Carton, Board & Paper


are sometimes sold as multi-pack items in a variety of configurations including PP/PE printed shrink- wrap. Bottles may also be supplied in a carton tray with individual separators and then wrapped or they may be supplied in decorative custom configured die-cut and shaped cartons. A factor in cartons favour is the creative canvas that the cuboidal shape of a carton provides. The large surface area allows brand owners to get their messages across and attract consumers with design and graphics that catch the eye. Consumers tend to view paper and paperboard materials more positively than plastic bottles, even when they carry a recycling logo. The problem is that consumers don’t always take note of the information that marketers, brand owners and environmentalists regard as essential. Gable top and other configurations are recyclable, the information clear for every consumer to see. Empty cartons can be flattened or crushed, incentivising household waste initiatives. Plastic or bio-based materials cannot be crushed, making the bagging up of waste for refuse collection bulkier. An additional benefit of carton liquid packaging is that the opaque structure protects the contents from the harmful effects of light, particularly the UV portion of the spectrum. Product shelf life is also considered to be better than with many bottled products. Paper and paperboard products present few problems with regard to adhesion as the porosity of


the material provides an anchor for the ink or coating. It tends to be a different matter for non-absorptive material, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and many other materials, which require adjustment in order that the surface is receptive to ink. Colour variation is particularly noticeable, given that all four sides of the cuboidal carton contain prominent logos and other colourful content. A colour that is at variance can indirectly and possibly at a sub-conscious level compromise brand image and reputation suggesting that the content of the pack itself may not be good. In the sophisticated world of brand packaging, it’s more than just about colour; it’s also about the subtleties associated with tone and depth. So many processing variables can influence colour outcome. For example, paper/board/laminate brightness, surface quality and neutrality or a deviance from colour cast, all of which may make inks look different on a variety of surfaces. Even a switch to a different paper brand may have a dramatic effect on colour reproduction. Inadequate or inappropriate tension measurement and control can affect print registration; the accuracy with which one colour aligns with another. Registration accuracy is also a requirement where several webs are being laminated together and need aligning, or where several visual patterns that are not produced at the same processing point.


The majority of liquid packaging cartons are


coated for aesthetic and functional reasons. Accurate web control is needed to ensure consistency of coating thickness, axial dimensional stability. Colour communication devices, sometimes known as sample preparation systems enable users of many descriptions to meet colour targets quickly and accurately. The K Printing Proofer is an option for those converters that take a multi-disciplinary approach to printing. This compact device, which measures 400 x 500 mm is able to handle a wide range of materials including boards, aluminium foils and film, materials that may be printed or laminated. The device, which incorporates electronically engraved printing plates enables users to produce high quality proofs using gravure, gravure-offset or flexo inks. Wet or dry laminating samples can be obtained using the gravure head fitted with RK’s K-Lam laminating accessories. The wired K-Lam bars are fitted in place of the doctor blade assembly to control adhesive coat weight. The K Printing Proofer is one of a number of colour communication, proofing or sample preparation devices. Printers and converters have different requirements, so too do the consumable producers, substrate suppliers and the manufacturers that provide additives, resins and other chemistries. Systems and equipment such as the K303S and VCML Lab/Pilot Coater, are also available. The VCML Lab/Pilot Coater offers short run capability.


24


February 2024


www.convertermag.com


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