DRUCKFARBEN Group, a leading European manufacturer of printing inks and coatings, continues to strengthen its innovation pipeline with the development of its PU Ultima series and the expansion of its portfolio into UV Ultra Cure Flexo Inks reinforcing its commitment to delivering high-performance solutions for the flexible packaging industry.
PU Ultima: Redefining Performance and Circularity
At the core of DRUCKFARBEN Group’s, DF Inks Division, innovation strategy lies the PU Ultima series, a range of polyurethane-based inks designed to meet the evolving demands of converters and brand owners.
The portfolio includes three distinct systems:
- PUF for flexographic printing
- PUR for rotogravure applications
- PUX a hybrid PU system with very low nitrocellulose (NC) content, suitable for both reverse and surface printing
Developed in alignment with circular economy principles, PU Ultima systems are NC-free PVC-free, and compatible with mono-material packaging structures, supporting compliance with emerging regulatory frameworks such as the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
Further validating its environmental performance, selected PU Ultima products, including matte overprint varnishes, have received “Made for Recycling” certification from Interzero, based on testing by Fraunhofer IVV and evaluation by bifa Umweltinstitut GmbH, achieving recyclability rates of up to 99%.
PUX Hybrid: Performance Without Compromise
The PUX hybrid system represents a significant technological advancement, offering a universal solution for standard-demand BOPP and PET laminates and surface applications .
PUX delivers:
- Higher lamination bond strength
- Complies with PPWR to help converters transition towards the new recycling guidelines
- Lower solvent retention, enabling near odorless packaging
Its very low NC content ensures compliance with current and future recyclability requirements, addressing a critical limitation of traditional NC ink systems, which are not aligned with circularity standards.
Operational advantages include:
- Fast lamination capability within 4–6 hours, or immediately with minimal adhesion promoter
- Improved ink transfer efficiency, allowing reduced ink deposit (gsm) without compromising color strength
- Lower cost-in-use through optimized printing performance
- Reduced mechanical wear, extending the lifespan of cylinders, blades, and machine components
- Universal application across laminates and surfaces, simplifying inventory and ink management
Additionally, the system’s ester solubility enables the use of multiple types of solvents which are used in various printing methods.
Expanding into UV Ink Technologies
In parallel, DF Inks is expanding its portfolio with a new range of UV Ultra Cure Flexo Inks, designed for high-value and specialty applications requiring fast curing, precision, and durability.
These systems complement the Group’s existing solutions, enabling converters to access a broader spectrum of solutions tailored to different substrates and performance requirements.
Through innovations such as PU Ultima and its expanding UV Ultra Cure portfolio, the Group is positioning itself as a strategic partner for converters navigating the transition to circular packaging.