Siegwerk has launched a new white printing ink that also provides an oxygen barrier – an innovation that aims to combine two layers into one.
The company hopes that its new product will mark a “fundamental shift in packaging design” by transforming barrier performance from a dedicated material layer into a functional property of the ink itself.
Siegwerk says that CIRKIT OXYBAR eliminates the complexity, the use of additional materials, and processing steps that conventional packaging structures generate due to them requiring separate layers.
By merging two functions into a single inline-applied ink, the company claims that its new solution delivers high oxygen barrier performance (OTR < 5 cc/m²/day at 50% RH), a bright white and opaque finish for premium print quality, and one-pass application via standard printing processes.
Ultimately, the solution aims to allow converters to turn standard backing white into a functional layer and apply barrier inline during printing, without extra process steps.
In terms of sustainability, Siegwerk says that simplified monk-material structures like this support recycling and promote reduced material usage. CIRKIT OXYBAR facilitates the replacement of conventional oxygen barrier materials such as EVOH, PVdC, Alu foil and metallized films, in segments not requiring additional WVTR barriers.
Meanwhile it also aims to allow operational continuity by using existing gravure and flexo equipment, and enable higher press speeds compared to standard water-based coatings due to “optimized formulation”.
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