Wikoff Blog

Wikoff Dedicated To The Flexible Packaging Market

by Wikoff|09.04.24

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Since 1956, Wikoff has been an industry leader in delivering high quality ink and unmatched technical service across multiple markets. But while our signature customer support and expertise in Litho and offset equipment are well known, not everyone thinks of Flexo when they hear the Wikoff name.

We have been working hard  to change that.

After expanding our portfolio to include flexo inks in 1973, we have continued to grow, especially over the past ten years to become an emerging leader in the flexible packaging market – providing innovative, high quality inks, coatings, plates, and much more!

Tens of millions invested in the Flexo market segment

Wikoff’s commitment to the Flexible Packaging market is highlighted by our large investment in new facilities, expanded manufacturing capacity, equipment upgrades, and additional staff & leadership. 

The following strategic moves have propelled our growth in Flexible Packaging while providing you with the best in Flexo products and services:

  • New greenfield competency center in Milwaukee, WI is Wikoff’s flagship manufacturing facility for Flexo products
  • Redundant core manufacturing put in place to confidently keep up with customer demand
  • Modern equipment upgrades at all facilities drive customer value through increased efficiencies, shorter lead times, and lower pricing
  • Flexo knowledge base expansion includes new R&D lab resources focused on flexible packaging, and increased technical support. 

Expansion of Wikoff’s Flexographic R&D department to offer Analytical Services

Proven framework and transition model for customers of every size

With Wikoff on your side, upgrading your Flexo inks, coatings and equipment is a breeze. Don’t let bigger ink companies fail your business due to a lack of attention. At Wikoff, we believe every client is our #1 customer, and we dedicate ample resources to small- and medium-sized companies to ensure your success.

Wikoff’s custom transition plans are designed to cater to every customer’s unique transition needs, no matter the size of your operation. Our model simplifies the planning process. We will work with you, at the speed that meets your goals for a fast, definitive, successful transition.

  • From a facility with one press to a multi-facility corporation, we will work with you to support your needs, efficiencies, and process improvements.
  • We listen to what your business needs, work within your comfort zone, and help you adapt as you adopt Wikoff products and services
  • Improve your OEE through decreased downtime, increased speeds, and quality. 

Wikoff’s Modular (Flexible) Transition Framework helps clients reach their maximum potential faster.

Flexo product highlights

Whether you’re printing on paper, films, or foils, Wikoff delivers an ink system that successfully meets your Flexible Packaging printing needs. 

Our ink system platforms include solvent-based, water-based, UV, UV LED, and EB. Choose from our workhorse products for surface print and lamination including ProPlus, GloBrite White, and MultiBond  inks – or explore our full portfolio of Flexo products:

  • Pioneer heat-resistant inks
  • UltraPrint all-in-one solution for high performance in surface print, lamination, and heat-resistant applications
  • DuraTech for outdoor bags with required CoF and extended light fastness (LF & XLF)
  • Oil and grease resistant FilmTek inks are ideal for applications like rice and tortilla bags
  • WaxLac inks provide excellent print on coated and uncoated papers for flour and sugar packaging
  • BioFlex delivers the latest in sustainable ink technology

What about coatings? While gloss and matte are common, Wikoff’s specialty OPVs give us a competitive edge for unique Flexible Packaging applications:

  • NEW! Solvent-based SoftTouch coating can be configured to a precise tactile and matte ratio without the associated issues of water-based equivalents – all with excellent scuff and mark resistance
  • Caribou HR OPV delivers high gloss with heat resistance
  • DuraTech HR non-skid OPV provides fantastic gloss combined with weather resistance and “low slip” for outdoor bags
  • For surface texture, RoughTex Matte OPV creates a superior tactile sensation

Looking for quality white inks? We have you covered, we have developed high opacity inks with superior coverage that work for your printed product and your bottom line: 

  • GloBrite surface print white delivers opacity, gloss, and adhesion
  • Pioneer HR whites for heat-resistant applications
  • The Compass family of whites offers a range of high to highest opacities in lamination while being formulated for your customer’s price application  
  • NEW! Compass Ultra White offers superior opacity with a single hit, with superior adhesion and lamination bonds
  • FilmTek white for oil and grease resistance

Don’t see what you’re looking for? Contact us here, reach out to your Wikoff sales rep, or call 803.548.2210 and we’ll quickly help you find the right product for your needs.

Technical services for all your Flexographic troubleshooting

Achieving top-notch printing quality involves more than just pressing a button. From press setup to fine-tuning ink adjustments, perfecting curing/coating conditions and so much more, you need talented results-focused experts to perfect print quality and keep your pressroom running at full capacity. Given the complexities of the process, Wikoff is committed to being your hands-on partner every step of the way. 

To better support you, we’ve not only expanded our Analytical Services capabilities but also strengthened our Technical Solutions team. Whatever Flexo challenge you face, we are your experts.

Wikoff leads the way in the ever-changing Flexo environment

Ready to have your highest capacity needs met on time, with the custom service and attention you need to succeed in Flexible Packaging? Partner with Wikoff and join in our success, as we continue to solidify our leadership position in the Flexo market.