– New features for consumer products with eye-catching, communicative and ecological packaging
A cost-effective, sustainable solution for producing flexible film with no
metal, extra lacquers or lamination has been introduced by Iscent, a Finnish
start-up company based on technology from VTT Technical Research Centre of
Finland. The film surface modification technology enables the production of
holograph-like images for plastic and fibre-based film materials. Iscent’s new
extra-wide production line enables large-volume production of new kinds of
products with minimised raw material costs.
At the end of 2012, Iscent made a significant investment in a wide web (1,200
mm) roll-to-roll production line that uses the film surface modification
technology. The wider line offers many interesting opportunities for printing,
but is especially developed to meet the needs of new consumer package
solutions, such as wrappings, flexible packages and labels. Commercial
holograms in the printing industry are often printed on narrow-web lines; this
makes the new production line very competitive.
The wider processing line can be installed easily, either as a part of the
traditional printing line or working alongside it. The production speed meets
the requirements of traditional printing lines, and tailored extra effects can
be produced directly on to the surfaces of flexible films and papers.
Iscent plans to go global, with several technology package deals and
production sites anticipated in packaging and printing houses within the next
few years. The focus markets are Europe, Russia, the USA and Japan.
Applications from self-cleaning surfaces to brand protection
The film surface modification technology is applicable in a wide range of
markets. The technology is particularly expected to fire up global brand
owners looking for additional effects for their products or better methods
against counterfeits. Being free of additional material, the process is also
suitable for food packaging applications. Other applications can be found in
microfluidics, in-mould plastic inserts and decorative interior products.
Future products being planned include micro- and nano-level surface
modifications to create tailored, decorative, tactile and self-cleaning
surfaces for consumer products.
The holographic appearance can be produced ecologically – an important
consideration for many consumers and manufacturers nowadays. The new
technology offers products a new edge, with light-scattering effects produced
without the traditional cost-consuming varnishes and metals.
Film surface modification technology is a satisfying example of the impact of
VTT innovation on packaging development, and reinforces the valuable link
between quality research and commercial development.
Find Iscent at Convertech JAPAN 2013 Tokyo, 30 January – 1 February 2013.Venue:
Tokyo Big Sight, Japan, East Exhibition Hall 2, booth 2B-22
www.convertechjapan.com/en2013
Find VTT at Nanotech 2013 Tokyo, 30 January – 1 February 2013.
Venue:
Tokyo Big Sight, Japan, East Exhibition Hall 5, booth 5M-28
http://www.nanotechexpo.jp/en/
Images:
1) Iscent’s roll to roll
production line for special effects on flexible materials.
2) Microfluidic
business card. Hot embossed microfluidic channels filled with coloured liquid
can also be used for decorative marketing purposes.
3) Hot embossed light
scattering effects made on printed carton.
