Ink World: Mitsui Chemicals is recognized as a leader in the ink and coatings space. Could you provide a general overview of your product offerings for ink applications?

Dr. Nabil Naouli: Certainly. Mitsui Chemicals offers a comprehensive portfolio tailored to the diverse needs of the ink industry. Our key products portfolio includes:
      • TAKELAC™: High-performance polyurethane dispersion resins used either as ink binders with exceptional adhesion on difficult substrates, colorfastness, elongation and abrasion resistance for water-based inks but also including products such as TAKELAC™ WPB 341, designed for applications such as gas and water vapor barrier coatings, particularly in food packaging.
      • TAKENATE™: Advanced isocyanate derivatives, such as TAKENATE™ D110 N, offering exceptional adhesion to plastic substrates for solvent- and UV-cured inks.
      • CHEMIPEARL™: Solvent- and surfactant-free wax dispersions, like CHEMIPEARL™ W 410 for outstanding colorfastness at low concentrations in water-based inks and CHEMIPEARL S Series for heat-seal applications.
      • HI-WAX™: Low molecular weight solid waxes that provide premium gloss, stability, and durability for long-lasting finishes.

This portfolio represents our commitment to innovation and sustainability in advanced ink technologies.


Ink World: Mitsui Chemicals offers a wide range of products that coating and ink formulators use to enhance the performance of their inks, including water-based, solvent-based, and UV-based formulations. These products are used in various applications, from food packaging to digitally printed textiles and more. This diverse portfolio requires significant expertise and knowledge. How much emphasis does Mitsui Chemicals place on R&D and innovation?


Dr. Nabil Naouli: Mitsui Chemicals places a strong emphasis on R&D and innovation to continuously enhance the performance of our products. We invest heavily in research and development to stay ahead of industry trends, improve product quality, and meet the changing needs of our customers. Additionally, we closely monitor and consult on global regulatory requirements to ensure compliance and provide solutions that meet international standards. Our commitment to innovation and regulatory expertise enables us to deliver cutting-edge solutions that support the success of coating and ink formulators across various applications.


Ink World: Let’s discuss a few examples of Mitsui Chemicals’ innovations. TAKELAC™ products are frequently mentioned in ink applications as ink binders. What makes them stand out?

Dr. Nabil Naouli: TAKELAC™ products are designed to address the specific needs of modern ink formulations. For example, TAKELAC W6110 or TAKELAC W 5130 is a next-generation polyurethane dispersion offering unmatched adhesion, film-forming capabilities, and durability. It’s particularly suited for waterborne inkjet applications like continuous inkjet (CIJ), direct-to-film (DTF), and direct-to-garment printing, ensuring excellent performance on various substrates.


Ink World: TAKELAC™ WPB 341 has been highlighted for barrier coatings. What role does it play in the market?

Dr. Nabil Naouli: TAKELAC™ WPB 341 is an innovative resin designed to provide superior gas and water vapor barrier properties for food packaging applications. This ensures product freshness and integrity, while supporting sustainability by reducing the reliance on traditional non-eco-friendly barrier materials. Its excellent chemical resistance also makes it a versatile solution for flexible packaging systems.


Ink World: CHEMIPEARL™ is noted for being solvent- and surfactant-free. How does that benefit ink formulations?

Dr. Nabil Naouli: The CHEMIPEARL™ line is unique due to its solvent- and surfactant-free nature, aligning perfectly with the industry’s focus on eco-friendly solutions. It also features a low and narrow particle size distribution, which ensures consistent ink quality and performance. For instance:
      • CHEMIPEARL™ W 410 enhances color fastness at concentrations as low as 0.2%, making it both cost-effective and high performing.
      • The CHEMIPEARL™ S Series excels in heat-seal applications, offering exceptional durability and adhesion in demanding packaging environments.

These characteristics make CHEMIPEARL a highly versatile and efficient choice for modern ink systems.


Ink World: What role does HI-WAX™ play in the overall portfolio?

Dr. Nabil Naouli: HI-WAX™ is a low molecular weight solid PE wax that delivers outstanding gloss, surface stability, and durability. It’s especially valued in ink formulations where long-lasting finishes and enhanced aesthetics are essential. Its consistent performance ensures high-quality results in both printing and coatings applications.


Ink World: Sustainability is a significant focus in the industry. How does Mitsui Chemicals address this in its product portfolio?

Dr. Nabil Naouli: Sustainability is at the heart of our innovations. Our waterborne solutions, like TAKENATE™ W6110, reduce reliance on solvent-based inks, while products like CHEMIPEARL are completely solvent- and surfactant-free. And some as also compostable such as CHEMIPEARL™ S 100.  TAKELAC™ WPB 341 provides environmentally friendly barrier properties, replacing traditional materials that may not align with sustainability goals. Across our portfolio, we strive to deliver products that balance high performance with environmental responsibility.


Ink World: What’s next for Mitsui Chemicals in the ink market?

Dr. Nabil Naouli: We are continuously innovating to meet the evolving needs of the inks and coatings industry. Our focus is on developing products that deliver superior performance, support sustainability, and enable cutting-edge applications. By working closely with our partners, we aim to shape the future of inks and coatings.


Ink World: Any closing thoughts for our readers?

Dr. Nabil Naouli: It’s an exciting time for the inks and coatings industry, and we’re proud to be a part of its growth. At Mitsui Chemicals, we’re dedicated to innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. We look forward to helping our customers achieve success with our advanced solutions. Thank you for the opportunity to share our insights!