Flint Group unveils bio-renewable water-based inks for paperboard

13 Aug 2020 --- Flint Group Packaging Inks has unveiled TerraCode, a water-based ink and coating range for paper and board packaging applications. TerraCode is available in three variations – Bio, Hybrid and Balance – which are derived from biorenewable resources. The new ink and coating family delivers competitive pH and viscosity stability for low press side ink maintenance.

“TerraCode inks can align well with end user storylines about greener, safer packaging. These inks have very low volatile organic compounds – sometimes none – and are easy to clean on press when compared to, for example, solvent-based inks,” Scott Mosley, Vice President of Technology, Packaging Inks North America, Flint Group, tells PackagingInsights.

TerraCode inks are free of harmful mineral oils and solvents and designed for safe handling.“The storyline further improves when you start talking about water-based inks formulated with a high percentage of bio-renewable raw materials,” they continue. The “historical concern” related to water-based inks centers around ink handling, press speeds and drying can, therefore, become “a thing of the past” with the right training and formulating, says Mosley. 

To maintain pH and viscosity stability, Flint takes a twofold approach. First, the company takes advantage of using best in class raw materials which inherently help keep critical properties in ink technologies. Besides that, Flint employs world-class field service technicians that provide insight into today’s on-press requirements to ensure seamless press runs.

Challenges along the way
The R&D process was not as seamless as it appears to be, Mosley acknowledges. “The biggest challenge was creating a versatile product line with a tiered approach that could easily align with CPC’s strategies and objectives around the use of bio-renewable content.”

“We learned quickly that not all customers’ demands are the same – they are not all ‘at the same place’ within their bio-renewable storyline. With TerraCode, Flint Group Packaging Inks offer three tiers of products that match up well with the needs of the packaging industry today. Printers and CPC’s can choose the system which is best for them – where they are today and where they want to be in the future,” Mosley affirms.

There are three TerraCode variations available:

• TerraCode Bio offers the highest renewable content of the company’s range. Built from at least 90 percent renewable materials, this option provides excellent print quality and press stability.
• TerraCode Hybrid is a combination of renewable and conventional raw materials. A typical formulation contains more than 50 percent renewable content with a balance of high-performance synthetic ingredients for applications that require maximum performance and protection.
• TerraCode Balance is built on a biomass balance solution. These products can be made to the same specification as existing technology.

When asked why Flint doesn’t make all of its inks throughout its entire ink portfolio “green”, Mosley replies: “We must add that there are many ways for any company to be ‘eco-friendly’ – more than just the products a company markets and sells. We need to consider how we run our facilities and how we work with vendors, employees and customers.”

Furthermore, some pigments, along with a few important additives and resins, are yet to be qualified as “renewable” materials, says Mosley. “The path to this answer lies in partnerships at all levels of the packaging supply chain. There will need to be some compromises and some innovations by all parties to completely overcome that hurdle. Innovations like TerraCode are a big step in the right direction.”

“As mentioned, it is truly a team effort – involving all parties in the supply and value chain. As partnerships and innovations allow this transition, more products and technologies will follow,” he concludes.

By Anni Schleicher