Arcoflex AQ Paper and Board Flexo Inks

Paper and board printing is where water-based flexo is not a compromise but the correct answer. The substrate absorbs water readily, drying is straightforward, and there is no solvent load to recover — which matters increasingly as paper-based packaging replaces plastic in retail and e-commerce.

Arcoflex AQ is an acrylic emulsion system formulated for strong density on kraft and recycled grades, where high absorbency and dark base colour make density the main technical challenge.

• Negligible VOC emission — no solvent recovery or abatement required
• Strong density on kraft and recycled grades
• Good rub resistance for bags and cases handled in distribution
• Low foaming for stable pump and chamber operation
• Excellent resolubility — washes up with plain water
• Suitable for repulping in standard paper recycling streams

Arcoflex AQ is intended for paper carrier bags, grocery and cement sacks, folding cartons, corrugated post-print cases and e-commerce mailers printed on stack, CI or corrugated flexo presses.

Arcoflex AQ is not suitable for:

• direct food-contact applications
• plastic film — water-based ink cannot develop adhesion on untreated polyolefin
• wet or high-humidity end uses without a protective varnish

Each substrate and structure must be evaluated for adhesion and end-use properties before commercial printing.

The figures below describe the typical operating window for this range. Confirmed values for a specific shade or batch are issued with the Technical Data Sheet and Certificate of Analysis by our laboratory.

Arcoflex AQ is available as a finished ink range and as a concentrate system of pigment bases and technology varnishes for in-house dispensing. A full range of heavy-metal-free organic and inorganic colours is offered, together with opaque whites and a reducing medium.

Special shades, brand colours and Pantone® matches are formulated against a reference sample. Please contact us for the current Arcoflex AQ shade card and product codes.

Standard pigments are not intended for prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. For outdoor or high-exposure applications, specify high-light-fastness pigments at the time of ordering.

Anilox and plates. The anilox cell volume is the primary control on ink film weight and colour strength — not impression pressure. Set a kiss impression, and open highlight dots with a plate-side bump curve rather than by increasing anilox volume. Confirm the anilox specification with our laboratory for each new job.

Viscosity and dilution. Water-based systems lose viscosity very quickly on reduction, so dilute carefully and in small steps. If an ink is over-reduced, do not add further water; refill with fresh ink and use the over-reduced ink as an addition component. Keep the duct or pump container covered during printing to prevent premature loss of water and volatile amine.

Drying and press hygiene. Sufficient air volume and velocity matter as much as temperature. Keep the anilox or cylinder turning during stoppages and wash plates immediately — once dry, water-based ink forms a film that is difficult to remove. Wet ink washes up with plain water; dried-in ink requires a proprietary water-based cleaner.

Water-based and not classified as highly flammable. Store in tightly sealed original containers between 10 °C and 30 °C, away from solvents, UV light and high temperature. Protect strictly from freezing — freezing irreversibly breaks the polymer emulsion and renders the ink unusable. Keep containers closed to prevent loss of water and volatile amine.

Waste disposal. Water-based ink must not be discharged untreated to drains or watercourses. Dispose of in accordance with good industrial practice and all applicable regulations.

Formulated in accordance with the current CEPE / EuPIA guidelines and the EuPIA Exclusion Policy for printing inks and related products. The formulations exclude:

• substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (CMR categories 1A and 1B) or as acutely toxic under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP);
• pigments based on compounds of antimony, arsenic, cadmium, chromium VI, lead, mercury and selenium;
• dyes, solvents, plasticisers and other materials listed in the Exclusion Policy. A copy of the supporting declaration is available on request.

Water-based products contain in-can isothiazolinone biocides, including methylisothiazolinone, to prevent microbial contamination in the liquid state. These may cause allergic skin reactions in already sensitised individuals; handle with the personal protective equipment detailed in the Safety Data Sheet.

All Arctic Materials products are designed with end-use safety built in and must not be mixed with products from other manufacturers.

Indirect food-contact applications. It is the responsibility of the food packer to ensure the packed food is safe, and of the converter and packer/filler to ensure that migration does not exceed applicable legal or industry limits. Under a mutual non-disclosure agreement, Arctic Materials will provide a Statement of Composition detailing any potentially migratable components in its products.

Technical Data Sheets, Safety Data Sheets, Statements of Composition and regulatory declarations for this range are issued by our technical department on request.

The Safety Data Sheet, Statement of Composition, EuPIA Exclusion Policy declaration and heavy-metal / regulatory declarations for this range are issued on request by our technical department, and the Statement of Composition is released under a mutual non-disclosure agreement.