Printing on metal, a method that has to be frequently used in cosmetic and toiletry products such as hairsprays and shaving foam, is often technically challenging and expensive, problems that the new technology challenges.
The CurtChrome printing process is applied on Curtis' 51 inch-KBA Rapida press, equipped with a dispersion coater and dryer before its printing units. A proprietary heavy silver metallic coating is applied to the printed sheet as soon as it enters the press, which then prints up to eight colors with a finish with a second coater/dryer on top of the reflective base - all in a single pass.
For additional brilliance, the company says that golds, coppers and bronzes can be achieved by applying a transparent ink over the initial silver dispersion coating to tint it to the desired shade - a finish that until now has been more complicated to achieve.
The company will also be conducting 'packaging makeovers' at its exhibition stand as well displaying its most up-to-date product portfolio. Visitors can provide samples of or simply describe their current packaging and Curtis staff will suggest improvements in design and cost effectiveness.
The HBA show, which will take place September 27-29 at the Javits Center in New York City, will feature a Curtis Packaging exhibit, located at booth 871, that will include tips and advice on making packaging more appealing.
Curtis has built up a reputation as being a major packaging supplier to the North American health and personal care industries. The company, which has been specializing in folding cartons for 160 years, now specializes in a wide range of packaging applications, including hot foil stamping to die making and graphic design.
"Our customers in the HBA market sector rely on our organization to provide the ultimate in luxury packaging," said Don Droppo, vice president of marketing at Curtis Packaging. "We provideeye-catching designs to help customers gain market share, protect their products and effectively sell their brands within their Health & Beauty and Cosmetics sectors."
Based in Connecticut, the company provides complete turnkey solutions together with its broad range of individual packaging requirements. As well as the beauty and health care industries, it also supplies packaging for the food, software, pharmaceutical, liquor and consumer goods industries.