The company’s CYMK thermochromic inks are used for on pack messaging and provides photochromic, black light, glow-in-the-dark, social media activation and security protection.
Reactions in food safety
Patrick Edson, chief marketing officer, CTI, told FoodProductionDaily there is a need in plastics for temperature-sensitive (thermochromic) and light-sensitive (photochromic) reactions in food safety, anti-counterfeiting and entertainment.
“CTI's material requires less material to provide vibrant color and greater durability against light and heat,” he said.
“Brands want the ability to ensure the thermochromic color reaction matches existing brand color standards. CTI's can match most colors provided the colors are relevant to a brand's character and design specifications.
“We have seen an interest in thermochromic plastics for baby bath products, beverage closures, fresh food plastic wraps, coffee lids, spoons, plates and cups.”
PowerCapsules color concentrate pellets were launched last November and can be used on polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene (PE).
Soda closures, ice cream spoons, coffee lids
They can enhance the consumer experience of products including QSR utensils, soda closures, ice cream spoons, coffee lids and soup bowls.
According to CTI, up to 40 billion plastic utensils are used every year in the US and as brands sell products in plastic, aluminum, cardboard, glass, shrink, labels and cups, they need suppliers who can take an idea and stretch it across any packaging format.
In the US alone, plastics comprise the third-largest manufacturing industry with a volume over $374bn annually and over 3% of plastics in the US are earmarked for packaging applications.
Edson added domestic demand is expected to increase,while in Europe, packaging accounts for nearly 40% of plastics.
“CTI believes the future in specialty packaging chemistry is getting it to connect to a consumer's phone and provide additional information and brand messages,” he said.