Mumbai-based Alpap group is an exclusive supplier of printing blankets for several applications. At its PrintPack stand besides blankets, the company will showcase a range of flexible films for the packaging, printing and publishing segments. Taking part for the second time, Alpap plans to showcase creative solutions that can add value to the graphic arts segment.
The main highlight at the Alpap stand will be a newly launched BOPP-based Black Velvet lamination film and Phoenix Xtra Blankets. The film was developed with the intention to add solid colors to premium products. It enhances product aesthetics by providing an intense black, blue and red color along with a velvet touch to laminated paper and paperboard. “Solid colors are tricky to manage, especially when used in the background for offset printing. These background colors take a long time to dry and lead to delays in print delivery. Therefore, offset printers usually avoid using these as background colors. However, the graphic art designers prefer black background because of the impact it generates withn foiling and especially in the case of luxury packaging,” says S Satish, global head – sales and marketing at Cosmo Films.
Understanding this need, Cosmo Films came up with lamination films that could simulate the solid background color printing on paper. The colored BOPP based velvet touch lamination films need to be laminated to the unprinted paper before printing or embellishing. Available in 32 and 21 microns, the printable film also uniquely offsers scuff resistance.
“Besides luxury packaging applications, various other possibilities could be explored for high-end promotional and stationery products,” says Satish.
In Hall 9, Alpap will also present a duo printing blanket for use with both waterbased and UV varnishes and coatings. “Nowadays, many printers use low-cost Chinese blankets to cut cost. Apart from cost, the life and uniformity of thickness are the prime factors to be considered. German-made Phoenix blankets deliver the promised quality; they are certified by all leading press manufacturers and also certified by FOGRA,” said Imran Sayyad, senior manager – business development at Alpap Barring Technology.