Packaging inks are becoming more sustainable and in some cases even smarter.
Each ink is a mixture of different chemicals formulated to guarantee certain characteristics to the packs. Some are of a functional nature (fastness to light, resistance to rubbing) others of a more aesthetic-sensorial nature (colour, pleasantness to the touch, perfume…).
Especially in the food industry, the use of water-based inks has established itself. UV chemistries require a process known as photoinitiation to adhere to the material. Water-based inks fix themselves following the evaporation of water from the substrates.
Furthermore, in recent years, several companies have begun to develop smart inks to monitor temperature and humidity indicators. Any changes are signaled to the user by the color change of the inks on the packaging or on the labels.
