Summary
Integrated Plastics Packaging is hiring an Ink Chemist in Dubai for flexible packaging applications. The role develops and adjusts ink formulations, matches colors to customer standards, tests ink quality, and supports printing, lamination, and quality teams with production issues. It also contributes to product trials, raw material evaluation, and continuous improvement while maintaining safety and compliance requirements. Applicants need a relevant bachelor's degree and 3–7 years of experience in ink formulation, color matching, or ink quality control.
The posting
As published on ipp.ae. Pulled from the employer's site and shown as they wrote it.
Key Responsibilities
Ink Formulation & Color Matching
- Develop, formulate, and adjust solvent-based, water-based, and specialty inks for flexible packaging applications.
- Perform accurate color matching according to customer standards, Pantone references, and approved samples.
- Maintain color consistency across production batches.
- Optimize ink formulations to achieve desired print performance and cost efficiency.
Quality Control & Testing
- Conduct laboratory testing of inks for viscosity, shade, adhesion, gloss, rub resistance, and other quality parameters.
- Analyze and resolve ink-related quality issues during printing and conversion processes.
- Approve ink batches before release to production.
- Maintain records of test results, formulations, and quality reports.
Production Support
- Provide technical support to Printing, Lamination, and Quality departments regarding ink performance.
- Investigate print defects such as color variation, poor adhesion, mottling, pinholes, and drying issues.
- Recommend corrective and preventive actions for ink-related problems.
- Monitor ink consumption and wastage and suggest improvements.
Research & Development
- Support the development of new ink formulations and products.
- Evaluate new raw materials, pigments, resins, and additives.
- Participate in product trials and customer qualification processes.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to ink quality and productivity.
Safety & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with safety regulations related to handling inks, solvents, pigments, and chemicals.
- Follow GMP, ISO, food packaging, and customer-specific requirements.
- Maintain proper storage and inventory control of ink raw materials.
- Ensure laboratory equipment is calibrated and maintained.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related field.
- Additional certifications in printing inks, coatings, or color technology are advantageous.
Experience
- 3–7 years of experience in ink formulation, color matching, or ink quality control within the flexible packaging, printing, or converting industry.
- Experience with rotogravure and/or flexographic printing processes preferred.
- Knowledge of solvent-based, water-based, and PU-based ink systems.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong knowledge of ink chemistry, pigments, resins, and solvents.
- Expertise in color matching and color measurement systems.
- Understanding of flexible packaging substrates such as BOPP, PET, PE, CPP, and Foil.
- Knowledge of printing and converting processes.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Laboratory testing and documentation skills.
- Attention to detail and quality-focused mindset.
- Proficiency in MS Office and laboratory reporting systems.