Hubergroup’s global flagship project, Iray brings together the company’s R&D expertise and worldwide

Rahul Kumar (RK): Can you introduce the Iray brand from Hubergroup and explain what makes it unique in the printing ink market?

Rafal Maliszewski (RM): Iray is more than just a high-performing flexo UV ink system, it is Hubergroup’s global flagship project, strongly supported by our board and leadership. Designed with the needs of converters and brand owners in mind, Iray brings together the expertise of our R&D centers and markets worldwide. It is a comprehensive and finely tuned system of primers, adhesives, inks, and varnishes designed to work seamlessly together. Thus, it offers everything converters and printers need to print label and packaging constructions. With a 260-year legacy of continuous innovation, Hubergroup keeps pushing boundaries, and today, Iray stands as the most sophisticated expression of this pioneering spirit.

RK: How does Iray address the specific needs of today’s packaging and label converters?

RM: Converters are under constant pressure to balance efficiency, regulatory compliance, and vibrant print quality. Iray meets these demands with low-migration formulations, rapid LED curing, and cost-effective performance thanks to high colour strength and low viscosity. This combination ensures seamless operation at industrial speeds while adhering to the strictest regulatory standards.

RK: What are the key innovations or technologies embedded in Iray that differentiate it from other ink solutions?

RM: Iray is designed with dual-cure flexibility, enabling converters to work seamlessly with both LED and mercury lamps during the transition phase. Leveraging advanced oligomer and photoinitiator systems, it ensures a full layer cure even at high press speeds. In essence, Iray combines cutting-edge chemistry with practical versatility, keeping converters efficient today and ready for the demands of tomorrow.

RK: How does Iray balance performance with sustainability, especially considering regulatory and brand-owner requirements?

RM: At Hubergroup, sustainability is central to our corporate strategy and guides our innovations. Iray is engineered to meet low-migration and food packaging standards, in line with the German Ink Ordinance and other evolving regulations. By optimising formulations for LED curing, it also delivers significant energy savings and extends equipment life, helping our customers achieve both regulatory compliance and environmental objectives.

RK: Which market segments (labels, flexible packaging, corrugation, etc.) are showing the strongest traction for Iray?

RM: Iray is tailored for narrow-web applications, where precision and regulatory compliance are paramount. It performs exceptionally in all types of pressure-sensitive labels, shrink sleeves, laminate tubes, and pharmaceutical packaging. These segments require not only vibrant print quality but also the highest safety standards – areas where Iray provides a clear advantage.

RK: What feedback have you received from early adopters of Iray, and how has it shaped your strategy going forward?

RM: At Hubergroup, ongoing collaboration with our customers drives product development. Early adopters of Iray have responded enthusiastically, consistently highlighting its durability, vibrant colour strength, and reliable curing performance. This feedback reaffirmed our focus on robust formulations and high colour impact, delivering both visual excellence and operational stability for converters. Looking ahead, our close partnership with converters will continue to shape the evolution of the Iray portfolio.

RK: How does Iray align with the rising demand for safe, low-migration inks in food and sensitive packaging applications?

RM: Iray was created precisely for this purpose. Its low-migration formulations are rigorously tested to meet the strictest standards, ensuring safe use in sensitive packaging. Supported by Hubergroup’s top management, we view this not merely as a compliance requirement but as a fundamental responsibility as a trusted partner in the packaging industry.

RK: What role do you see digital and hybrid printing playing in the future of inks, and how does Iray fit into this evolution?

RM: In response to the rise of digital and hybrid solutions reshaping packaging workflows –especially for short runs and personalised products – our strategy is to give converters the freedom to combine technologies without compromising sustainability or quality. Iray is designed as a flexible platform that seamlessly complements hybrid systems and integrates smoothly into evolving production chains, making it an ideal solution for this transformative phase.

RK: With sustainability becoming a key driver, what is Hubergroup’s long-term vision for Iray and eco-friendly ink solutions?

RM: Hubergroup’s vision is clear: sustainability will guide our way. With Iray, we are establishing new benchmarks in energy-efficient curing, safe formulations, and regulatory compliance. Beyond inks, our long-term goal is to deliver circular and resource-efficient solutions, equipping our customers for a packaging world that demands both high performance and responsible practices. 

RK: Looking ahead, what new developments or expansions can customers expect from the Iray brand in the next few years?

RM: Customers can look forward to ongoing expansion into new segments, broader compliance certifications, and continuous innovation in raw material sourcing. Equally important, they can rely on the full support of our global organisation – from the boardroom to local technical experts – behind Iray. This unified commitment ensures that Iray will not only grow but also lead the way in sustainable flexo UV inks for years to come.