Arcova BB Boil and Pasteurisation Inks
Single-component solvent-based polyurethane gravure inks for reverse-printed packs processed by boiling or pasteurisation up to 100 °C. They give more hydrolysis resistance than a standard lamination ink without the pot-life management of a two-component retort system.
Grade Arcova BB | Range Printing Inks for Flexible Packaging | Technology Solvent-based single-component polyurethane ink; organic solvent carrier
Technical Data Sheet
Arcova BB
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
Single-component solvent-based polyurethane gravure inks for reverse-printed packs processed by boiling or pasteurisation up to 100 °C. They give more hydrolysis resistance than a standard lamination ink without the pot-life management of a two-component retort system.
2. Features
- Formulated for sustained water contact up to 100 °C
- Bond and colour retention through boil and pasteurisation cycles
- Single component: no pot-life management on press
- Compatible with performance two-component polyurethane adhesives
- High colour strength at thin film weights
3. Recommended uses
Reverse-printed boil-in-bag rice and vegetable packs, pasteurised dairy and juice pouches and hot-fill packs, laminated with a performance two-component polyurethane adhesive and qualified through the actual process cycle. Not for direct food contact, retort sterilisation above 100 °C (use Arcova RT), or surface printing.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Solvent-based single-component polyurethane ink; 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 | Polyurethane, single component | Formulation |
| Carrier | Organic solvent blend; reducer specified by our laboratory for the range and the press | Formulation |
| Non-volatile content, 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 |
| Density at 20 °C | Colours typically 0.90 to 1.15 g/cm³; opaque whites higher | ISO 2811-1 |
| Printing viscosity, after reduction | Typically 15 to 19 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 |
| Process window | Boil and pasteurisation up to 100 °C, validated per structure | Actual process cycle on the complete structure, customer or supplier protocol |
| Adhesive | Performance two-component polyurethane recommended | Not applicable |
| Bond and colour retention after processing | Validated per structure through the actual boil or pasteurisation cycle | ASTM F904 for bond, before and after processing; colour by visual comparison against an unprocessed reference |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Method | Rotogravure, reverse print, followed by adhesive lamination |
| Surface preparation | Treated or coated PET printed on the treated side, with the grade confirmed for the process temperature. Nylon (BOPA) film per film supplier, with moisture pickup controlled before printing. PE corona treated to 40 to 42 dynes/cm at printing, measured to ISO 8296 |
| Reduction | Stir until homogeneous, then reduce in small steps with the reducer specified for the range and press to 15 to 19 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 performance two-component polyurethane adhesive and complete the adhesive supplier's full curing schedule before any process test. Qualify the complete structure through the actual boil or pasteurisation cycle up to 100 °C and confirm bond strength and seal integrity at process temperature before commercial production |
6. Storage and handling
Store in tightly closed original containers between 5 and 35 °C, preferably 10 to 25 °C, away from direct sunlight and heat. 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.