Suitability for microwave heating and retort and boiling sterilization expands potential uses for digitally printed packages and responds to diverse consumer needs.
Toppan Printing (Toppan) (TYO: 7911), a global leader in communication, security, packaging, décor materials, and electronics solutions, has developed a high-strength adhesive for digital printing. TOPMER™ is suitable for retort sterilization, boiling sterilization, 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 today’s consumers. TOPMER™ will go on sale in Japan on February 24 targeting the food, toiletries, and cosmetics sectors.
Toppan recently announced “SOCIAL-VALUE™ Packaging,” part of the “TOPPAN S-VALUE™ Packaging” range targeting added value for society and fulfilling living. The SOCIAL-VALUE™ lineup includes the Toppan FP Digital Solution, which was launched in 2016 to provide flexible packaging optimized for multiple product types in small lots in response to the evolution of market needs from traditional mass production.
Toppan FP Digital Solution also addresses the increasing number of roles packages are expected to fulfill to enhance differentiation from rival products in stores. The COVID-19 pandemic, meanwhile, has changed consumer attitudes, driving growth of markets related to home cooking, pre-prepared foods, take-out, and delivery. This has therefore increased demand for products that can be prepared simply and quickly.
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 sterilization, digital printing can now also be applied to packages for boiling sterilization and microwave heating, something that was previously not possible. Toppan has also improved resistance to heat and water, meaning packages are suitable for retort sterilization at 130℃ for 30 minutes and can also withstand boiling sterilization over long periods.
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 labor 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 and today’s consumers.”
TOPMER™ will be on display in the Toppan Booth (S1-12, South Hall 1) at TOKYO PACK 2021, which will be held at the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition center from February 24 to 26.
