As the world focuses on recycling, composting, reducing single-use plastics, and opting for walking or biking for short distances, have you ever considered that the shirt on your back might be a secret weapon in saving the Earth? This change is made possible by Maqua® Pad MAP the world’s first water-based pad printing ink that meets all the requirements of the textile and toy industries.
Maqua® Pad Map Applications
Maqua® Pad MAP is versatile and can be used on a variety of materials:
- Natural or synthetic fabrics: Ideal for textiles, including “tagless printing.”
- Wood, ABS, PS, PVC, PC: Suitable for a range of synthetic and natural surfaces.
- PP and coated substrates: With pre-treatment, it adheres well to these materials too.
Benefits of Maqua® Pad MAP
Water-Based Ink System
- Nearly Odorless: Unlike solvent-based inks, Maqua® Pad MAP has minimal odor, making it more pleasant to work with.
- Low VOC Values: It has very low levels of volatile organic compounds, reducing environmental impact and health risks.
- Reduced Safety Measures: Fewer safety precautions are needed, making it easier and safer to handle.
Safety for Sensitive Applications
- Compliance with Toy Safety Directive: It meets the 2009/48/EG directive (Toys directive DIN EN 71/3), ensuring it is safe for use in toys.
- No BPA/BPS: The ink is made without harmful chemicals like BPA and BPS, ensuring the highest safety standards for both manufacturers and consumers.
Alternative to Transfer or Sew-In Labels
- Fast and Economical: This ink offers a quick and cost-effective alternative to traditional labeling methods.
- Wearer-Friendly: The ink is comfortable against the skin, making it ideal for clothing and other wearable items.
- Highly Resistant Dried Ink Film: The ink film is highly durable, withstanding washing and ironing without degrading.
One-Component Processing for Non-Textile Substrates
- Cost-Efficient: There is no need for mixing components, which eliminates pot life issues and reduces ink waste.
Tampacolor Color Range
- Satin Gloss and High Opacity Shades: Available in a variety of finishes and colors.
- PANTONE®, HKS®, RAL Formulas: Compatible with industry-standard color systems for precise custom color matching.
Solvent-based inks have been the standard in pad printing technology for years, but in an era where consumers and businesses prioritize product safety, exploring alternative chemistry is essential. Products labeled as “sustainable” grow over five times faster than those that aren’t. Moreover, 72% of consumers are buying more environmentally friendly products than they were five years ago.
Comparison: Maqua® Pad MAP vs. Solvent-based Pad Printing
| Feature | Maqua® Pad MAP | Solvent-based Pad Printing |
|---|---|---|
| Solvent emission | +++ | – |
| Smell | +++ | – |
| Measures for work safety | +++ | – |
| Flexibility | +++ | ++ |
| Resistances | ++ | +++ |
| Drying | + | ++ |
Maqua® Pad MAP is not just a step forward in pad printing technology; it is a leap towards a safer, more sustainable future. By combining the benefits of water-based chemistry with the performance standards required by the toy and textile industries, it sets a new benchmark for what is possible in pad printing. Whether you are printing on fabrics, plastics, or wood, Maqua® Pad MAP offers a reliable, safe, and environmentally friendly solution.
For more information on what Maqua® Pad MAP’s water-based inks can do for you and your customers, contact Marabu’s experts today.
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