Ulrich supercharges label printing with Flint Group’s EkoCure® Dual Cure ink range
January 2024: Ulrich Etiketten ('Ulrich'), a market leader in the Austrian self-branded label market, has made the switch to UV LED curing in its label manufacturing operations with the support of Flint Group's high-performance EkoCure® Dual Cure ink range.
Ulrich, founded in 1868, recently invested in a new 60,000m2 production site in Austria, intending to transition label printing presses from traditional mercury UV curing to energy-saving UV LED. Ulrich partnered with Flint Group and its market-leading range of EkoCure Dual Cure inks to support this transition. The ability of the ink range to cure under both traditional UV mercury and UV LED lamps enabled Ulrich to transition in a way best suited for their business.
Ulrich's transition to EkoCure® Dual Cure is detailed in a new video:
Boris Wyrsch, Technical Sales Manager at Flint Group, commented: "We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Ulrich, particularly during this critical transition period for the business. The printing industry is moving away from traditional UV mercury curing systems, which will become harder to acquire and maintain as mercury is phased out of commercial use. With EkoCure®, we are proving that a great alternative is in place.
"We have been leading the development of dual cure inks for over a decade, and we know what it takes to switch to UV LED efficiently. Our EkoCure® range provides the on-press print quality that label converters need, with the flexibility to cure under both UV mercury and UV LED lamps with a single ink system. We are grateful that Ulrich put its trust in us for this important project."
Rainer Ulrich, Owner and Manager of Ulrich, commented: "Flint Group was the clear choice of partner to tackle this challenge. We have worked with the team for many years. With the level of expertise available to us from the Flint Group team, we knew it was the right decision. Performance-wise, we can make fantastic gains in productivity with UV LED technology, and with EkoCure®, we are securing the quality and consistency that we expect from Flint Group products. Many of the pain points we expected in switching our curing systems have been made much easier to manage.
"With energy prices increasing, it's vital that we can control our operating costs. UV LED curing systems are the path forward for environmentally responsible label production using just a fraction of the energy of UV lamps. Knowing the Flint Group team's focus on innovation and sustainability, we have every confidence that they are enabling us to keep delivering the quality labels that our customers deserve."
To learn more about Flint Group’s products for Narrow Web, visit our Resource Hub: https://bit.ly/NWHub
To find out more about whether EkoCure® Dual Cure could be right for your business, get in touch with our team by emailing info.narrowweb@flintgrp.com
About Flint Group
Flint Group is dedicated to serving the needs of the global Flexible Packaging, Paper & Board, Narrow Web and Publication industries, both conventional and digitally printed. The company develops, manufactures and markets an extensive portfolio of printing consumables and equipment, including: a vast range of conventional and energy curable inks, coatings and additives for Flexographic, Gravure & Offset applications; pressroom chemicals and printing blankets. Furthermore, Flint Group designs and manufacturers digital printing presses for labels, corrugated packaging, document and commercial applications. The company is a leader in colour management solutions which are supported by a Global Colour Centre to ensure colour consistency and standardisation. Flint Group strives to support its customers through a relentless focus on developing: innovative products, exceptional levels of service and the security of supply. Headquartered in Jersey, Flint Group employs some 5,300 people. Revenues for 2022 were €1.7 billion. On a worldwide basis, the company is the number one or number two supplier in every major market segment it serves. For more information, please visit www.flintgrp.com