Product Watch: EkoCure IN — a UV double-cure ink system

What is the name of the product?
EkoCure IN.

What does it do?
EkoCure is a UV dual cure ink system, produced in India, catering to label and narrow web printing. Designed to work under UV Hg and UV LED curing systems, this technology enables printers to use the same ink across both methods, providing flexibility and compatibility during the transition to more cost-effective and energy-efficient printing.

Describe the applications.
EkoCure enables printers to achieve curing results and print performance on various substrates. Its formulation grants the versatility required for printing on paper and filmic materials, expanding the range of applications to include printing labels, shrink sleeves, tubes, and wraparound labels.

Does it work on all types of substrates?
EkoCure IN is an ink range that grants the versatility required for printing on paper and treated filmic substrates, including PE, PP and PET.

How easy is it to switch from UV Hg to UV LED light?
Printers can use one ink system across all their presses while gradually upgrading their equipment, helping to minimise waste, disruption, and excess costs associated with a sudden system-wide replacement. Switching from UV Hg to LED curing is a straightforward process thanks to its unique formulation, which facilitates consistent performance under both curing systems. It eliminates the need for separate ink inventories or complex changeover procedures.

Describe the curing process.
Traditional UV curing uses light in wavelengths ranging from around 200–400-nanometres. In contrast, UV LED lamps emit light in a much narrower wavelength: 365-nanometres, 385-nanometres, or 395-nanometres. This UV LED light penetrates deeper into the ink, meaning it can begin curing the ink where it meets the substrate.

UV LED lamps are also more energy efficient than UV mercury-vapour lamps and do not generate heat. This helps converters reduce their energy bills and expands the range of substrates that these inks can be used with to include those that are sensitive to heat.

Which lamps does Flint prescribe?
EkoCure is suitable for all models of UV LED curing. We recommend talking to lamp suppliers to ensure converters choose the right lamps for their applications.

What sort of press maintenance is required?
With UV LED lamps there are no reflectors or ozone blowers. Maintenance requirements are lower once the move to UV LED is implemented. While printers continue to operate UV Hg lamps, they are advised to remain mindful of regular maintenance and cleanliness and inspect the UV curing technology to keep it performing at the required intensity and deliver the correct dose of UV light to ensure full and correct curing.

When was it launched?
EkoCure IN was launched in November 2024, but the wider EkoCure brand has been part of Flint Group’s portfolio for more than a decade. 

How has Flint Group enhanced its features since its launch?
A major recent enhancement is the production of this ink series directly in India using locally sourced raw materials, increasing the availability of this ink series locally.

Are there any users of EkoCure Inks in India?
Skanem India, Mudrika Labels, Creative Labels, Alpine Industries, Pinnacle, Sree Venn Industries, and UV Biz are some of the major users.

What is the USP?
Using EkoCure dual cure ink results in higher productivity, a better sustainability footprint through less energy consumption, better environmental aspects (no ozone, no Hg, less noise), greatly enhanced flexibility for printers and consistent print quality. By offering a single ink solution that bridges the gap between UV Hg and UV LED curing technologies, EkoCure IN empowers printers to optimise their operations and transition smoothly to more efficient printing.