For the high-quality package sector, mainly solvent-containing colours are still in use today. Approximately 6,000 tons organic solvents are emitted in the flexoprint annually. The method is predominantly used to print plastic and aluminum foils as well as cartons and cardboard. The market share of the procedure is approximately 30 % today. For technical reasons only solvent-containing colours – with an average solvent share of approximately 65 % – can be used on various non-absorbent substrata.

The project of the company Polywest aims at the development of a flexoprint paints that don‘t contain any more organic solvents. Besides the colour development, also the printing forms shall lead to the transfer of the new colours and are tested accordingly. The binders are starting point for the formulation development of the new flexoprint paints on basis of watery acrylate dispersions, that are processable in accordance with printing machines. The company Polywest develops suitable printing plates for the colour transfer of the newly developed colours whilst its cooperation partners Follmann and IOM are working on the colour development and the scientific covering.