UV ink technology for sheetfed offset: Epple and Zeller+Gmelin agree on global cooperation

The German printing ink manufacturers Epple Druckfarben AG and Zeller+Gmelin GmbH & Co. KG are collaborating with immediate effect in the field of UV ink technology. The first result of this partnership is a jointly developed UV LED ink for the sheetfed offset sector. The products are being developed for different areas of application and will be marketed worldwide by Epple under the "LightStar" brand.

With Epple Druckfarben AG, Neusäß, and Zeller+Gmelin GmbH & Co. KG, Eislingen/Fils, two medium-sized companies with a long tradition have joined forces. To mark the official start of the collaboration, Epple is presenting the UV sheetfed offset ink "LightStar UV LE/LED" and offering it on the international print market. Further ink series are already being planned and coordinated.

Joint development, production Zeller+Gmelin, sales Epple

The Epple Group and Zeller+Gmelin each have a long history of product, market and development expertise, with which they have successfully made their stand in the demanding printing inks market for decades. The preparation and development phase of the first joint projects has now shown that the companies are united by both their distinct understanding of quality and their ideally complementary expertise. The Epple Group has many years of experience in the production and in-house development of sheetfed offset printing inks and exactly knows its customers' needs. Zeller+Gmelin is an expert in UV technology in various segments, including UV printing inks and coatings. With the joint development of innovative UV ink series for different areas of application, the partners are bundling their expertise and pursuing a clear strategy: while the UV ink series for sheetfed offset are marketed by the Epple Group under the "LightStar" brand, Zeller+Gmelin takes the responsibility for the production of the ink series

Management sees a good start

Stefan Schülling, Member of the Management Board of Epple Druckfarben AG, is very pleased about the cooperation: "Zeller+Gmelin has an excellent reputation in the mar-ket. The products meet the highest standards, which our customers also know and expect from Epple. For these reasons, we are convinced of a successful cooperation."

Andreas Koch, Head of Printing Inks at Zeller+Gmelin, is equally confident: "As a specialist in UV ink technology, we can ideally contribute our expertise to Epple Druckfarben's product range. The close coordination between us and the use of synergies will produce UV ink series that can be printed in the best possible way and from its quality customers in the sheetfed offset sector will absolutely benefit."

Images

Stefan Schülling, board member at Epple Druckfarben AG: "The new ′LightStar′ UV ink series will be the start of a successful business relationship between Epple Druckfarben and Zeller+Gmelin." © Epple Druckfarben

Andreas Koch, Head of Printing Inks at Zeller+Gmelin: "As a specialist in UV ink technology, we can ideally contribute our expertise to the partnership with Epple Druckfarben AG." © Zeller+Gmelin

COMPANY INFORMATION

Epple Druckfarben AG

Epple Druckfarben AG stands for unique perfection in every detail. Since 1870, Epple has embodied permanent further development and the highest of quality demands. As the leading producer of offset printing inks, Epple has demonstrated its power of innovation with early development of mineral oil-free eco-series and special types of ink for very long washing inter-vals in perfecting printing. This has also been demonstrated in the sector of inks for foodstuff packaging with the patented products BoFood® MU and BoFood® Organic. Both sustainability and flexibility in business are top priorities at the medium-sized, family-run company. Unlike practically any other company, Epple is in the position to provide tailor made solutions for the individual requirements of their global customers.

Zeller+Gmelin GmbH & Co. KG

Zeller+Gmelin GmbH & Co. KG - founded in 1866 - stands for a decades-long company history. Zeller+Gmelin is one of the international key players in UV ink technology. Since 1970, radiation-curing printing systems have been a specialty of Zeller+Gmelin's research and development. Today, Zeller+Gmelin is one of the world's leading suppliers of radiation-curing inks and coatings for applications in food packaging, packaging, labels, metal decoration and molded plastics.