Arcova RT Retort Gravure Inks
Two-component solvent-based polyurethane gravure inks, supplied with a separate hardener, for reverse-printed retort pouches sterilised at 121 to 135 °C. Cross-linking after printing gives a thermoset ink film with the hydrolysis resistance and bond retention a retort structure requires.
Grade Arcova RT | Range Printing Inks for Flexible Packaging | Technology Solvent-based two-component polyurethane ink with separate hardener; organic solvent carrier
Technical Data Sheet
Arcova RT
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
Two-component solvent-based polyurethane gravure inks, supplied with a separate hardener, for reverse-printed retort pouches sterilised at 121 to 135 °C. Cross-linking after printing gives a thermoset ink film with the hydrolysis resistance and bond retention a retort structure requires.
2. Features
- Two-component polyurethane system with separate hardener
- Formulated for sterilisation at 121 to 135 °C, validated per structure
- Hydrolysis resistance and bond retention after a full retort cycle
- Resistance to delamination and tunnelling after processing
- Suitable for foil-containing and transparent retort structures
3. Recommended uses
Reverse-printed retort pouches and lidding for ready meals, curries, pet food and other sterilised products, laminated with a retort-grade two-component polyurethane adhesive. Films, ink, adhesive and sealant are qualified together through a full retort cycle before commercial production; not for direct food contact.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Solvent-based two-component polyurethane ink with separate hardener; organic solvent carrier | Formulation |
| Appearance | Pigmented liquid ink in the shade ordered; the range comprises heavy-metal-free organic and inorganic colours, opaque whites and a reducing medium | Visual (appearance); heavy-metal-free pigment selection by formulation |
| Binder system | Two-component polyurethane, supplied with hardener | Formulation |
| Carrier | Organic solvent blend; reducer specified by our laboratory for the range and the press | Formulation |
| Non-volatile content, base ink as supplied | Colours typically 25 to 45 per cent by weight; opaque whites higher. Value for the shade on the Certificate of Analysis | ISO 3251 |
| Printing viscosity, after catalysis and reduction | Typically 16 to 20 s, Ford Cup B4 (4 mm) at 25 °C. Supplied above press viscosity for reduction on press | Flow cup, Ford Cup B4 (4 mm orifice), at 25 °C; customer or supplier protocol |
| Retort window | 121 to 135 °C, validated per structure | Full retort cycle on the complete structure, customer or supplier protocol |
| Pot life | Limited once catalysed; confirmed by our laboratory for the grade and hardener supplied | Customer or supplier protocol |
| Adhesive | Retort-grade two-component polyurethane, mandatory | Not applicable |
| Bond retention after retort | Validated per structure through a full retort cycle, with no delamination or tunnelling | ASTM F904, before and after retort |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Method | Rotogravure, reverse print on retort-grade PET and nylon film, or print on primed aluminium foil, followed by lamination with a retort-grade two-component polyurethane adhesive |
| Catalysis | Add the specified hardener at the ratio stated for the grade supplied and mix thoroughly before reducing. Reduce only with the reducer specified for Arcova RT and keep ink, solvent and containers dry, since moisture reacts with the hardener and a reducer not specified for the range may do the same. Catalyse only the quantity needed for the run, do not print after the pot life has expired, and clean the cylinder, doctor blade and ink circuit promptly at the end of the run, since cross-linked ink does not redissolve |
| Surface preparation | Retort-grade PET printed on the primed side; standard PET will not survive the process. Nylon (BOPA) film per film supplier, with moisture pickup controlled before printing. Aluminium foil printed on the primed side, with the primer type confirmed by our laboratory |
| Reduction | Stir until homogeneous, then reduce in small steps with the reducer specified for Arcova RT and the press to 16 to 20 s, Ford Cup B4 (4 mm) at 25 °C, re-checking after each addition. Use the fastest solvent blend consistent with clean printing and the drying capacity of the press, and keep one clean viscosity cup per printing unit |
| Engraving and ink film weight | Confirm the engraving specification with our laboratory for each new job: a deeper cell raises density and opacity, fine process and vignette work needs a shallower, finer engraving. Dry ink film in solid areas typically 1.0 to 3.0 g/m² per colour, lower in tonal and vignette areas, with opaque whites towards the upper end. Set doctor blade angle and pressure to the lightest setting that wipes the land area cleanly |
| Drying | Solvent evaporation in the hot-air tunnel. Set air temperature and volume for a dry, non-tacky film at the rewind without distorting thin film, and check the printed reel for retained solvent by static headspace gas chromatography (EN 13628-2 for routine release, EN 13628-1 as the reference method) before release for conversion |
| Lamination and qualification | Laminate with a retort-grade two-component polyurethane adhesive and complete the adhesive supplier's full curing schedule, which also allows cross-linking of the ink to complete, before any retort test. Then qualify the complete structure through a full retort cycle at 121 to 135 °C and check bond strength, delamination and tunnelling before commercial production |
6. Storage and handling
Store the ink and hardener separately in tightly closed original containers between 5 and 35 °C, preferably 10 to 25 °C, away from direct sunlight and heat, and reseal the hardener immediately after use to protect it from moisture. Shelf life is stated on the label and Certificate of Analysis, and handling information is given in the Safety Data Sheet, 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.