What Are Flexo Inks? Types and Industry Applications Explained

The labels you see on food packaging, personal care products, beverages, and household goods are often printed using flexographic inks or flexo inks. These inks enable high-speed production while delivering sharp details and vibrant colours. When selecting flexo inks for packaging, understanding the types and applications and choosing the right flexo ink manufacturer help you achieve the best results.

In this article, we’ll explore what flexo inks are, their main types, top offerings from DIC, and the most common applications in the packaging industry.

What are Flexo Inks?

Flexo inks are specialised inks created for use in flexographic printing, a process commonly used for labelling, flexible packaging, and other printed materials. Known for their fast-drying properties and vibrant colour results, these inks perform well even at high printing speeds.

Types of Flexo Inks

Flexo inks are available in three main types: solvent-based, water-based, and UV-curable. Each type is designed for specific packaging needs and printing techniques.

Here’s a closer look at each type, along with the DIC inks available in these categories and their common uses in the industry.

1. Solvent-Based Flexo Inks

Solvent-based flexo inks are widely used for flexible packaging films and jobs requiring rapid production and strong adhesion to non-porous surfaces. Known for their high strength, vibrant colours, and fast-drying properties, these inks are a preferred choice for film-based packaging and hygiene applications.

Within this range, DIC inks include:

1. Solimax EL Inks: Perfect for PE-extrusion and adhesive lamination work, delivering reliable bonding and crisp prints on BOPP, PET, and chemically coated films, commonly used in snack and everyday packaging.

2. GPL/Unolam Inks: These provide rich colour and print clarity on OPP, PE, OPA, and polyester films, supporting high-speed print production.

3. Polytone Plus Inks: Designed for hygiene packaging, these are commonly used in baby care and feminine care products, providing excellent resistance and colour performance on treated LDPE.

4. DaiOl Inks: Used on polyolefin films, these inks offer low odour and withstand water, milk, fat, and deep-freeze conditions, making them ideal for food and dairy packaging.

5. Pinnacle Plus and Corona Hitone Inks: Known for their gloss and clarity, these inks are ideal for premium carry bags and designer packaging.

6. Solvaplast Inks: Tailored for nonwoven PP fabrics, commonly used in feminine hygiene products such as pads and diapers, these inks provide durability and specialised resistance.

2. Water Based Flexo Inks

Water-based flexo inks are widely used in applications that require environmental safety, quick drying, and high-quality printing on paper or certain films. These inks are used extensively for lamination packaging, beverage cartons, and paper-based labels.

DIC inks in this group include:

1. AquaLam SunStrato™CI Flexo Inks: Flexible and fast-drying, these inks are ideal for lamination on treated and coated films.

2. HTPK Aseptic Packaging Inks: High-strength and low-viscosity inks created for aseptic beverage cartons and PE extrusion lamination in the beverages industry.

3. SunSpectro™ AquaThene CI Flexo Inks: Used for surface printing on PE films and poly-coated boards, these inks offer rub and water resistance for packaging exposed to rough handling.

4. Aquafine Inks: Ideal for narrow web label printing, these inks are free from heavy metals and are suitable for food and pharmaceutical labels.

5. Corroflex Inks: Applied to kraft liners, recycled paper, and fibre boards, these inks offer deep freeze and water-bleed resistance for shipping boxes and board packaging.

3. UV Curable Flexo Inks

UV curable flexo inks cure instantly when exposed to UV light, making them suitable for high-speed, high-quality label and sleeve printing. These inks offer high gloss and abrasion resistance and are specially formulated for demanding packaging environments, including those in the food and healthcare industries.

This category includes the following DIC inks:

1. SolarFlex Integra (SINT): Used in the production of narrow web labels, tags, and sleeves, these inks offer sharp detail and a vibrant finish.

2. Rayoflex ALMs Pro RF1616: Low migration, high gloss inks for primary and secondary food packaging, with high scratch resistance and heat seal durability.

3. Solarwave FSP: UV LED flexo ink that cures rapidly, ensuring durability on various plastic substrates for labels and flexible packaging.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right flexo ink depends on the packaging material, production process, and end-user requirements. Working with an experienced flexo ink manufacturer, such as DIC, ensures you get the best print results.

DIC inks offer a wide range of reliable options created for both print performance and sustainability. With decades of expertise, DIC helps brands achieve high-quality results with trusted and innovative packaging ink solutions tailored to various industries.

For more information, visit the DIC website and connect with the DIC team today!