Achieve Compliance and Color Precision with Low Copper GCMI Inks for Corrugated & Rod Coating Applications
Compliance has become a strategic requirement in today's packaging and print environment. Brand owners, converters, and printers are under increasing pressure to meet evolving environmental regulations while still delivering consistent, high-impact color on corrugated packaging. At the same time, production teams must maintain efficiency across high-speed flexographic presses and rod coating operations.
That is where Magnum Inks & Coatings Low Copper GCMI Inks stand apart. Designed specifically to address regulatory demands without sacrificing color accuracy or performance, these inks help corrugated printers and coaters meet today’s standards while preparing for tomorrow’s expectations.
The Industry Challenge: Copper Content in Printing Inks
Copper has historically played a role in certain ink pigments, particularly when achieving bright, saturated colors that align with GCMI (Graphic Communications Management, Inc.) color targets. However, growing regulatory scrutiny around heavy metals, combined with sustainability initiatives from major retailers and consumer brands, has placed copper content under the microscope.
Corrugated packaging amplifies this challenge. Boxes often enter recycling streams, come into contact with food packaging environments, or must comply with customer-specific chemical restrictions. Even the presence of trace heavy metals can cause concern during audits, supplier reviews, or brand compliance checks.
As regulations tighten and brand requirements become more specific, the industry trend is clear: reduce heavy metals without compromising print quality or production efficiency.
Less Than 0.001% Copper: Built for Compliance Today and Tomorrow
Magnum’s Low Copper GCMI Inks contain less than 0.001% copper, a level engineered to meet some of the most stringent current compliance thresholds. Rather than simply reformulating existing inks, Magnum developed alternative pigment systems that eliminate reliance on traditional copper-containing components.
This approach delivers two key benefits for corrugated and rod coating operations:
- Regulatory confidence across a wide range of customer and brand specifications
- Future-ready formulations that anticipate tighter environmental standards
By minimizing copper content at the formulation level, converters can reduce risk, simplify compliance documentation, and strengthen their position as responsible, forward-looking suppliers.
Precision GCMI Color Matching—Without Compromise
Color fidelity is one of the biggest concerns when transitioning to low-copper or heavy-metal-reduced inks. GCMI color standards exist for a reason: they provide a common visual language across brands, substrates, and print runs.
Magnum’s Low Copper GCMI Inks are engineered to match GCMI color targets with precision, even on challenging corrugated substrates. Through advanced pigment selection and rigorous lab testing, Magnum ensures:
- Consistent color strength run after run
- Accurate shade replication across multiple presses and facilities
- Stable performance on Kraft, white-top, and recycled liners
For brand-driven packaging, this consistency is non-negotiable, and low copper does not mean low performance.
Rod Coating & Corrugated Trends Driving Ink Innovation
Industry trends are also reshaping how inks must perform in real-world applications:
1. Growth of Rod Coating for Functional & Decorative Layers
Rod coaters are increasingly used to apply uniform ink and coating layers on corrugated board. This places high demands on rheology, laydown control, and color consistency. Low Copper GCMI Inks are formulated to run cleanly through rod coating systems, supporting smooth application without sacrificing visual impact.
2. Increased Use of Recycled Content
As recycled liners become more common, printers face variability in surface color and absorption. Precision color control and pigment efficiency are critical, especially when copper content is tightly controlled.
3. Sustainability-Driven Brand Requirements
Major brands now expect suppliers to proactively reduce environmental impact. Low-copper inks align with broader sustainability initiatives, helping corrugated converters meet brand scorecard expectations.
4. High-Speed Production Demands
Modern corrugated plants rely on uptime and repeatability. Ink systems must deliver compliance, color accuracy, and press stability without slowing production or increasing waste.
Why Corrugated Printers Choose Magnum Inks & Coatings
Magnum’s Low Copper GCMI Inks reflect a broader commitment to innovation, partnership, and technical excellence.
Innovative Formulation Expertise
Magnum continuously develops ink systems that address real-world regulatory and production challenges.
Environmental Responsibility
Low copper formulations reduce heavy metal exposure while supporting sustainability goals across the supply chain.
Uncompromised Quality
Every ink is tested for color accuracy, consistency, and application performance, especially critical for corrugated and rod coating processes.
Compliance Made Simple
Magnum is a knowledgeable partner, helping customers navigate complex requirements with confidence.
A Smarter Path Forward for Corrugated Printing
As regulations evolve and customer expectations rise, low-copper ink technology is no longer optional; it is a competitive advantage. With Magnum Inks & Coatings, all inks can be formulated as low copper, giving corrugated printers and coaters flexibility without sacrificing color, performance, or efficiency.
If you are looking to meet compliance targets, maintain precise GCMI color standards, and stay ahead of industry trends in corrugated and rod coating applications, Magnum’s Low Copper GCMI Inks deliver a smarter solution.
Contact Magnum Inks & Coatings today to learn how low-copper formulations can support your operation, your customers, and your sustainability goals, without compromise.
At Magnum Inks & Coatings, we offer an array of ink and coating products, including aqueous and UV coatings. With us, you can find:
Browse our selection to find products to suit your needs, or contact us for custom requests.