UV Absorbing and Colouring Lacquers/Labels

Transparent UV Protective Lacquer

This is a polymer lacquer, which to the eye, is perfectly transparent. At wavelengths above 400nm, it therefore absorbs very little radiation. However, at lower wavelengths, e.g. between 390nm and 370nm, the lacquer absorbs strongly and below 360nm across the UV range, its absorbance is approaching 100%.

This technology lends itself to numerous applications: the lacquer could be coated onto PET bottles to protect beverages, or onto film to protect food stuffs. It could be the basis of transparent shop-window blinds that protect textiles and other goods from deterioration in sunshine (UV) or it could be incorporated into an overprint varnish to give outdoor posters a longer life.

UV Colouring Inks and Labels

We can offer a UV sensitive formulation and make it available as a coated or printed label. The sensitive chemistry will change colour in one of two ways:

a) it may change it’s optical density in a manner dependent on the received dose, i.e. act as a dosimeter, or
b) it may change colour rapidly following receipt of a threshold dose of UV, in this case the label would act as an indicator, for example to show that a product has been through the UV sterilisation process.

We are able to offer the process colours, and so the technology could be the basis of a full-colour photoprinting process. Contact us for further information.