Gravure Inks: Safe and High-Performance Solutions for Modern Packaging

Gravure printing is a high-resolution technique applied in packaging, decorative, and publication industries and is considered the gold standard for large print runs. It handles high-volume jobs without plate changes, making it a fast and efficient method to deliver sharp, vibrant results. The engraved cylinders transfer ink smoothly, creating detailed and consistent prints. Gravure printing can be costly. But since you can print larger volumes of products, it can be more cost-effective than other methods. This printing process can be adjusted for different materials like paper, plastic, cardboard, and foil.

At the core of this process lie gravure printing inks, the essential medium that defines adhesion, colour vibrancy, and the final finish of the print.

Why Gravure Inks Matter in Packaging

Outer packaging showcases not only the identity of a brand but also keeps the product safe. Gravure printing inks help by giving prints clear detail, bright colours, and steady quality in large runs.

1. Rising Global Demand for Eco-Responsible Choices

As packaging needs grow, so does the demand for safe, long-lasting, and eco-friendly inks. Water-based gravure inks avoid heavy metals and VOCs. They support sustainable printing without compromising performance.

2. Regulatory Compliance

Food-contact packaging has strict rules. The inks used on the packing must be free from harmful substances. Gravure inks are made without toluene and strong solvents that help manufacturers who need to comply with national and international food safety norms.

3. Brand Differentiation

Clear and bright printing helps brands get noticed on busy store shelves. Gravure inks make this possible with sharp detail and strong stick, ensuring print consistency over long production runs.

4. Rich Colours with Full Coverage

Formulated with high-grade pigments, these inks deliver bold, vibrant colours. Since the inks transfer cleanly from the cylinder to the substrate, text and images remain crisp even at high production speeds. Even the finest of details is reproduced, with smooth and uniform coverage across different substrates.

5. Tough, Long-Lasting and Quick Drying

Built to resist heat, oils, and chemicals, the inks are suitable even in demanding applications. This property helps the printed material maintain its quality and appearance, even in harsh environments. They dry quickly, withstand handling, and do not turn yellow or fade over time. This makes them ideal for packaging that must stay intact for a long period of time.

6. Advanced Formulation for Smooth Flow

The inks are formulated post-extensive research and development to ensure balanced viscosity.  The smooth ink flow in turn offers consistent results.

7. Versatile Applications

From food packs and cosmetics cartons to industrial laminates, the inks adapt to surface, reverse, or lamination printing with ease.

8. Strong Adhesion

These inks stick firmly to paper, plastic, and foil, keeping prints durable and intact. The colours don’t peel or fade, ensuring the design holds up over time.

DIC India’s Range of Gravure Printing Inks

DIC India offers lamination ink and surface printing ink systems designed for everything from food-safe pouches to high-impact surface designs.

1. Lamination Inks

Lamination inks are used in reverse printing, where the design is printed on the inside of a clear film and then covered with another layer. They are used on films like BOPP, polyester, nylon, and cellophane. Lamination inks are food-safe, solvent-free, and built to resist heat, moisture, and chemicals while keeping prints sharp and durable. They are used in everyday packaging like snack food pouches that resist oil, frozen meal packs stored in cold chains, detergent and shampoo refills that face liquid contact, and edible oil pouches that need strong adhesion and clear prints.

Variants: 

• Smart KF
• Smart TF
• Smart Ink
• GLX 1012

2. Surface Printing Inks

Surface printing inks are printed on the outside layer of packaging, so they’re what people see on the shelf. They’re made to handle touch, oils, moisture, and heat, keeping the pack looking good from start to finish.

Variants and Their Unique Advantages 

• Modflex™
• Vulcan
• Briteflex
• TPMG

Businesses looking for safe, reliable, and high-quality gravure printing inks can count on DIC India. Their products are made to suit today’s packaging needs. With strong, food-safe formulas and lasting performance, DIC India is a trusted partner. Explore their solutions today.