Cabot’s Cabo-Jet Range: Powering the Future of Digital Print for Packaging
Cabot Corporation, a leader in specialty chemicals and materials, is making significant strides in the digital print for packaging industry with its Cabo-Jet range of pigment dispersions. These dispersions, which are essential components of inkjet formulations, are driving the transformation of digital printing for packaging. Digital printing is increasingly seen as the future of packaging due to its ability to offer flexibility, speed, and customization on a scale that traditional methods cannot match. However, the demands of packaging—such as durability, consistency, food safety, and regulatory compliance—make ink chemistry a complex and critical factor in the process.
The Science of Particle Engineering
At the heart of Cabot’s success is its expertise in particle engineering. The company’s dispersions come in two main types: surface-modified and encapsulated polymer dispersions. Surface-modified dispersions use electrostatic stabilization, where a charge is introduced to the pigment surface to keep it suspended and stable. Encapsulated polymer dispersions, on the other hand, coat the pigment particles with a polymer, providing additional flexibility in formulation. This dual-technology approach allows Cabot to tailor its dispersions to a wide range of applications, from corrugated packaging to flexible films.
One of Cabot’s key strengths is its control over carbon black, the primary pigment used in black inks. Carbon black is a critical component in inkjet printing, but it can also be a regulatory challenge due to potential impurities. As both a producer and formulator, Cabot can select specific grades of carbon black that meet stringent food-contact safety standards, including those for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are tightly regulated due to their potential toxicity. This vertical integration allows Cabot to ensure the safety and quality of its products, giving it a significant advantage in the market.
Operational Efficiency and Sustainability
Cabot’s dispersions are designed to enhance operational efficiency in the printing process. The high redispersibility and low viscosity of its products ensure that the ink flows smoothly, reducing the risk of clogging and minimizing downtime. This is particularly important in high-speed, industrial-scale inkjet systems, where even a small issue can lead to significant costs in terms of lost production and equipment replacement.
Sustainability is another key focus for Cabot. The company has significantly expanded its sustainability team in recent years and is committed to embedding product transparency into its inkjet business. This includes providing detailed information on the safety and environmental impact of its products, as well as assisting customers with regulatory compliance. Cabot’s regulatory and technical teams work closely with customers to navigate the complex web of global food-contact regulations, including those set by the FDA, EFSA, and other organizations. In some cases, the company has even brought in external consultants to conduct risk assessments on specific dispersions for particular applications.
Collaboration and Innovation
The inkjet printing industry is inherently collaborative, requiring close cooperation between ink manufacturers, print head suppliers, and packaging converters. Cabot understands this well and positions itself as a development partner rather than just a supplier. The company works closely with its customers to ensure that its dispersions are compatible with a wide range of print heads and substrates. This collaborative approach is essential for addressing the unique challenges of packaging, which can vary widely in terms of surface chemistry, mechanical demands, and color requirements.
Cabot’s commitment to innovation is evident in its ongoing research and development efforts. The company is constantly exploring new ways to improve the performance and sustainability of its products, with a particular focus on emerging regulatory trends. Issues such as the use of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), microplastics, and the recyclability of packaging are becoming increasingly important, and Cabot is well-positioned to address these challenges. The company’s involvement in industry trade associations and its participation in events like FuturePrint further underscore its commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry.
Looking Ahead
The digital printing market for packaging is still in its early stages, with the majority of packaging still produced using traditional methods. However, the trend towards shorter runs, personalized packaging, and more sustainable practices is driving the adoption of digital printing. Cabot is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, thanks to its deep expertise in particle engineering, its commitment to sustainability, and its collaborative approach to innovation.
As the industry continues to evolve, Cabot will remain focused on developing new solutions that meet the changing needs of its customers. Whether it’s through the development of new dispersions, the expansion of its regulatory capabilities, or the enhancement of its sustainability practices, Cabot is committed to driving the future of digital print for packaging. As Lionel Petton, Cabot’s Senior Technical Service Manager for Inkjet, puts it, “In inkjet, partnership isn’t optional—it’s essential.” And it’s this spirit of collaboration and innovation that will continue to set Cabot apart in the years to come.
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