Food & Beverage Packaging

Q: Can HCOLOR water-based beverage packaging inks run on existing gravure presses without cylinder or dryer retrofits?

Yes. Formulated with advanced water-based acrylic resins and nano-dispersed pigments, our WLG80000-D series matches the viscosity, transfer, and drying curve of conventional gravure inks. Converters typically run at line speeds between 150–250 m/min using standard cylinders (30–35 µm cell depths) and standard drying tunnels without requiring costly hardware retrofits.

Q: How do HCOLOR inks perform against condensation, ice bath immersion, and boiling sterilization?

Our beverage packaging inks incorporate a cross-linking polymer matrix that forms a dense, hydrophobic barrier upon drying. The printed film withstands 0°C–4°C ice water immersion without color bleeding, resists high humidity condensation in cold chains, and endures hot-fill / retort pasteurization (up to 100°C) without blistering or peeling.

Q: How does HCOLOR ensure low residual odor and migration compliance for aseptic liquid food & beverage cartons?

We use deionized water as the primary carrier and high-purity ethanol as co-solvent, strictly excluding aromatic hydrocarbons, phthalates, and restricted heavy metals. Residual solvent levels are monitored via gas chromatography (GC) to guarantee zero off-flavor transfer to sensitive liquids such as dairy products, fruit juices, and RTD tea.

Q: What technical support does HCOLOR provide for solvent-to-water conversion on beverage lines?

Backed by our Dongguan R&D headquarters and manufacturing bases in Kunming and Yueyang, our field engineering team offers full on-site transition support: anilox and cylinder cell engraving guidance, spectrophotometric color matching (Delta E < 1.0), on-press rheology control, and customized press wash-up procedures.

Food and beverage packaging requires the highest standards of organoleptic neutrality, zero odor transfer, and environmental moisture barrier protection. HCOLOR water-based acrylic platforms strictly comply with international and Chinese food-contact migration directives.

Formulations cover PE-coated liquid packaging board, hot/cold beverage cups, folding cartons, food wrappers, and aseptic composite liquid packs. They offer superior cold-chain condensation resistance, pasteurisation stability, and high rub fastness.

With key commercial rollouts across dairy and beverage brands such as Lufang, You Suan Ru, Donggua Tea, and Red Apple, HCOLOR provides reliable solvent-to-water conversion technology for modern packaging converters.

Technical Specification Matrix

Technical Specification Matrix of Inks for Food & Beverage Packaging
Target Substrates	PE-coated liquid paperboard (180–320 g/m²), 7-layer aseptic composite board, virgin kraft paper, food-grade greaseproof paper, PET/PE laminates
Core Ink Chemistries	Waterborne acrylic polymer emulsion (WLG80000-D), high-rub surface resin (WPG-B30000), solvent-free waterborne lamination polyurethane (WFG50000)
Printing Process & Press Speed	High-speed gravure (150–250 m/min), High-speed CI flexo (120–180 m/min)
Organoleptic Neutrality	Zero odor transfer; residual solvent levels below detectable limits via gas chromatography
Moisture & Temperature Resistance	Withstands 0–4°C ice water immersion ≥ 24 h; boiling water pasteurization (100°C) without delamination; deep freeze (-18°C)
Adhesion & Rub Fastness	3M 610 tape adhesion ≥ 95% on corona-treated PE surface; wet rub resistance ≥ 200 cycles
Food Contact Compliance	GB 4806.9 & GB 4806.10, FDA 21 CFR §175.300, EuPIA Exclusion Policy conformant

SHOWCASE

Ink series available for food & beverage packaging

Aseptic liquid carton & PE-coated board water-based inks

WLG80000-D

LOW-ODOUR, HIGH-ADHESION PRINTING FOR MILK BRICKS & BEVERAGE CUPS

Formulated for high-speed printing on polyethylene-extruded board, liquid milk bricks, aseptic juice cartons, and paper beverage cups. Engineered with food-grade pure acrylic resins, ensuring ultra-low migration, zero off-flavor transfer, and exceptional resistance to 121°C retort sterilization and refrigerated condensation.

Product Platform: WLG80000-D & WLF-B70000 Food Packaging Platforms
Primary Substrates: Single/Double PE-coated cupstock, aseptic liquid board (6-layer laminate)
Viscosity (25°C): 16 – 22 s (Zahn #3 Cup)
Press Line Speed: 180 – 250 m/min web gravure; up to 300 m/min CI flexo
Retort & Cold Chain: Withstands 121°C autoclave sterilization; 4°C moisture condensation non-peel
Compliance: FDA 21 CFR 175.300, GB 9685-2016, Nestlé Guidance compliant
Key Application: Aseptic milk bricks, juice cartons, hot/cold beverage paper cups

Aseptic liquid carton & PE-coated board water-based inks - Showcase Image 1

Dairy & beverage foil lidding inks (Water-based & UV systems)

WPG / UVF Series

HIGH-OPACITY, PINHOLE-FREE COATINGS FOR YOGURT & BEVERAGE LIDS

Dual-technology solutions for aluminium foil lidding on yogurt cups, dessert tubs, instant noodle bowls, and beverage seals. Water-based WPG-A60000 provides high-opacity gravure printing, while UVF Series delivers high-speed UV offset and rotary flexo printing with total chemical resistance against lactic acid and alcohol.

Product Platform: WPG-A60000 (Water-based) & UVF Series (UV-curing)
Substrate Scope: Hard/soft aluminium foil, foil-paper laminates, heat-seal lacquer lids
Chemical Resistance: Resists lactic acid, citrus fruit juices, and 75% ethanol rubbing
Opacity & Coverage: Dense pinhole-free solid white & vibrant process shades
Adhesion (3M 610): 100% tape adhesion; zero flaking during automated cup sealing
Die-Cut Performance: Clean edge cutting with zero whisker debris
Key Application: Yogurt foil lids, dairy cup seals, instant noodle covers, capsule lids

Dairy & beverage foil lidding inks (Water-based & UV systems) - Showcase Image 1

Fluorine-free (PFAS-free) oil, grease & moisture barrier coatings

WOF Barrier Series

SUSTAINABLE, 100% RECYCLABLE COATINGS FOR TAKEAWAY MEAL CONTAINERS

A pioneering water-based eco-coating eliminating plastic extrusion (PE) and fluorine chemicals (PFAS). Applied directly via flexo or gravure coater on virgin or recycled paperboard, forming a flexible continuous barrier against hot oil, cooking grease, and water vapor for modern eco-friendly food packaging.

Product Platform: WOF Barrier Functional Coating Series
Grease Resistance: KIT test rating 8 – 12 (ASTM F119/TAPPI T559)
Water Repellency: Cobb 30 min < 15 g/m² (ISO 535)
Heat Resistance: Withstands hot food contact up to 100°C; microwaveable
Recyclability: 100% repulpable & recyclable in standard paper mill waste streams
Food Contact Safety: GB 4806.8-2021 & FDA 21 CFR 176.170 compliant
Key Application: Takeaway meal boxes, paper burger clamshells, food trays & wrappers

Fluorine-free (PFAS-free) oil, grease & moisture barrier coatings - Showcase Image 1

High-speed flexographic paper packaging & wrapper inks

WLF90000 Series

RAPID-DRYING, HIGH-SATURATION WATER-BASED INKS FOR FOOD PAPER BOXES

High-pigment-density water-based flexographic inks engineered for food folding cartons, dry food boxes, bakery paper bags, and burger wrapping papers. Delivers clean highlight dots, crisp barcodes, and bleed-free performance on porous kraft, white cardstock, and thin greaseproof papers.

Product Platform: WLF90000 High-Speed Flexo Paper Packaging Series
Viscosity (25°C): 18 – 25 s (Zahn #2 Cup) / 14 – 18 s (DIN 4mm)
Dot Fidelity: Sharp transfer with low dot gain across 133 – 175 lpi anilox rolls
Dry Fastness: Rapid air/infrared drying; no smudging under high stack pressures
Bleed Resistance: Zero ink bleed or strike-through on thin 30 – 50 gsm paper
Compliance: Heavy-metal free (EN 71-3); food contact safe formulation
Key Application: Dry food folding boxes, bakery paper bags, burger wrappers & meal trays

High-speed flexographic paper packaging & wrapper inks - Showcase Image 1

Heat-sealing resistant protective overprint varnishes

WOF Lidding OPV

HIGH-TEMPERATURE RELEASE COATINGS FOR HIGH-SPEED SEALING JAWS

Formulated specifically for overprinting the exterior face of pre-printed aluminium foil and composite lidding materials. Resists direct contact with 200°C–250°C heat-sealing jaws during high-speed cup packaging, preventing ink melting, sticking, or hot-plate scuffing.

Product Platform: WOF High-Heat Lidding Protective Varnish Series
Thermal Resistance: Resists 200°C – 250°C sealing jaw pressure (0.3 – 0.5 MPa, 1 – 2 s)
Release Property: Zero ink build-up or residue deposit on metal heating heads
Gloss Rating: 65 – 80 GU (60°); high visual clarity
Chemical Fastness: Resists splashing water, dairy fats, and cleaning agents
Viscosity (25°C): 22 – 30 s (Zahn #3 Cup)
Key Application: Aluminium yogurt cup lids, beverage portion cups & bowl heat seals

Heat-sealing resistant protective overprint varnishes - Showcase Image 1

STRENGTH

What our formulations are measured on

Dot Reproduction

Clean highlight and shadow dots held across the run, so vignettes and skin tones stay smooth without press-side compensation.

Lightfastness

Pigment selection rated on the Blue Wool scale, keeping shelf-display shades stable under prolonged retail lighting.

Scuff Resistance

Binder systems engineered to survive conveyor abrasion, case packing and transit without marking the printed face.

Batch Consistency (QC)

Every batch is checked by spectrophotometer against the reference standard before release, tightening repeat-order tolerance.

FLOWCHART FOR CUSTOMIZATION

From first enquiry to delivered batch

Step 1Technical Enquiry & Substrate Analysis
Tell us your substrate (BOPP, CPP, PET, PE, PVC, Kraft paper, gold/silver cardstock), press type (rotogravure, flexo, screen), line speed (150-400 m/min), drying tunnel specs, and target color standards.
Step 2Lab Formulation & Spectrophotometry
Our senior ink chemists formulate eco-friendly water-based resin matrices and disperse high-purity pigments, achieving precise color coordinates (L*a*b*) under standard D50/D65 illuminants with ΔE < 0.8 spectral accuracy.
Step 3Sampling & Pressroom Verification
We dispatch 1-5 kg trial ink lots within 48h alongside detailed drawdowns and viscosity guidance. Our application engineers provide remote or on-site support to optimize ink transfer, drying speed, and adhesion.
Step 4Scaled Production & Global Logistics
Backed by Dongguan, Kunming, and Yueyang production bases (30,000+ tons annual capacity), orders undergo strict QC batch release before dispatch in palletised 20kg/200kg drums or 1000kg IBCs via sea/air freight.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Key technical and application queries for food & beverage packaging

Can HCOLOR water-based beverage packaging inks run on existing gravure presses without cylinder or dryer retrofits?

Yes. Formulated with advanced water-based acrylic resins and nano-dispersed pigments, our WLG80000-D series matches the viscosity, transfer, and drying curve of conventional gravure inks. Converters typically run at line speeds between 150–250 m/min using standard cylinders (30–35 µm cell depths) and standard drying tunnels without requiring costly hardware retrofits.

How do HCOLOR inks perform against condensation, ice bath immersion, and boiling sterilization?

Our beverage packaging inks incorporate a cross-linking polymer matrix that forms a dense, hydrophobic barrier upon drying. The printed film withstands 0°C–4°C ice water immersion without color bleeding, resists high humidity condensation in cold chains, and endures hot-fill / retort pasteurization (up to 100°C) without blistering or peeling.

How does HCOLOR ensure low residual odor and migration compliance for aseptic liquid food & beverage cartons?

We use deionized water as the primary carrier and high-purity ethanol as co-solvent, strictly excluding aromatic hydrocarbons, phthalates, and restricted heavy metals. Residual solvent levels are monitored via gas chromatography (GC) to guarantee zero off-flavor transfer to sensitive liquids such as dairy products, fruit juices, and RTD tea.

What technical support does HCOLOR provide for solvent-to-water conversion on beverage lines?

Backed by our Dongguan R&D headquarters and manufacturing bases in Kunming and Yueyang, our field engineering team offers full on-site transition support: anilox and cylinder cell engraving guidance, spectrophotometric color matching (Delta E < 1.0), on-press rheology control, and customized press wash-up procedures.

HCOLOR Printing Ink Technical Consultation and Customer Support

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE

Chelsea Yu

BUSINESS EMAIL
[email protected]
Gmail
WHATSAPP / DIRECT LINE+86 137 8602 5660Instant Chat

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS & R&D

Dongguan HCOLOR Ink Technology Co., Ltd.

HEADQUARTERS TEL+86-769-81898932
OFFICE & R&D ADDRESSRoom 1102, Building 7, Times Zhihui, Sanlian Road, Luwu, Changping Town, Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, China (523560)
BUSINESS HOURSMonday – Saturday: 8:40 AM – 5:30 PM (GMT+8)

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Specify your printing substrate, press parameters, or request free formulation trial samples. Our chemical engineers will review and respond with recommendations within 24 hours.