Photochromic Ink
Walk outside into the sunlight and watch packaging printed with CTI photochromic technology burst into color. What seems like magic is, in reality, sophisticated chemistry. Here’s how it works: When sunlight or UV light containing 365-nanometer wavelengths stimulates sunlight activated inks on printed materials, photochromic dye molecules rotate to change from colorless to color almost instantly.
When prints are brought back inside or light is removed, the molecules rotate back slowly to their colorless state, which may take up to 15 minutes, depending on the dye color and environmental conditions. CTI offers photochromic inks in many high-speed commercial print formats, but the end result: amazing brand experiences and social media buzz.
out of the sun
in the sun
Advantages of Sunlight Activated Ink:
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Printable technology, just like other high-speed commercial inks
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Full control over brand identity, graphic design and placement, either through existing printed label or direct package/container printing
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Combine with other technology like thermochromic inks for unique brand experiences
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Long-term chemical stability
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Reversible
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Safe for indirect food contact
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BPA-, BPF-, BPS-free and compliant with REACH, Prop 65, CONEG, and many other regulations. PVC (phthalate-free) formula available for Textile screen inks.
in the sun
out of the sun
Temperature Influence
Photochromic inks will function in any environment; however, color will be even stronger if the food or beverage package is cold.
Color Transition
Sunlight activated inks change from colorless to color when exposed to 365 nanometer light, either in sunlight or blacklight (UVA). When removed from UVA light, color will return to the residual (slight or no color, depending printed ink film weight) state after several minutes.
Industries and Applications
Beverages and Foods Canned, bottled and fountain-served beverages; snacks in flexible packaging; warning messages for any product that should not be sunlight.
Clothing Athletic wear
Availability
Textile Screen, Textile Screen PVC Free (Phthalate-Free), Water-based Screen, UV Screen, UV Flexo, Metal Deco, Water-based Flexo, Water-based Gravure, Solvent-Based Flexo, Solvent-Based Gravure, Wet Offset, UV Wet Offset, UV Dry Offset. Other formats may be available.
Available colors
photo
Metal Decoration
UV Flexo
UV Screen
Offset Color Chart