There is a variety of requirements for modern offset printing inks.

Next to generally required properties on printing inks (such as correct Lab-values, absorption, printability, etc…), there are two essential requirements which are especially demanded of printing inks for cigarette packaging.

These are low swelling and low odour.

Low Swelling:

Normally cigarette packaging consists of a printed fresh fibre cardboard covered with foil.

Today swelling is explained with the fact that volatile components facing the printed side penetrate the foil and lead to a distortion of the foil due to physical stress.

The inks that we use for cigarette packaging have been optimized concerning substances that lead to swelling of the foil. The risk of swelling caused by the ink is minimised. Depending on the drop and strength of the swelling, the forming of craters and waves of the smooth and firm packaging can therefore be avoided.

Schematic graphic of swelling formation

Low Odour:

The release of odour concerning offset printing can be explained with volatile aldehyds which occur during oxidative drying of offset inks.

Therefore printing inks for cigarette packaging are formulated to dry only physically, i.e. by absorption only.

Printing inks for cigarette packaging always have to be varnished with dispersion varnish due to their low rub resistance.

The printer has in general to observe that the requirements on the additives correspond to the requirements of the printing ink.

Schematic graphic of odour formation