Chromatic Technologies Inc. has announced the introduction of its photochromic Sunlight Inks for applications including paper, film and pressure-sensitive labels.  CTI, founded in 1993, is a global manufacturer of chromatic inks. The company also manufactures thermochromic, photochromic, black light, glow-in-the-dark, and security protection inks, as well as methods for bacteria detection and cancer treatment.
 
According to the company, its Sunlight Inks are the first photochromic inks that provide fast kinetics, meaning they turn on rapidly when they are hit by sunlight. Sunlight Inks also offer repeatability, which enables the ink to turn “on and off” indefinitely; and durability in the sun. Available in a wide range of colors, Sunlight Inks were in development for two years, and are the result of CTI’s proprietary technology.
 
Patrick Edson, chief marketing officer for CTI, recently spoke to Ink World Magazine about the Sunlight line.
 
Ink World: What led to the development of Sunlight Inks?
 
Patrick Edson: As the world’s leading supplier of specialty inks such as thermochromic (temperature-sensitive) inks, the extension into photochromic inks is a natural progression for our drive to improving lives through chemistry that “alerts, protects and surprises.” Our focus is on inventing technologies that create theater-in-the-hand of a brand’s consumers.
 
IW: What are the key advantages of the Sunlight Inks?
 
PE: Sunlight Inks provide, for the first time, fast kinetics (ability to turn on rapidly), repeatability to turn on and off, a very broad color spectrum offering and durability in the sun. They can provide consumers with invaluable or unique information regarding exposure to the sun (reminding individuals to apply suntan lotion etc.), as well as mobile apps that suddenly reveal themselves for social situations among consumers. This can be a powerful engine driving purchase at the retail level.
 
Sunlight Inks can also carry specific messages that reveal themselves only when taken into or out of sunlight. Additionally, the package is now active, rather than just containing the product. Sunlight inks provide a refreshing look to the existing inventory of labels and cans worldwide.
 
IW: What markets do you see these inks being utilized in?
 
PE: Virtually any product or market that is currently using cans or labels, including the massive pressure-sensitive labels industry, can take advantage of Sunlight Inks to add a unique element to the package and help products establish or fortify their brand presence in today’s marketplace.
 
CTI’s chemists and inventors have a dedicated team innovating in the label markets.  Our goal is to ensure every label in the world is interactive with a consumer and that it dramatizes a brand’s positioning.
 
IW: What has been the response from the marketplace?
 
PE: Sunlight (Photochromic) Inks were developed as a result of brands that are seeking to win with consumers in outdoor usage occasions, such as summer, at the beach, tailgating, barbecues, fitness or camping. We are committed to helping brands win the summer, tailgating and other popular outdoor usage occasions.
 
Sunlight Inks scored high in consumer purchase intent (“definitely will buy”) across multiple product categories. Consumers noted it’s a great way to entertain guests and give them an excuse to take something new and interesting to a party.