Flint Group’s EkoCure inks boost print quality and open new markets for ILLERT

Nov. 2024:  ILLERT GmbH & Co (‘ILLERT’), a leading supplier of shrink-sleeve labels to the German packaging market, has improved overall production efficiency, print quality, and sustainability by transitioning to UV LED curing with Flint Group’s EkoCure^® Dual Cure ink range. This shift has streamlined operations, enhanced output consistency, and opened new growth opportunities.

Renowned for its expertise in manufacturing high-quality shrink sleeves and adhesive labels, ILLERT began exploring the benefits of UV LED curing inks when the 2022 energy crisis in Germany led to a surge in operational costs. The EkoCure^® range’s dual-curing technology enabled ILLERT to use its existing UV-quartz glass curing technology and transition to new energy-efficient UV LED systems in a timeframe suitable for its business.

Flint Group worked closely with ILLERT throughout the conversion process, providing technical support and training to ensure a smooth integration. The ILLERT team achieved accurate colour on press and maintained product consistency. Moreover, since adopting Flint Group’s EkoCure^® Dual Cure system in 2022, ILLERT has successfully transitioned all its presses to UV LED, enabling the company to achieve higher print quality and improved overall efficiency.

The results of ILLERT’s transition to EkoCure® is outlined in a new video testimonial that can be viewed here:

Jens Grosser, Production Manager at ILLERT, said: “When you decide to change your entire ink system, you need full confidence that the system works. Flint Group gave us that security when we changed to the new ink range and was with us from the beginning, providing great support and helping us throughout the entire process.”

Mr. Illert added: “The UV LED conversion, in conjunction with Flint Group’s new colour series, was one of the most important milestones for ILLERT in recent years. It has brought us forward in terms of productivity, print security, and quality. This has enabled us to enter new markets, which were not previously possible.”

EkoCure® Dual Cure inks are designed to cure under traditional UV lamps and UV LED lamps. This enables printers to use one ink on all their presses while managing the switch to more energy-efficient UV LED curing.

Dirk Tesch, Commercial Director of DACH, Benelux & Balkan for Narrow Web at Flint Group, stated: “While rising energy costs were initially the tipping point for the transition to dual-curing UV LED inks, the focus has now shifted significantly toward sustainability. Printers are increasingly recognizing the benefits of these inks, including reduced environmental impact, lower maintenance costs, and enhanced productivity. Flint Group has been at the forefront of this innovation, pioneering LED technology for over a decade.”

“Because of our team’s deep understanding of the technology, we can implement our dual-curing EkoCure^® range to help businesses like ILLERT easily switch to this simpler, more cost-efficient curing system. Supporting ILLERT with its transition to EkoCure^® Dual Cure was a pleasure, and we are delighted to see that the company has already achieved success with this important innovation.”

To learn more about Flint Group’s products for Narrow Web, visit our Resource Hub: flintgrp.com/segments/narrow-web/narrow-web-resource-hub

To find out more about whether EkoCure^® Dual Cure could be right for your business, get in touch with our team by e-mailing info.narrowweb@flintgrp.com.

About Flint Group

Flint Group is dedicated to serving the needs of the global flexible-packaging, paper and board, narrow web and publication industries, both conventional and digitally printed. The company develops, manufactures and markets an extensive portfolio of printing consumables and equipment, including: a vast range of conventional and energy curable inks, coatings and additives for flexographic, gravure and offset applications; pressroom chemicals and printing blankets. Furthermore, Flint Group designs and manufacturers digital printing presses for labels, corrugated packaging, document and commercial applications. The company is a leader in colour management solutions, which are supported by a Global Colour Centre to ensure colour consistency and standardization. Flint Group strives to support its customers through a relentless focus on developing: innovative products, exceptional levels of service and the security of supply. Headquartered in Jersey, Flint Group employs some 5,000 people. Revenues for 2023 were €1.5 billion. On a worldwide basis, the company is the number one or number two supplier in every major market segment it serves. For more information, please visit www.flintgrp.com.