Hubergroup Print Solutions launches web offset inks for food packaging

Paper packaging is becoming increasingly popular in the food sector due to its good recyclability. Web offset printers can now also benefit from this increasing demand as Hubergroup Print Solutions is launching the first coldset and heatset inks for food-compliant paper packaging. While printers can thus build up another mainstay, the food industry has a new opportunity to design sustainable paper packaging in a colourful and creative way. The mineral oil-free and low-migration ink series MGA Food News and MGA Evolution are initially available in Europe and Asia.

Until now, low-migration offset inks were only used in sheetfed printing. A new binder developed by Hubergroup has paved the way for this innovation in web offset printing. Thomas Stumpf, director Web Offset, Hubergroup, said "With the help of a special binder and the careful selection of raw materials as well as production methods, we have succeeded in developing the first low-migration and low-odour web offset inks. As safety and sustainability are our top priorities, we worked closely with our sheetfed offset experts who have been developing inks for food packaging for many years." In addition to thorough laboratory work, Hubergroup has carried out extensive practical tests in cooperation with well-known brand owners, printers, and the special paper manufacturer Drewsen. 

With these new printing inks, it is possible for the first time to produce food-compliant paper packaging in large quantities using four-colour printing in web offset. Food manufacturers can thus make their packaging more colourful, for example, by reproducing their products true-to-life on it. Seasonally or regionally changing designs are also possible and affordable even in small quantities, allowing large and small retailers to become even more creative with their packaging. 

Printers can use the new ink series on all common coldset or heatset machines and are supported by the Hubergroup service team during implementation.

Hubergroup is an international printing inks and chemicals specialist based in Germany with a 255-year history. Within its two divisions, the company develops innovative, sustainable products and services to enable its customers first-class results. The Print Solutions Division produces inks, varnishes, and printing aids for packaging, commercial, and newspaper printing. In addition, the associated subsidiary Gleitsmann Security Inks manufactures security inks. The Chemicals Division produces specialty chemicals such as resins, lamination adhesives, pigments, and additives in its facilities in India. Hubergroup employs about 3,500 people in nearly 30 countries and generated an annual turnover of about €704 million in 2021.