Arlam Aqua Lamination Inks
Water-based acrylic-polyurethane gravure and flexographic inks for reverse printing of chemically coated PET, treated BOPP and PE ahead of adhesive or PE extrusion lamination. Low-VOC, supplied as finished inks or as a concentrate system of pigment bases, reducing varnish and technology varnish.
Grade Arlam Aqua | Range Printing Inks for Flexible Packaging | Technology Water-based acrylic-polyurethane emulsion, low VOC
Technical Data Sheet
Arlam Aqua
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
Water-based acrylic-polyurethane gravure and flexographic inks for reverse printing of chemically coated PET, treated BOPP and PE ahead of adhesive or PE extrusion lamination. Low-VOC, supplied as finished inks or as a concentrate system of pigment bases, reducing varnish and technology varnish.
2. Features
- Water-based, low-VOC system that dries without thermal oxidation or additional curing
- Compatible with 2K solvent-based polyurethane and 100 per cent solids solvent-free adhesives, and with PE extrusion lamination
- Formulated to resist ink smear in contact with solvent-free lamination adhesives
- Flexibility and adhesion on chemically coated PET and corona-treated BOPP and PE
- Low foaming and constant printing behaviour; mono-pigmented grades for clean shades
3. Recommended uses
Reverse-print lamination of snack-food, bakery and confectionery packaging and general-purpose flexible pouches, and PE extrusion-lamination structures, with a primer layer recommended for extrusion lamination on PET. Not intended for direct food contact, microwaveable, ovenable, pasteurised or retorted packs, aluminium foil, towel or tissue paper, or surface printing without an approved surface overprint varnish.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Water-based acrylic-polyurethane emulsion, low VOC | Formulation |
| Physical form | Liquid; finished inks or concentrate system | Visual |
| Binder and carrier | Acrylic-polyurethane emulsion in water | Supplier formulation data |
| Printing viscosity, flexo | 18 to 22 s, Ford Cup B4 (4 mm) at 30 °C | Ford Cup B4 (4 mm) at 30 °C; supplier protocol |
| Printing viscosity, gravure | 16 to 18 s, Ford Cup B4 (4 mm) at 30 °C | Ford Cup B4 (4 mm) at 30 °C; supplier protocol |
| Drying | Evaporation of water and amine; no thermal oxidation or additional curing required | Supplier protocol |
| Press speed | 200 to more than 500 m/min, depending on dryer capacity, air velocity, reducer and coverage | Press trial |
| Adhesive compatibility | 2K solvent-based polyurethane and 100 per cent solids solvent-free adhesives; PE extrusion lamination | Customer or supplier protocol; bond strength validated per substrate lot and adhesive |
| Light fastness | Standard pigments not designed for prolonged exposure to direct sunlight; high-light-fastness pigments specified at the time of ordering | Customer or supplier protocol |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Method | Gravure and flexography, reverse print |
| Surface preparation | CC-PET printed on the chemically modified side; uncoated PET with in-line corona above 50 dynes/cm; BOPP and PE at a minimum of 40 to 42 dynes/cm at printing; back, non-printed side at least 6 to 8 dynes/cm lower than the printed side to prevent blocking |
| Reduction | Soft water, or water / isopropyl alcohol 80 : 20 or 90 : 10, typically 5 to 10 per cent; if over-reduced, refill with fresh ink and use the thin ink as an addition component; keep trays and containers covered |
| Pressroom conditions | 25 °C at 50 per cent relative humidity is ideal; material from cold storage equilibrated to room temperature before printing |
| Drying | Forced-air drying at high air velocity; water and amine stabilisers removed completely before rewinding |
| Lamination schedule | Minimum 24 hours ageing after printing before lamination. For adhesive lamination, allow 48 hours after lamination for full adhesive cross-linking, or longer where the adhesive supplier's cure schedule requires it; validate bond strength and chemical compatibility between the printed substrate lot and the chosen adhesive before production |
| Wash-up | Plain water for wet ink; 9 : 1 water and alcohol for deep cleaning; proprietary water-based cleaner for dried-in ink |
6. Storage and handling
Store in tightly sealed original containers between 10 °C and 30 °C, away from solvents, UV light and high temperature, and protect from freezing, which irreversibly breaks the emulsion. Keep containers sealed to limit amine loss and check pH on receipt; 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.