Tattoo design on bottle uses cold-activated ink technology

Specialised inks company Chromatic Technologies Inc (CTI) has made a lasting impression on a liqueur from Tuaca. The bottle’s lion, a classic brand image for Tuaca, was redesigned as a thermochromic feature for the label on the limited-edition bottle.

The ‘Perfect Chill’ bottle has met with exciting consumer response since its introduction in 2011, and has been showcased on Tuaca’s ‘Drinks & Ink 2012: A Celebration of Tattoo and Cocktail Artistry’ tours with celebrity tattoo artist Corey Miller. Miller created the custom design that adorns the Perfect Chill bottle, which was printed by Eurostampa of Italy at its North American facility in Cincinnati.

The unique design of the lion shifts from a silver colour at room temperature to a stunning, vivid blue when chilled to 8°C, when the product is at peak serving for consumers. The ‘tattoo’ - using the thermochromic inks supplied by CTI - is printed on a label which adorns the bottle.

CTI’s ‘thermochromic’ process uses cold-activated ink technology to convey messaging, be it an indication of cold temperatures or an extension of the product’s brand. CTI’s technology also provides for the reverse process, wherein hot beverages will display a signal on the package or label.

CTI’s thermochromic inks are applied in diverse applications such as security and anticounterfeiting, food and beverage packaging, and many other types of consumer packaging. Another CTI capability, photochromic ink (ink colour changes due to exposure to UV light from the sun) is largely used in the textile market but is seeing an increase in demand for consumer packaging.