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In collaboration with HP Inc.,Toppan Printing Co., Ltd. leveraged its transparent barrier film GL BARRIER*1 to develop a new product for retort packaging, GL FILM Digital Printing Grade, which is compatible with HP’s cutting-edge HP Indigo digital presses for flexible packaging. Toppan Printing will launch sales of this product in late-September 2017, targeting markets in Japan and overseas for food sold in retort pouches, such as pasta sauces and beans.
GL FILM Digital Printing Grade is the world’s first barrier film to enable digital printing, which facilitates the provision of a wide range of package types in small lots, while maintaining the same oxygen and water vapor barrier performance as conventional films after retort sterilization, something which has until now been considered difficult with transparent barrier film. Introducing packages using this film will enable distributors and manufacturers to provide high-value-added products catering to the diverse needs of consumers.
Features of GL FILM Digital Printing Grade
• Digital printing is possible
A transparent barrier film for retort packaging to which digital printing can be applied has been developed by combining Toppan Printing’s vapor deposition and material design technologies with the HP Indigo Pack Ready Coating post-print solution.
• The same barrier performance as conventional products
Using Toppan Printing’s vapor deposition and coating technologies, it has been possible to maintain the same heat resistance and oxygen and water vapor barrier performance demonstrated by retort grades of Toppan’s conventional GL BARRIER films.
• Multiple package designs can be manufactured because cylinders do not need to be prepared
Conventional flexible package printing involves large volume manufacturing requiring the engraving of printing cylinders. However, since such cylinders are not needed for digital printing, packages with multiple designs can be produced.
• Application of information processing technology enables the same quality as gravure printing
By applying information processing technology honed over the years to digital printing, it has been possible to produce eye-catching graphics with the same quality as gravure printing.
