Evonik’s Coating Additives business line is expanding its TEGO Foamex product range with a new defoamer built on unique hybrid technology that features bio-based polymer and polyether siloxane.

The new TEGO Foamex 8880 has been developed for easy incorporation into waterborne inks at any stage of ink manufacture and even for press-side addition. The defoamer offers excellent foam prevention and great foam knockdown.

“Different technologies have different strengths. Standard siloxane-based defoamer emulsions are typically added at let-down stage, but are not necessarily the first choice for addition at the press-side,” says Courtney Thurau, Head of Global Market Segment Printing Inks at Evonik Coating Additives.

TEGO Foamex 8880 is a non-ionic emulsion with a high content (more than 50%) of bio-based materials in the non-aqueous phase. It does not contain solvents and mineral oils, and is compliant with numerous food contact regulations.

“This new defoamer highlights our commitment to support customers in developing more environmentally friendly and resource-efficient coating and inks formulations. With its truly unique property profile, TEGO® Foamex 8880 is an ideal choice for pigmented, waterborne flexo and gravure inks that are printed on paper or cardboard substrates,” says Thurau.