EMBOSS LOOK G2 - A SURFACE PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY FOR PAPER CARTONS DEVELOPED BY TOPPAN PRINTING

A sample of Emboss Look G2 (left) and an example of a textured pattern

Toppan Printing Co., Ltd. has developed a surface processing technology called "Emboss Look G2" that uses gravure printing and a specially developed thick, clear varnish to create visual effects on paper cartons and a glossy finish with a texture similar to an enamel coating. Sales will be launched from the middle of October 2010.

"Emboss Look" is a surface processing technology for creating a textured feel when printing on a paper carton without applying embossing using a mold. With the platemaking technology that Toppan Printing has accumulated and printing using the newly developed thick clear varnish, it is now possible to create a textured feel on a paper carton that is twice as high as the previous Emboss Look technology. This means that it is possible to create high quality designs on paper cartons by combining graphics with visual effects such as a pebbly, wrinkled or glossy look. Toppan Printing aims to market Emboss Look G2 for paper cartons in a wide range of fields including food, snacks and cosmetics, where a high quality look and differentiation from similar products are required.

Embossing is one method for creating a texture on a paper carton. This uses a mold and requires surface processing that is separate from the printing process. Since separate molds are needed for each product and a separate process needs to be performed, time is required for production and costs have tended to be high.

Toppan Printing previously developed "Emboss Look", an original surface processing technology that creates a textured feel on paper cartons by combining platemaking technology and varnish. Since the processing can be done simultaneously during the printing process, time for production and the costs for the molds have been reduced. With the newly developed Emboss Look G2 technology, a varnish thickness that is double that of the previous technology is possible through the use of a special plate and newly developed varnish. This has made it possible to create an even more distinct textured feel and glossy look.

Future developments

With display space limited, in the packaging industry in recent years there has been demand for package design that enhances consumers' eagerness to buy products. Toppan Printing will market this technology for paper cartons such as packages for food, snacks and cosmetics, where a sense of high quality is sought not just for design but also for texture. Sales of 100 million yen will be targeted for fiscal 2011.

* "Emboss Look" is a registered trademark of Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.