OQ demystifies the future of flexible packaging at Virtual.Drupa

During the virtual Drupa show, OQ brought together more than 100 professionals at its webinar and breakout session. Led by industry experts and chemical scientists, the sessions explored the changing dynamics of flexible packaging – and the far-reaching consequences of a new generation of propyls-based inks and solvents.

It was during the subsequent breakout session with special guest speaker Armin Weichmann from Hochschule de Medien (HdM) in Stuttgart that the outcome of industrial scale tests on the use, efficacy, and benefits of propyls were explained. The breakout session revealed that replacing conventional ethyls with OQ propyls can lead to 20% savings in ink use, and 30% reductions in solvent use.

Economical gravure printing
Weichmann, head of the Institute of Applied Science in the Department of Gravure Printing at Hochschule der Medien talked about the advantages that propyls offer and how his own research on computer press systems has proven their efficacy. The findings show that propyls can provide a more sustainable and economical gravure printing process, whilst also reducing waste and improving stability.

Attending the webinar and breakout session was Markus Hoschke, OQ’s head of global marketing. He explained, “The breakout session with Weichmann - whose many years of research provide us with a powerful justification for shifting from conventional ethyls towards propyls – has proven to be illuminating for all in attendance. I am delighted to see so many professionals’ express interest in how propyls deliver stability, savings, and performance.”

A complete replacement
David Faust, OQ’s head of industrial marketing explained: “The breadths of propyl’s benefits have been proven to be extremely widespread. Their use results in less clogging of anilox and cylinder cells, which means fewer stoppages to clean the press; and they help to re-dissolve dry ink and improve ink solubility.

“Less waste also means that they offer a greater degree of environmental sustainability. It is clear that propyls can be used as a complete replacement for conventional solvents in rotogravure or flexographic printing processes.”

During the show, the team from OQ Chemicals reaffirmed the company’s commitment to guiding the industry on the benefits and efficiencies inherent in its best-in-class propyl.

“With processes and storage facilities in place to help alleviate the industry’s concerns over transportation, logistics, supply, and localised customer service, OQ is ready to support the flexible packaging industry as it continues to grow at an accelerated rate of 4-5% per annum,” the company stated in a press note shared with WhatPackaging?.

Hoschke said, “By supplying both the polymers used for film substrates and the propyls solvent system for printing, and with storage hubs strategically located in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, we are able to bring more complete packaging and printing solutions to the industry.”

OQ is a globally integrated energy company with roots in Oman. It emerged in late 2019 upon the successful integration of nine legacy companies (which include OXEA), united to form a stronger, more efficient, and consolidated entity.

The company operates in 17 countries and covers the entire value chain in the energy sector, from exploration and production to marketing and distribution of end-user products. It sells fuels and chemicals in over 60 countries worldwide.