In the packaging printing industry, color is the first visual element that captures consumer attention. An attractive, long-lasting, and safe packaging design enhances brand value. To achieve this, selecting the right pigment becomes essential. Beyond aesthetics, pigments must also meet strict technical standards, stability requirements, and international safety regulations.
CRITERIA FOR CHOOSING PIGMENTS IN PACKAGING PRINTING
Lightfastness, solvent and heat resistance
High-quality pigments should reach levels 6–8 on the Blue Wool Scale. Otherwise, the printed color fades quickly when displayed under light. This factor is crucial for fast-moving consumer goods.Solvent resistance determines pigment compatibility with different ink systems. Some pigments are suitable for water-based inks, while others fit solvent or UV inks. Improper pairing may cause color bleeding, loss of detail, or unstable ink layers, directly affecting print quality.
Heat resistance is another vital aspect. In modern printing processes, heat drying and high-speed curing are common. Without sufficient heat stability, pigments may shift hue or burn, especially in applications demanding high color durability.
Dispersion ability and binder compatibility
The pigment’s dispersion ability determines ink smoothness and color uniformity. Poor dispersion leads to streaks, sedimentation, or uneven film formation. Modern ink systems require fine, easily dispersible pigments to save production time. Compatibility with binders is equally important. Each ink system—water-based, oil-based, or UV-curable—has unique characteristics. If the pigment is unstable, it can cause agglomeration, gloss loss, or tone shifts. A well-balanced pigment-binder system ensures long-term adhesion and film durability.
Good compatibility also enhances mechanical strength and prevents flaking during storage or transportation. The pigment must integrate perfectly with the resin base to maintain consistent performance across print runs.
Migration resistance and product safety
Migration resistance is a critical factor, especially in food packaging. Certain pigments tend to migrate through polymer films, leading to contamination. Safe pigments must comply with strict global standards such as RoHS, REACH, FDA, and EN71. Pigments that meet these certifications guarantee product safety in both domestic and export markets. Large corporations like Nestlé even require compliance with their Nestlé Guidance, which prohibits hazardous impurities and demands full traceability.
TECHNICAL NOTES WHEN SELECTING PIGMENTS
Selecting pigments by printing system
Each printing technology requires specific pigment properties. In offset printing, pigments must withstand high shear and disperse uniformly to maintain smooth ink films. This ensures sharp, even color reproduction on paper or plastic. For flexographic and gravure printing, pigments should have fine particle size and low foaming tendency. Smooth particles allow better ink transfer and coverage, while minimal foam prevents defects and preserves gloss after printing.
In UV ink systems, pigments must remain stable within acrylate bases. Otherwise, they can coagulate or react under UV curing. A stable pigment ensures rapid curing, consistent tone, and outstanding weather resistance.
Comparing organic and inorganic pigments
Organic pigments deliver bright, vivid, and pure colors. They are ideal for high-precision printing like offset and flexo. However, their resistance to light and solvents is lower, making them unsuitable for outdoor or long-term exposure packaging. Inorganic pigments, on the other hand, excel in heat and light stability. They cover a narrower color range—mostly white, yellow, red, and black—but offer unmatched durability. This makes them perfect for outdoor packaging or heavy-duty applications.
Quality standards and pigment identification
A key identification system in pigment selection is the Color Index (C.I.), which classifies pigments by chemical composition and hue. Common examples in packaging inks include C.I. Pigment Yellow 13 and Pigment Yellow 14. These standardized codes help manufacturers ensure consistency and traceability. Renowned commercial pigments such as ZL Fast Yellow G or Permanent Yellow GR are known for excellent fastness and color intensity. Choosing trusted suppliers ensures consistent ink performance and long-term production reliability.
VICHEM – CERTIFIED PIGMENT DISTRIBUTOR IN VIETNAM
Vichem is an authorized distributor of high-quality pigments in Vietnam. We not only provide reliable products but also deliver professional technical support and post-sale services that meet global standards.Our services include:
- Technical consultation: Helping customers choose suitable pigments based on their production needs.
- Quality testing: Our technical team conducts pigment performance evaluations to ensure consistent quality.
- Application support: We assist customers during formulation and production integration to optimize printing efficiency.
For more details about Vichem’s pigment portfolio, please contact us through the channels below:
📞 Hotline: 08 1790 1790
📧 Email: contact@vichem.vn
🔎 LinkedIn: Vichem JSC
🌐 Website: www.vichem.vn
📌 Facebook: Vichem JSC
