Can the printed ink come into contact with food?
The current legislation relative to food contact refers to the D.M. 21/03/1973 (and its modifications) that establishes the rules related to the authorization and to the control of the suitability of objects constituted by different materials and intended to come into contact with foodstuffs. This decree states that…where the coloration is obtained by printing, it cannot be made on the side which has contact with food (Art. 31). The European Regulation (EC) N. 1935/2004 in force, requires that materials and objects (in their finished state) intended to be brought into contact with foodstuffs...
Read MoreAre water-based inks Biodegradable?
First of all, it is more correct to speak of compostability (as stated in EN 13432) rather than biodegradability which is a generic concept. Commonly used Water-based flexographic inks made with over 50% water and inactive components, cannot be defined compostable since they contain a high percentage (around 30%) of organic substances derived from synthesis, characterized by a very slow biodegradability. For what has already been said, La Sorgente proposes the Hydromat-B (463 series) and Ecomat-B (163 series) products, respectively, water-based and solvent-based inks that allow printing on...
Read MoreThe print results “light”. What are the possible reasons?
The low tint strength of the ink can depend on many factors: non sufficient quantity of pigment and non sufficient transfer of the vehicle; low viscosity (excessive dilution) of the ink; worn-out anilox and/or with clogged cells and, however, with non sufficient unloading of ink; excessive hardness and/or incorrect pressure of the cliché; low thickness of ink; low wetness of the substrate to be printed. In each case, the information interchange between the ink supplier and the printer is essential in order to obtain the best results. Above all it is important to communicate to the ink...
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