When
flexography made its way to mainstream printing back in 1990, it opened up a whole new world of possibilities for creative packaging design. Designers not only had a wide range of printing substrates (including plastic, cellophane and metallic film) to choose from, but they also had a broad selection of
innovative inks at their fingertips. Here’s our top 5 of the coolest inks for flexographic printing we’ve come across so far!
1. Touch ‘n Smell ink
Touch ‘n Smell is ink that you can – you’ve guessed correctly – smell after you’ve touched it. Arguably the coolest ink out there, this
scented ink adds an element of surprise to your packaging design and allures the consumer’s senses. Touch ‘n Smell scents include wood, plants, fruit, vegetables and herbs.
2. Photochromic ink
Now you see it, now you don’t! Photochromic ink is colorless when viewed under artificial light, but gets a (reversible) color when
exposed to the sun. Good to know: photochromic ink is also available in color-to-color.
3. Hydrochromic ink
Hydrochromic ink looks white when dry, but becomes visible when wet. It is most often used to
hide images and adds a touch of magic to packaging or promotional material. Once dry, the ink turns back to white.
4. Thermochromic ink
Thermochromic ink changes color when exposed to different temperatures. Although we have our doubts concerning the usefulness of these
color-changing Coca-Cola cans, the idea sure is cool!
5. Glow in the dark ink
An oldie but goodie, this
phosphorescent ink turns a bright color (usually green) in the dark when it has been exposed to bright light.
High-quality flexo printing
Do you want your packaging design to have sharp details, intense colors, high contrasts, …? Take your
flexographic printing plates to the next level with
HD Flexo by Esko!
Inspired by The Print Guide
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