A&R Carton: Foil gloss in intaglio printing - long-lasting and economic

Leading confectionery and food products manufacturers use packaging from A&R Carton. The company is a subsidiary of the AR Packaging Group and is recognised as one of the leading manufacturers of folding cartons in Europe, specialising in packaging with extra added value.

A&R Carton is presenting ­new innovative applications for the entire packaging sector at Futeco (Future Technology Converting), the company’s technical inno­vation platform. These new applications offer customers brand new pos­sibilities to distinguish themselves from their competitors. The new inno- vations are focused on optimising pack image and the entire supply chain, as well as solutions for sustainable packaging.
In the latter segment, AR Packaging Group is pushing hard to replace foil applications or laminates with printing technologies that create a foil effect without using plastic. This ­application, called Futeco Galaxy, ­uses intaglio printing to produce shiny silver and metal effects. Silver effects can also ­be printed with offset printing, but ­­the resulting foil effect is not quite as ­prominent.
Futeco Galaxy is an environmen­tally-friendly process that complies with the concept of sustainability in printed packaging. In contrast to conventional applications in which foil applications like hot or cold foils are applied to the packaging cartons and leave large quantities of residual foil waste, this process only prints what ­is actually needed. Futeco ­Galaxy is al­so completely recyclable. Uneven carton surfaces that conventional applica­tions even out with the foil are evened out in this new procedure with a spe­cial process developed by A&R Carton.
Futeco Galaxy produces a mirrored surface that is a true eyecatcher and ­a distinguishing feature. The silver foundation can be superimposed with translucent colours, making it possible to reproduce unusual colour tones quickly and flexibly. The new process also holds an array of design possi­bilities in store that allow detailed elements and font sizes to be used.
The metallic glossy effect achiev­ed with Futeco Galaxy is outstanding, ­and in general is qualitatively far bet­ter ­than cold foil. Another benefit ­is that it significantly reduces delivery times since the printed silver effect is created in the intaglio inline. This means that printing silver or metallic ­effects, superimposing, lacquering, embossing and stamping are all conducted in a single work step. With all ­­of these advantages combined, Futeco Galaxy provides gloss, sustainability and economic efficiency in one.