Gecko CyclOne: a new NC-free liquid ink system for frontal, reverse & lamination printing
hubergroup Print Solutions, a leading manufacturer of printing chemicals, is expanding its portfolio with Gecko CyclOne, a new nitrocellulose-free (NC-free) liquid ink system for frontal, reverse, and lamination printing. The ink range is based on a proprietary polyurethane technology and helps printers meet the requirements of modern, recyclable packaging – without compromising on print quality or efficiency. In doing so, hubergroup is strengthening its portfolio of recyclable packaging solutions and consistently putting its guiding principle, ‘Shaping Next-Generation Flexibles’, into practice.
Bespoke PU technology for impressive print results
For decades, nitrocellulose was regarded as the standard binder for high-quality solvent-based printing applications due to its outstanding properties. However, with increasing demands on the recyclability of packaging and stricter regulatory requirements, there is currently a growing need for sustainable alternatives.
With Gecko CyclOne, hubergroup is expanding its NC-free portfolio to include a high-performance solution that meets these requirements. Thanks to in-house developed polyurethane technology and decades of experience in formulation development, the new product line delivers outstanding mechanical and optical properties and is in no way inferior to conventional NC-based systems in terms of print quality and performance.
“Our in-house polyurethane expertise enables us to develop raw materials specifically for our ink systems, thereby delivering the performance that converters expect from high-quality solvent-based printing,” explains Carsten Zölzer, CCO Print Solutions at hubergroup. “At the same time, Gecko CyclOne offers improved recyclability compared to conventional NC- or PVC-based ink systems, thereby supporting the industry’s drive towards circular packaging solutions.”
Modularity boosts operational efficiency
At the heart of Gecko CyclOne is a modular system concept: pigment concentrates can be easily adapted for frontal, reverse, and lamination printing through the use of special additives. This approach simplifies stock management whilst maximising flexibility, enabling print shops to boost their operational efficiency and adapt quickly to changing production requirements.
The PU-based system is suitable for flexographic and gravure printing, with or without lamination, and is also available for mono-solvent applications. The product range includes white, CMYK process colours, varnishes, and primers. This provides printers with all the essential components for printing on flexible packaging from a single source.
A smooth transition to an NC-free future
As PU-based printing systems are very similar in application to the established NC-based processes, the switch to the new technology is straightforward. “Although the switch requires some adjustments, it does not entail any fundamental changes to existing processes,” explains Dr Lutz Frischmann, Product Director for Flexible Packaging at hubergroup. The company supports its customers throughout the entire transition process, ensuring a smooth implementation.
Dr Lutz Frischmann adds: “With Gecko CyclOne, we are helping our customers to successfully shape the transition towards a more circular packaging industry. We are not simply launching yet another ink range; rather, we are offering a holistic solution combining innovative chemistry, practical application expertise, and comprehensive technical support. NC-free is no longer just an option – it is the future of the industry.”
The launch of Gecko CyclOne underlines hubergroup’s ongoing commitment to recyclable packaging solutions. Complementing Gecko Platinum and Gecko Xtreme White, the new ink range further expands the NC-free portfolio. As early as 2015, the company launched some of the first PU-based solutions and has since been driving the development of high-performance printing inks for a more sustainable packaging industry.