Meaning
Chemical reaction where the color intensity of flexographic ink diminishes due to exposure to external agents. When flexographic pigment bleaching occurs, the ink loses its saturation, often turning a pale or white shade. This process is typically triggered by oxidation, acidic environments or high-temperature processing.
Color Stability
Pigments are selected based on their resistance to the specific conditions they will encounter in the field. If flexographic pigment bleaching happens prematurely, it indicates a mismatch between the ink formulation and the substrate or the environment. High-alkali soaps in industrial cleaning can strip the color from labels on returnable containers.
Contractual Warranty
Packaging agreements specify the expected duration of color vibrancy under defined storage conditions. Claims for flexographic pigment bleaching are common when brand colors fade before the product reaches its expiration date. The converter is usually responsible for selecting inks that meet the lightfastness and chemical resistance requirements of the end user.
Laboratory Testing
Exposure to concentrated chemicals or accelerated weathering chambers helps predict the durability of the print. Monitoring flexographic pigment bleaching involves periodic measurements of the Delta E value to quantify the change in color over time. Formulations that include protective overprints or higher pigment loads offer better resistance to these degradative forces.
Ink selection dictates the visual integrity of the brand throughout the distribution cycle.
