TOPMER is a high-strength adhesive that can be used for lamination on conventional general-purpose machinery. This means that in addition to packaging that undergoes retort sterilisation, digital printing can now also be applied to packages for boiling sterilisation and microwave heating – something that was previously not possible.
Toppan has also improved resistance to heat and water, meaning packages are suitable for retort sterilisation at 130 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes and can also withstand boiling sterilisation over long periods. TOPMER is suitable for retort sterilisation, boiling sterilisation, and heating in microwave ovens, thus expanding applications for packages employing digital printing and enabling high-value-added products that meet the diversifying needs of consumers.
Digital printing makes it possible to apply original designs to small lots, eliminating the need to affix labels to ready-made plain pouches and helping to alleviate labour shortages. In contrast to conventional mass production methods for printing on flexible packaging, cylinders are not necessary, allowing multiple design variations to be created for the same package.
Toppan has applied its extensive information processing technologies to achieve quality equivalent to that of gravure printing and enable the production of packages that stand out in stores. The technology also facilitates test marketing, limited edition package ranges, and a host of other possibilities, while the ability to produce only the required quantity of a given package when it is needed prevents excess inventory and contributes to more eco-friendly solutions that help reduce waste and loss.
‘Digital printing of flexible packaging opens up an array of possibilities,’ said Masafumi Horiuchi, development manager in Toppan’s Packaging Solutions business. ‘The development of the TOPMER adhesive now enables us to extend that even further by expanding the scope of applications in response to the needs of our clients as well as consumers.’
TOPPAN
https://www.toppan.com/
