IN THIS ARTICLE
In high-quality B2B label and packaging production, selecting the right UV Flexo ink is crucial, especially for EU export packaging. You need an ink that complies with strict safety standards while maximizing press and substrate performance.
Press Systems Group (PSG) introduces the UVAFLEX® Y80 Ink Series, a high-performance ink developed by our global partner, Zeller+Gmelin from Germany. This series is specifically engineered for UV flexographic printing on film and paper, meeting the rigorous demands of modern industrial printers.
Color Mixing Flexibility with
Mono Pigment Technology
The UVAFLEX® Y80 UV Flexo ink series offers a comprehensive color selection, including the 4 Colour Process, PANTONE® Base Colours, and Mono Pigment base colors formulated from a single, pure pigment.
To simplify color matching, PSG highly recommends utilizing the Mono Pigment base system (comprising 4 Process Colours and 9 Z Base Colours) as the standard for the UVAFLEX® Y80 ink series. Transitioning to these mono-pigmented bases reduces operational complexity, elevates production efficiency, and provides printers with significant competitive advantages:
More flexibility.
Fewer base inks.
4
Process Colours
9
Z Base Colours
Z-Base colour mixing system
Color Accuracy and Brilliance
Formulated with a single, pure pigment, mixed formulas yield precise, vibrant, and brilliant shades, eliminating the "muddy" effect commonly seen when mixing multi-pigment inks.
High Color Stability for Long Runs
Engineered for continuous, long-run printing, the Mono Pigment formula maintains exceptional stability, ensuring precise and reliable color consistency from the beginning of the roll to the very end.
Prevents Color Shifting (Metamerism)
Completely eliminates metamerism issues. Colors remain perfectly true and accurate without shifting under different lighting conditions or viewing angles, delivering a flawless visual appearance from every perspective.
Lower Costs & Simplified Stock Management
Eliminate the need to buy and inventory every ready-mixed ink color. By utilizing the foundational Mono Pigment colors, printers can mix any special shade internally, saving valuable warehouse space and preventing leftover ink waste.
Faster Turnaround Times
Mix special colors on-demand for quick proofing and continuous printing. This avoids the long wait times associated with ordering custom ink formulations from the supplier, ensuring you always meet tight client deadlines.
Technical Specifications of UVAFLEX® Y80
The Y80 series is highly flexible and engineered to support diverse production processes with specs tailored for Flexo presses
Printing & Curing
Designed for Flexo printing, fully supporting UV-Hg (Mercury Vapour) curing for rapid and complete drying.
Press Performance
Features high reactivity for quick setting, paired with good flow properties on the press to ensure seamless print runs.
Surface Properties
Eliminates material distortion headaches; the Y80 ink exhibits a low curling tendency, even when printed on thin film substrates.
Versatile Substrate Compatibility
Regardless of the surface, UVAFLEX® Y80 provides excellent adhesion and sharp color payoff on industry-leading substrates:
Film
Paper Plastic Coated
Paper Coated and
Paper Uncoated
Thermal Paper
(heat-sensitive chemical coated paper)
Optimized for All Further Processing
Premium labels and packaging often require post-press embellishments. The Y80 ink is exceptionally durable and fully compatible with comprehensive post-print techniques:
• Hot foil & Cold foil
• Shrink
• Thermal Transfer and Thermal Direct printing
• Over varnishing (gloss and matte)
Applications
Backed by its comprehensive technical properties, the UVAFLEX® Y80 UV Flexo ink is the ideal solution for a wide range of packaging applications, including:
• Beverage & Cosmetic Labels
• Folded Box and Flexible Packaging
• Self Adhesive Labels
• Shrink Sleeves
• Wrap-Around In Mould Labels
• Pouches and Stand-up Pouches
• Tags & Tickets
EU Compliance Standards:
Safe UVAFLEX® Y80 UV Flexo Ink for
European Export Packaging
The UVAFLEX® Y80 UV Flexo ink series is expertly formulated to fully align with stringent European Union (EU) regulations. This empowers printers to confidently manufacture export-ready packaging and labels, ensuring they are completely free from restricted chemicals:
Toxin-Free Formulation
• The ink series is developed without the use of hazardous substances.
Heavy Metal-Free
• The formulation contains absolutely no heavy metals. This fully complies with the heavy metal limits (lead, cadmium, mercury, and chromium-VI) established by the European packaging and packaging waste directive.
CEPE / EuPIA Exclusion Policy Compliance
• Adhering to the highest safety protocols, the series guarantees the exclusion of any raw materials classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction (CMR 1A and 1B) across all ink shades.
Maximum Confidence Guaranteed by Established German Production and Quality Standards
As a long-established global leader from Germany, Zeller+Gmelin strictly operates under European Union regulations:
Traceability
• Every raw material features transparent traceability across all stages.
Formula Component Report
• Detailed written documentation is maintained to certify the chemical structure.
Through these rigorous processes, printers can confidently use these safety certificates as legal references for EU exports. This adds tangible value and credibility to B2B printing operations, completely eliminating concerns over exaggerated claims.
Important Notice for Food Packaging Applications
The UVAFLEX® Y80 UV Flexo ink series is primarily designated for non-food applications and does not feature a specific Food Contact Material (FCM) formulation. If your printing facility requires the production of food labels or packaging subject to migration analysis under EU regulations, we highly recommend switching to the UVAFLEX® Y81 series. This specialized FCM-grade ink is explicitly developed for food packaging, ensuring maximum safety compliance and eliminating legal risks for exportThe Press Systems Group (PSG) technical team is ready to provide in-depth ink consulting to help you find the exact solution that matches your press specifications and aligns with global standards.
