Chesapeake has converted its Bristol facility to ultra-low migration using ULM inks from Paragon Inks
As the first self-adhesive label manufacturer in the UK, Chesapeake Bristol has introduced an ultra-low migration (ULM) ink system as standard for all its customers. The move to ULM only ink follows extensive trials and rigorous testing procedures. The Bristol operation is Chesapeake’s lead label site in the UK for food labelling and this initiative offers customers further reassurance that they are using one of the latest and safest inks available.
Andy Walter, Bristol’s managing director, said, ‘We were previously using low migration inks, but we wanted to fully move to an ultra-low migration ink system as soon as we had completed and validated the test results. As part of this process, we have changed our ink stocks, conducted trials and completed profiling tests. For us, this move to an improved lower migration ink system was an easy decision.’
Group packaging and safety compliance officer, Elaine Murray, said, ‘The inks have been independently tested on paper and filmic substrates and only minute trace levels of migrating photoinitiators were found. These have a higher propensity to migrate through primary packaging into some food types. Testing had been conducted in accordance with the guidelines set out in the BPIF labels GMP. These have been specifically developed for the printing of labels and related packaging for the food and drinks markets. The adoption of this new ink ULM system provides an extra layer of security for our customers.’
Mr Walter said, ‘The new inks are performing well and the initial reaction from customers has been very encouraging. We are keen to demonstrate to both existing and new customers the benefits this new system has to offer.’
Amanda Jones, UK and international sales manager for Paragon Inks, which manufacturers the ULM range, commented, ‘Paragon Inks is totally committed to Chesapeake Bristol’s decision to fully move to ULM inks throughout its production facility. We’re proud to have been involved from the start of this very daunting but successful project to meet low migration compliance and the associated GMP for both its existing and future customer base. The announcement of Chesapeake Bristol’s new direction is testament to both Chesapeake and Paragon Inks’ philosophy of committed, transparent working relationships with their customers to meet real challenges whilst achieving a win-win scenario.’
This initiative complements a similar move by 10 of Chesapeake’s carton production sites that have recently declared compliance with ECMA’s GMP for food packaging production.
