Ashland has announced a strategic collaboration with HP Inc.to develop laminating adhesives
and coatings that are compatible with HP Indigo ElectroInk,reinforcing the viability of digitally
printed labels and flexible packaging. The announcement is being made at the Pack Expo
International show in Chicago, where Ashland is exhibiting in booth #5260.
“Ashland’s relationship with HP will benefit our customers, helping us to solve their challenges
with the efficacy, usability and integrity of their packaging, particularly in the food segment,” said
David Hatgas, global business director, adhesives and coatings, Ashland.
Building on a collaboration spanning four years, the structured working relationship will expedite
the development of laminating adhesives and coatings that improve the usability of digital
printing for a wide variety of packaging applications.
“HP is constantly innovating to reinvent our customers’ application possibilities,” said Nurit
Raccah, labels and packaging media and materials business manager, Indigo division, HP Inc. “This
strategic collaboration with Ashland, a world-class adhesive supplier, demonstrates our
continued commitment to providing HP Indigo customers full end-to-end solutions to grow their
businesses.”
Ashland’s ongoing relationship with HP has yielded a significant number Ashland products that
meet HP’s standards for use with HP Indigo digital presses. Purelam™ 9500/9240 solvent-free
laminating adhesive and Purethane™ A-1090/CCAT 104 water-based laminating adhesive
crosslinker both satisfy the HP criteria for flexible packaging
Ashland’s PureRad™ and PureKote™ overprint varnishes are certified by the Rochester Institute
of Technology (RIT) under the HP Indigo Overprint Varnish Performance program. These
radiation-curable and water-based products are available in a range of finishes from high gloss
to matte. They provide improved adhesion to HP Indigo ink and deliver excellent scratch and
chemical resistance for labels. Some products in these lines also provide outstanding heat and
UV resistance.
The ongoing collaboration between the two companies will ensure that more products quickly
become available to improve customer productivity, flexibility and performance.