Siegwerk enables antimicrobial coatings for film application using the Lock 3 technology

Siegwerk has now developed products for flexible packaging especially meeting the requirements of nutrition-, pharma- and hygiene (NPH)- applications.

After becoming distribution partner for Varcotec’s Lock 3 antimicrobial coating technology (see press release )

Today, antimicrobial coatings are gaining more and more interest and the demand of consumers for germ-free products is further increasing. As a global leading ink manufacturer Siegwerk understands it as its duty to always provide safe and innovative ink solutions. The latest introduced Lock 3 technology has now been proved to be suitable for the specific requirements of flexible packaging applications. “Our deep understanding in PSR-regulations and migration analysis allows us to ensure the safety of efficient coatings like our new flagship Lock 3 - also on film”, says Björn Ewig, Head of Technology, Flexible Packaging EMEA at Siegwerk. Lock 3 can neutralize bacteria and fungi, that potentially could get on the surface of packaging through consumer-contact at the point of sale, by singlet oxygen which is produced by a light activated catalyst in the coating itself. The lifetime of potential germs can hereby be minimized.

The effectiveness of this varnish was already validated by several independent testing institutions. Tests have shown that Lock 3 varnishes can kill both bacteria (according to ISO 22196 (mod.) for paper and cardboard) and infectious viral particulates (based on ISO 21702 (mod.)) by more than 99%. Additional tests against other virus strains, including three members of the Coronavirus family, are currently in the testing phase.

“With our glossy to mat product range, we allow converters to fulfil design expectations while generating higher value of the packaging and enabling new ways for market diversification”, added André Berk, Director Sales, FP EMEA at Siegwerk. The water-based OPVs show very good adhesion on a variety of substrates like PE, OPP, PET, paper and aluminum which represents the versatility of substrates for flexographic- or gravure printing.

Your technical contacts at Siegwerk are happy to share more insights into printing parameters, application properties and product codes. .Please send an email to [email protected]