Flint Group has unveiled a major expansion to its UV LED dual-curing flexo ink range with the introduction of EkoCure XS Shrink Whites. This new formulation is specifically engineered to eliminate flaking and cracking in demanding shrink-sleeve applications, a persistent challenge in the packaging industry.
The inks are designed to maintain integrity in high-shrink or high-stress areas of a sleeve, which are traditionally prone to defects that compromise shelf appeal. EkoCure XS Shrink Whites provide a robust adhesion with an ultra-smooth, tough white base that resists flaking even under extreme shrinkage. The dual-curing technology ensures compatibility with both traditional UV and modern UV LED curing presses, allowing converters to streamline workflows without maintaining separate ink inventories.
Operational efficiency is further enhanced by the formulation’s elimination of ink stripping during standard tape or crinkle testing, significantly reducing waste and set-up time. Flint Group recommends a total ink film thickness not exceeding 15 bcm to ensure maximum opacity and the correct coefficient of friction.
Rob Stendahl, R&D technology manager at Flint Group, emphasized the practical benefits: “High-shrink, high-stress areas routinely risk exposing whites to cracking and flaking that can ruin print quality. This new formulation is designed to resist these challenges and deliver a glossy, durable finish that keeps branded graphics looking their best.”
This solution integrates seamlessly with Flint Group’s existing ink offerings, enabling longer, high-speed production runs with consistent results. By reducing print defects and downtime, the company aims to assist converters in meeting the increasingly high aesthetic demands of brand owners.
EkoCure XS Shrink Whites are currently available to customers across North America.
