Developing Green Technology For Container Printing

PPG have conducted primary market research in the glass decorating industry to identify unmet needs and future trends. Research included interviews with major glass bottle decorators and some of their largest customers, global beverage brand marketing companies. The research identified a continuing interest in the look, feel and durability of screenprinted labels, as well as major concerns associated with established ceramic ink technology The two principle concerns related to environmental issues: toxic heavy metals in the ceramic inks and the enormous amount of energy needed to fire them at 625 deg C or more. This article outlines how a "green" technology was commercially developed as a bottle printing solution.