On Display: Decorating for Distinction
Special Effects
A masterbatch supplier has introduced a new range of Enigma special-effect color technologies. To help cosmetic and personal care marketers better visualize the way these effects look on packaging, the company has also expanded its prototyping services. In addition to producing mono- and multilayer bottles, tottles, and tubes, the supplier has added tooling to create a large tube or tottle cap, a small screw cap, and a cosmetic compact, all of which can simulate both thick- and thin-walled PET applications. Clariant Masterbatches Division, McHenry, IL.
Thermally Applied Graphics
A packaging supplier specializing in thick-walled jars and closures has introduced a new decorating technique. Thermally applied graphics are an alternative to silk-screening and hot stamping. Also referred to as heat transfers, the graphics are preprinted images that are transferred to a jar or closure using heat and pressure. Only one pass is required, making this technique cost-effective compared with multipass silk-screening and hot stamping. The technique also reduces the chance of registration error. Graphics can be added to packages in up to 14 colors or in four-color process. Various effects can be achieved, including matte, shiny, semitransparent, and opaque finishes. Portola Tech International, Woonsocket, RI.
Pearlescent Brushes
A brush supplier offers pearlescent finishes to add an upscale look to cosmetic brush handles. The special effect has been used by companies such as Smashbox Cosmetics for its Winter White Collection brushes and for the Redpoint brushes for Johnson Marketing. The amount of luster in the finish can be customized to a brand’s specification. A lacquer coating helps to seal in the finish. Gradation effects are also possible. Anisa International Inc., Atlanta, GA.
Multicolor Foil
A manufacturer of multicolor foils for hot stamping can also provide preprinted images, including photographic-quality graphics. The images can be applied onto jars, bottles, collars, tubes, caps, and more. The company’s stamping process is designed to significantly reduce scrap. The firm also provides metallic foils for hot stamping. These foils can be used for banding and for printing text. New developments include foil for polypropylene substrates. North Pacific Consulting, Ontario, CA.
Dies for Decorating
A company has more than 50 years of experience providing brass, copper, and magnesium dies for decorating beauty and personal care packaging. The dies can be used for hot stamping, embossing, and debossing. Newer products include dies for thermal kiss-cutting, membrane-switch overlay embossing, sculptured embossing, and fabric embossing. Owosso Graphic Arts Inc., Owosso, MI.