Arcene PP Water-Based Inks
Water-based flexographic and gravure inks for surface printing on treated, coated and nonwoven polypropylene used in femcare and babycare hygiene articles. Supplied ready to use at printing viscosity, with on-press control of colour intensity, opacity and press performance.
Grade Arcene PP | Range Printing Inks for Flexible Packaging | Technology Water-based polymer emulsion, low VOC
Technical Data Sheet
Arcene PP
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
Water-based flexographic and gravure inks for surface printing on treated, coated and nonwoven polypropylene used in femcare and babycare hygiene articles. Supplied ready to use at printing viscosity, with on-press control of colour intensity, opacity and press performance.
2. Features
- Water-based, low-VOC system supplied ready to use at printing viscosity
- Light fastness above 5 on the Blue Wool Scale (ISO 12040)
- Flexibility and adhesion on treated, coated and nonwoven PP
- Low foaming and constant printing behaviour; dries without thermal oxidation or additional curing
- Segment-specific formulation development to meet end-use resistance requirements
3. Recommended uses
Printing of femcare and babycare hygiene articles, with the printed layer positioned away from the wearer by reverse printing or a nonwoven top sheet, and each ink qualified by the article producer in the final construction. Not intended for food packaging with direct contact between print and foodstuff, for pasteurisation, sterilisation or other high-temperature processing, or for untreated or poorly treated polyolefin films.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Water-based polymer emulsion, low VOC | Formulation |
| Physical form | Water-based liquid, ready to use at printing viscosity | Visual |
| Particle size | 95 per cent of particles below 5 µm | Supplier protocol |
| pH | 9.0 to 10.0 | Glass electrode pH meter; supplier protocol |
| Printing viscosity, flexo | 20 to 25 s, Ford Cup 4 mm at 25 °C | Ford Cup 4 mm at 25 °C; supplier protocol |
| Printing viscosity, gravure | 16 to 20 s, Ford Cup 4 mm at 25 °C | Ford Cup 4 mm at 25 °C; supplier protocol |
| Light fastness | Above 5 on the Blue Wool Scale (1 to 8) | ISO 12040 |
| Drying | Hot-air dryers or IR lamps, web temperature 70 °C maximum; no thermal oxidation or additional curing required | Supplier protocol |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Method | Flexography and gravure; conventional and ceramic aniloxes and cylinders; rubber plates or photopolymer plates rated for water-based inks (most are), confirmed with the plate supplier |
| Surface preparation | Treated cast or BOPP film, coated PP (coated side) and spunbond or SMS nonwoven PP at 40 to 44 dynes/cm, in-line corona preferred; below 40 dynes/cm adhesion and resistance fall off sharply |
| Reduction | Supplied at printing viscosity; if thinning is needed, water or a 1 : 1 blend of isopropyl alcohol and water, 10 per cent maximum in total, and no other diluent; if over-reduced, refill with fresh ink |
| Anilox selection | Higher transfer volume for colour intensity; finer, lower-volume anilox for process and fine-line work |
| Drying | Hot-air dryers or IR lamps at 70 °C maximum web temperature; water and volatile amine removed completely before rewinding |
| Press speed | 280 m/min realistically achievable with sufficient dryer capacity; higher speeds are frequently reached and must be validated on press trial |
| Wash-up | Keep the anilox turning while ink is in the chamber; wet ink washes up with plain water, deep cleaning with a 9 : 1 mix of water and water-based anilox cleaner |
6. Storage and handling
Store in tightly sealed original containers between 10 °C and 30 °C, not above 25 °C for long-term storage, away from solvents, UV light and high temperature, and protect from freezing. Keep containers closed to prevent evaporation, amine loss and skinning, and mix thoroughly before use; shelf life is stated on the label and Certificate of Analysis, and the Safety Data Sheet is issued on request. Handle and use the product in line with its Safety Data Sheet.
7. Safety and regulatory information
Read the Safety Data Sheet before use. Safety Data Sheets and regulatory declarations are issued by our technical centre against the product and batch supplied, so they are sent on request rather than published. Request a Safety Data Sheet or declaration.
This Technical Data Sheet is published for on-screen reference. The information is given in good faith from laboratory and application experience and describes typical values; it is not a specification and does not replace a trial on your own substrate and line. Arctic Materials may revise this sheet without notice. Issue 2026.09.
Technical Data Sheets on this site are for on-screen viewing. For a controlled copy, write to tech@arcticmaterials.com.
Other ink ranges
Need a Safety Data Sheet, a regulatory declaration or a grade specified to your line? Contact our technical centre.