Meaning
The transfer of substances from the printed outer surface of a packaging material to the food contact surface when stored in a roll or stack can lead to product contamination. In polymer film production, set-off contamination occurs when ink components or coatings migrate from the printed side to the unprinted contact layer of the adjacent film during winding. This transfer bypasses the protective function of the polymer layer.
It represents a significant quality defect in flexible packaging manufacture.
Transfer Mechanism
High pressure within the wound roll and residual solvents in the ink accelerate the transfer of chemicals between the layers. If the ink is not fully cured before winding, the risk of set-off increases. This can occur even at room temperature during storage.
Molding Prevention
Processors can reduce the risk of this transfer by using low migration inks and ensuring complete drying or curing before winding. Adjusting winding tension to reduce the pressure inside the roll also helps. The use of slip agents must be carefully managed to prevent migration.
Compliance Issue
When set-off occurs, unapproved chemicals can end up in direct contact with the food, violating safety regulations. This can cause off-odors or chemical migration that exceeds legal limits. It can lead to the rejection of the entire batch of packaging.