Paper cup printers can now add thermochromic/photochromic effects

CTI has invented a new suite of colour-change technologies using solvent inks, including thermochromic (temperature-activated), photochromic (sunlight-activated), glow-in-the-dark and reveal technology (which reveals a message after product consumption). Previously, solvent-ink printers were forced to use water-based inks that slowed down manufacturing operations. The new solvent-specialty inks eliminate the operational hurdles of water-based inks. The company’s consumer research has found that the colour-change technology is an effective tool for brands to drive content on their social media platforms. When brands do a great job of creating ‘wow’ experiences on their packaging, consumers turn and share that story with their friends on social media, it discovered, resulting in increased sales as friends try the new technology and share their own experiences. “Consumers have their phone in their right hand and a Starbucks, Coke or Coors Light in their left hand,” explained Patrick Edson, former vice-president of consumer insights for Coors Brewing Company and, since 2012, the chief marketing officer for CTI. “In brand mapping exercises, we call this challenge ‘getting the right hand to talk to the left hand.’ If you can create an experience or start a story with your product in the consumer’s left hand they, in turn, will share that experience on their phone in the right hand. “Brands realize that the colour-change technology is more than just creating an experience on a cup, it’s a new form of content for digital marketing,” Edson added. Lyle Small, founder of CTI, continued, “Colour-change technology is now affordable for cup printers and they offer a tremendous innovation tool for them to help drive new margins for their customers in quick-serve restaurants and convenience stores.” For over a decade, brands such as Coors Light have used thermochromic inks to turn their mountains blue to deliver on the promise of Rocky Mountain Cold Refreshment. Coca-Cola ensured a cold promise for 7-Eleven consumers with its “Ice Cube” 16-oz. can. Cheetos used photochromic technology in Mexico for their “Where’s Chester?” promotion on chip bags. Oreo supported the 50th anniversary of the moon landing with Glow-in-the-Dark packaging. CTI can now offer in-house design services to help cup printers and brand owners develop concepts that can be quickly tested with consumers.