Troubleshooting I Sensory Problems
The challenges of odour and taste in printed products
Odour and taste are subjective experiences. However, they can have a great influence on the quality of printed products. Thus, the taste of a filling good, e.g. chocolate, must not be affected by the packaging.
Also, a strong odour of the printed product itself has to be avoided. Not least, odour can occur in the air during the printing and coating process.
Solving sensory problems
Step by Step
1. Increase your drying performance
Waterbased coatings are alkaline and contain ammonia. Ammonia is released by means of heat and mainly leaves the system during the drying process. If waterbased coatings are not sufficiently dry, odour may be the result. But:
A. Pay attention to the fact that dryer performance and press speed should be adjusted to each other. Like this, you can influence the exposure time of your coated sheets to the dryer.
B. Consider the relation between IR and hot air. If your IR performance is too high, very high pile temperatures and thus, blocking may be the consequence. In the pile, temperature should not exceed 35°C.
C. Air your printed sheets. By means of this, you can eliminate the rest of volatile substances like ammonia.
D. Consider a sufficient airing also during the drying process. The dryer’s air contains water after a longer production period (humidity). If this water comes into contact with the printed sheets, inks and coatings may become wet again (laundry effect). After 24 hours, the sheets should be odour-neutral when they are appropriately dried.
2. Choose alternative consumables
Use odour-neutral materials and check the suitability of all material components. A correct application is a condition. Do not use low-odour and low-migration printing inks without coatings.
For sensory sensitive goods, like food, we recommend FoodSafe coatings that fulfil applicable food packaging regulations.
Your checklist
Influence factor: Dryer
Measure: Increase performance, airing
Influence factor: Coating
Measure: Use low-odour and ammonia-free coatings
Influence factor: Printing inks
Measure: Use low-odour printing inks
Influence factor: Substrate
Measure: Use low-odour substrates
Influence factor: Drying
Measure: Air your printed sheets
Troubleshooting: Sensory Problems
Still have open questions? Contact us and we will support you with the application.
Discover the Troubleshooting Series
The Troubleshooting Series is your source of content with smart tips that helps you to make the most of all ACTEGA products in your processes. In addition to state-of-the-art chemical specialties for the packaging industries, we are your knowledge partner by offering you our technical expertise and useful information.