Etimark, a label and package printer based in Switzerland, has made the switch from mercury to UV LED curing for its presses after adopting Flint Group’s EkoCure® Dual Cure ink range. Etimark, known for its customised package printing solutions, made a milestone decision to start using LED curing ink after realising how it could increase print speed, process security, and sustainability while reducing maintenance requirements. Since installing its first LED press in 2020, the international specialist in customised packaging printing transitioned all its production to the EkoCure® Dual Cure ink system in just one year and is now reaping the benefits of this innovative technology.

Marco Schulz, CFO/CIO and partner at Etimark, said: “The switch from UV to LED offers the following advantages: increased print speed, process security, less maintenance, and sustainability. Sustainability in the sense of lower energy costs, elimination of environmentally harmful mercury lamps, and ozone.” He added: “We have been working closely and successfully with Flint Group for decades, and we look forward to further innovation projects in the future.”

EkoCure® Dual Cure inks are designed to cure under both mercury and UV LED lamps, allowing printers to use one ink on all presses while reducing their energy bills through significantly lower power consumption in curing stations. Anna Niewiadomska, Marketing Manager Narrow Web at Flint Group, said: “UV LED curing is transforming the narrow web printing industry. Flint Group was quick to recognise this potential, having pioneered the technology. As a result, we have over a decade of expertise in this field and developing dual-curing inks that offer unparalleled performance and versatility.”

Boris Wyrsch, Technical Sales Manager Narrow Web at Flint Group, said: “We’re very grateful for the close cooperation we’ve had with Etimark on this project. Their vast knowledge of narrow web printing was instrumental in this successful implementation, and it’s fantastic to see them achieve such success with our EkoCure® Dual Cure range. Thanks to the insights gained from this collaboration, we can swiftly transition businesses to UV LED technology within weeks, enabling printers to begin enjoying the advantages of this innovative change without delay.”