Michelman & HP partner to expand high performance label market

Label printers can better serve high-performance label markets with digital print technology designed to enhance the mechanical, water, chemical, and thermal durability of digitally printed labels on HP Indigo label presses.

Michelman recently expanded its suite of high-performance label solutions, used with UV overprint varnishes (OPVs), permitting HP Indigo digitally-printed labels to endure harsh environments, including extreme heat, chemicals, water, or friction during packing and transport. These solutions allow press owners to increase their addressable market size and produce more with their HP Indigo digital label presses in applications such as packaging for personal care and cosmetics, household cleaners, automotive oils & fluids, wine & beer bottles, and industrial & electronic equipment.

Lisa DiGate, Michelman's Global business vice president, HP Indigo, explains, "Michelman has partnered with HP Indigo for nearly 20 years to bring innovation that offers press owners digital print versatility to enter new markets. We are excited to introduce new solutions that protect HP Indigo printed labels, address more demanding label applications, and open up new market opportunities throughout the label industry; for our customers and partners."

Michelman's new suite of DigiGuard Plus UV OPV strengtheners is economical and easy to use compared to lamination or other complex solutions. The entire portfolio, designed to improve UV OPVs' performance combined with Michelman's DigiPrime priming solutions, allows press owners improved ease-of-use by using off-the-shelf varnish with the strengtheners added. They can use their current UV curable OPVs without investing in additional products or finishing equipment. Furthermore, their performance has been tested via the Sutherland Rub & other ASTM, Finat, bottle-to-bottle, and submersion tests. All have achieved digital print industry resistance standards for label durability.

• DigiGuard Plus 902: Provides water, thermal and chemical resistance for high-performance labels and is an economical substitute for DigiGuard UV OPV 901.

• DigiGuard Plus 920: Provides mechanical and rub resistance for high-performance labels.

• DigiGuard Plus 921: Provides water and chemical resistance for high-performance labels.

• DigiGuard Plus 920 & DigiGuard Plus 921 can be used in combination to provide mechanical, water, and chemical resistance.

Eli Mahal, head of L&P Products and Solutions at HP Indigo, noted, "This new technology allows press owners to extend their application range by meeting the industry's durability and resistance standards for high-performance labels."

HP Indigo print service providers can learn more about these new products at the upcoming Dscoop Edge Fusion hybrid event from 17 to 20 May 2021. Michelman has scheduled an education session on 19 May 2021 featuring High-Performance Durable Labels as part of the event's main agenda and will have additional information as part of their Solutions Showcase.