The PrintCity Alliance introduces three new samples from its Better Human project. They incorporate new finishing techniques and new UV and LED-UV production technologies. The samples are to be unveiled in the Alliance’s web sessions at virtual drupa in April.

Three new monomaterial packaging samples made of cardboard

The new samples go a step further in reconciling premium packaging with the growing demands on environmental protection and sustainability.

As before, the samples are designed from a single material made from renewable raw materials, meaning they dispense with the use of composites. Instead of the otherwise common window, the focus of the design is on the product shown on the packaging.

A second, blue variation of the Ear[th]bud earbuds and two versions of a single-use S[h]aver were produced.

Better Human packaging: secure and fully recyclable

The main component is a lightweight folding boxboard grade made from fresh fibre. The extensive finishing techniques (inks, coatings, iriodines, cold transfer, hot stamping) were selected based on their environmental properties.

The UV-LED ink technology offers a number of advantages in terms of environmental compatibility and can be combined with standard UV-FP coatings. This results in a wide range of possibilities for the finishing process, which are also suitable for indirect food contact applications.

For cold transfer and hot stamping, an extremely thin aluminium layer is applied to the surface. In other words, the traditional terms “cold and hot film” no longer apply. The backing film remains behind in the shop and can be recycled.

Web sessions: Eco-Friendly Premium Packaging

The members of the Alliance will be introducing these new samples in two web sessions with identical content, to be held in English at virtual drupa on 21 April (8:40 a.m.-9:40 a.m. CET) and 22 April (4:40 p.m.-5:40 p.m. CET).

In addition, participants can visit the Alliance’s virtual stand to get information on all the products and services of its members.

Participating Members:

IST Metz (UV curing systems), KAMA (embossing, cutting, gluing), LEONHARD KURZ (hot stamping, cold and digital transfer applications, holograms), Merck (special effect pigments), Metsä Board (premium lightweight folding boxboard, food service paperboard and white kraftliner made from fresh fibre), WEILBURGER Graphics (varnishes, adhesives and water-based flexo inks), Zeller+Gmelin (UV inks and coatings)

Three new monomaterial packaging samples made of cardboard

As before, the samples are designed from a single material made from renewable raw materials, meaning they dispense with the use of composites. Instead of the otherwise common window, the focus of the design is on the product shown on the packaging.

Better Human packaging: secure and fully recyclable

The UV-LED ink technology offers a number of advantages in terms of environmental compatibility and can be combined with standard UV-FP coatings. This results in a wide range of possibilities for the finishing process, which are also suitable for indirect food contact applications.

For cold transfer and hot stamping, an extremely thin aluminium layer is applied to the surface. In other words, the traditional terms “cold and hot film” no longer apply. The backing film remains behind in the shop and can be recycled.

Web sessions: Eco-Friendly Premium Packaging

The two web sessions, both with identical content, will be held in English at virtual drupa on
21 April (8:40 a.m.-9:40 a.m. CET) and
22 April (4:40 p.m.-5:40 p.m. CET).

About the PrintCity Alliance

PrintCity is a strategic alliance recognised as the “connection of competence” across the entire printing and packaging value chain, promoting the value of print and packaging.

In a dialogue with all stakeholders in the value chain, its objective is to promote and develop the value of print and packaging: brand owners – agencies and designers – printers, converters and finishers – suppliers.

Close collaboration between specialists enables members and project partners to implement highly demanding projects, pushing the limits of what is technically feasible and offering the market a comprehensive knowledge and competence base.

• We deliver value to customers by gathering and sharing leading global know-how within a network.
• We deliver knowledge via seminars, trade fairs, project studies, tutorials, publications and electronic platforms.
• We maximise synergies to develop our industry effectively and cost-efficiently.