-layer material. We are attempting to circumvent the requirement for lamination, acknowledging that it is challenging but a possibility worth investigating.”
Aguilar challenged industry norms by urging stakeholders to rethink their approach to sustainability. He emphasized the need for proactive measures to minimize environmental impact and foster a culture of responsibility and stewardship. By incorporating principles of reuse and recycling into product design and development, Aguilar believes that companies can pave the way for a more sustainable future.