Packaging material and method for preparing same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a printed substrate comprising a first paper layer, the first paper layer comprising a first side and an opposing second side, the first side comprising flexographically printed areas and non-printed areas, the flexographically printed areas having a color density of about 0.70 or greater when measured according to the Color Density Test disclosed herein, and the non-printed areas having a roughness in the range of about 3 μm to about 15 μm when measured according to the Surface Roughness Test disclosed herein, the printed substrate, packages for containing one or more articles comprising the printed substrate, and methods of making the printed substrate.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printed substrate comprising a paper layer suitable for packaging to contain one or more items, packaging made from the printed substrate, and a method for making the printed substrate. The printed substrate provides a luxurious and natural appearance. [Background technology]

[0002] Non-fragile, compressible consumer products, such as disposable absorbent articles (e.g., diapers and training pants, disposable adult incontinence pants, and feminine hygiene pads), are often packaged and sold at retail (i.e., displayed and sold at a retail store) in protective packaging, such as boxes, containers, bags, blister packs, cartons, etc. In addition to providing protection, packaging for consumer products is required to be attractive and eye-catching so that consumers stop and consider purchasing the packaged product. Thus, it is desirable for the packaging to provide an aesthetic impression of the package and / or communicate information about the product and its basic functions, such as protection of the articles it contains from the external environment, to the consumer.

[0003] Printing of substrates for packaging, such as woven and nonwoven substrates and films, is well known. It is well known in the art to impart images to substrates by utilizing pigment or dye-based inks. These images are generally applied for the purpose of making the article more aesthetically pleasing to the consumer and conveying product information to the consumer. The inks can be placed using various methods known in the art, such as gravure, flexography, and offset printing, letterpress, lithography, plateless, postpress, and screen printing. Gravure printing is the direct transfer of liquid ink from a metal image carrier to a substrate. The image is lower than the surface of the image carrier base. Flexography is the direct transfer of liquid ink from a photopolymer image carrier to a substrate. The image is raised above the surface of the image carrier base. Offset printing is the indirect transfer of paste ink to a substrate from a rubber "blanket" intermediate the substrate and the thin metal image carrier. Examples of plateless printing include electroprinting, inkjet printing, magnetography, ion deposition printing, direct charge deposition printing, and the Mead Cycolour Photocapsule process. Flexographic printing is popular in the printing of consumer packaging films because it is economical, has changeover flexibility, and can achieve good print quality.

[0004] Printing on nonwoven substrates is generally difficult and suffers from poor print quality, low image vibrancy, inaccurate color-to-color registration, poor print pitch control, and poor ink adhesion, especially when the nonwoven substrate has a porous or rough surface.

[0005] Korean traditional paper, Hanji, Japanese traditional paper, Washi, Chinese traditional paper, Sanapi or Hanapi paper, and Yolon paper.

[0006]

number

[0007] Thus, a need remains for printed substrates for packaging that convey an aesthetic impression with desirable print quality.

[0008] There remains a need for a process for producing printed substrates that convey aesthetic impressions with desirable print quality in a cost-effective manner when the precursor substrate has high surface roughness. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention provides a printed substrate comprising a first paper layer, the first paper layer comprising a first side and an opposing second side, the first side comprising flexographically printed areas and non-printed areas, the flexographically printed areas having a color density of about 0.70 or greater when measured according to the Color Density Test disclosed herein, and the non-printed areas having a roughness in the range of about 3 μm to about 15 μm when measured according to the Surface Roughness Test disclosed herein.

[0010] The present invention provides packages for containing one or more articles that include the printed substrates disclosed herein.

[0011] The present invention also provides a method of making a printed substrate comprising the steps of providing a substrate comprising a first paper layer, the first paper layer comprising a first side and an opposing second side, the first side having a surface roughness in the range of about 3 μm to about 15 μm; subjecting the substrate to a flexographic printing process; applying a primer to predetermined areas on the first side of the first paper layer; and applying ink to at least a portion of the predetermined areas where the primer is disposed, such that the first side comprises flexographic printed areas and non-printed areas, wherein the printed areas have a color density of about 0.70 or greater as measured according to a Color Density Test, and the non-printed areas have a surface roughness in the range of about 3 μm to about 15 μm.

[0012] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this disclosure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a top view of an example of paper that looks like kozo paper. [Figure 2A] 1 is a microscope image of a comparative printed substrate. [Figure 2B] 1 is a microscope image of a printed substrate according to the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a flexographic printing system. [Figure 4] A portion of FIG. 3 is shown in more detail. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] All ranges are inclusive and combinable. The number of significant digits does not indicate a limitation either to the quantities stated or to the precision of the measurements. Unless specifically stated otherwise, all quantitative quantities are understood to be modified by the word "about."

[0015] As used herein, the term "absorbent article" refers to a device that absorbs and contains bodily exudates, and more specifically, refers to a device that is placed against or in close proximity to the wearer's body to absorb and contain various exudates discharged from the body. Exemplary absorbent articles of the present invention include, but are not limited to, diapers, adult incontinence briefs, training pants, diaper holders and liners, absorbent inserts, and the like, as well as feminine hygiene products such as sanitary napkins and panty liners. Absorbent articles also include household cleaning wipes, baby wipes, and the like.

[0016] As used herein, "Comprise", "Comprises" and "Comprising" are open-ended terms, each specifying the presence of what follows, e.g., a component, but not excluding the presence of other features, e.g., elements, steps, or components known in the art or disclosed herein.

[0017] As used herein, "Consist(s) of" and "consisting of" are limiting terms, each specifying the presence of what follows, e.g., a component, and excluding the presence of other features, e.g., elements, steps, or components known in the art or disclosed herein. When used directly in reference to a laminate having a film layer and a paper layer, "consist(s) of" and "essentially consist(s) of", "consisting of" and "essentially consisting of" mean that the laminate does not include the first paper layer and includes only the film layer.

[0018] "Film" means a sheet structure having a length, width and thickness (caliper), where each of the length and width is significantly greater than the thickness, i.e., 1,000 times or more, and having one layer (single layer) or multiple respective adjacent layers (multilayer), each layer being a substantially continuous structure formed from one or more thermoplastic polymer resins (including blends thereof).

[0019] "Flexography" is a form of printing that uses flexible rubber relief plates.

[0020] Printed Substrate The printed substrate of the present invention comprises a first paper layer having a first side and an opposing second side, the first side including flexographically printed areas and non-printed areas. The printed areas may comprise about 1%-99% of the surface area of ​​the first side of the first paper layer.

[0021] The printed substrate comprises flexographically printed areas having high print quality such as high color density, high dot gain, and high delta E, and non-printed areas that maintain the original properties such as surface roughness and surface appearance of the paper forming the first paper layer. The printed substrate of the present invention has flexographically printed areas having high print quality and non-printed areas that maintain the original paper properties and appearance, and thus can provide improved aesthetic appearance and a luxurious and natural feel.

[0022] In one embodiment, the printed substrate of the present invention is a laminate including a first paper layer having a first side and an opposing second side, the first side including flexographically printed areas and non-printed areas, and a film layer disposed on the second side of the first paper layer. The film layer in the laminate can be a single layer (monolayer) or can be two, three or more layers (multilayer). A multilayer film can have, for example, a first skin layer formed of a first polymer and a second skin layer formed of a second polymer.

[0023] A laminate including a first paper layer and a film layer can be made by laminating the film layer and the first paper layer together using an adhesive. Suitable adhesives include, but are not limited to, solvent-based adhesives, acrylic-based water-based adhesives, and solvent-free adhesives. The laminated film and paper layers can be thermally and / or chemically cured. At least one of the film and paper layers can be printed before being laminated together. Such a laminate can be made according to a conventional extrusion-bonded laminate making process by extruding a molten film directly onto the first paper layer.

[0024] In another embodiment, the substrate of the present invention is a laminate including a first paper layer including a first surface and an opposing second surface, the first paper layer including flexographically printed areas and non-printed areas, and a second paper layer disposed on the second surface of the first paper layer. The laminate including the first paper layer and the second paper layer can be made by attaching the first paper layer and the second paper layer to each other using an adhesive.

[0025] paper layer The first paper layer includes a first side and an opposing second side, the first side including flexographically printed areas and non-printed areas.

[0026] As used herein, "paper" in relation to the paper layer includes natural paper as well as synthetic paper. Natural paper may be made from compositions including natural fibers such as cotton, silk, wool, hemp, pulp; or regenerated fibers such as rayon, cupra, etc. For example, the first paper layer includes cellulosic fibers. As used herein, the term "cellulosic fibers" includes both cellulose fibers such as pulp and cotton, and regenerated cellulose fibers such as rayon, unless otherwise specified. Synthetic paper may be made from compositions including plastic fibers such as polyethylene and polypropylene.

[0027] A first paper layer suitable for the present invention includes a first side having a surface roughness in the range of about 3 μm to about 15 μm, or in the range of about 4 μm to about 15 μm, or in the range of about 5 μm to about 10 μm, as measured according to the Roughness Test disclosed herein. If the surface roughness is less than 3 μm or more than 15 μm, the first paper layer may not provide the desired luxurious and natural appearance.

[0028] The basis weight of the first paper layer can range from about 10 gsm to about 200 gsm. The type of paper and the appropriate basis weight can be selected depending on the application area of ​​the package, the processability of lamination, wicket folding, and / or package folding processes.

[0029] Suitable papers for the first paper layer include fibers distributed unevenly on at least a first surface of the first paper layer to provide an irregular fiber pattern on the surface of the paper. Examples of such papers include, for example, Japanese paper, Korean paper, and other paper made from paper mulberry, COLOR SILK PAPER manufactured by Mi Sung Paper CO. (Korea), and Yolon paper.

[0030]

number

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, paper like the look of mulberry paper has a natural feel as well as an aesthetic appearance due to its loose fiber structure that provides an irregular fiber pattern on the paper surface.

[0032] The printed substrate of the present invention may include a second paper layer disposed on a second surface of the first paper layer. The second paper layer may include synthetic fibers, natural fibers, or a combination thereof.

[0033] print area The printed areas on the first side of the first paper layer are areas printed by flexography having improved print quality despite the relatively high surface roughness of the original paper layer.

[0034] The printed area has a color density of about 0.70 or greater, or 0.72 or greater, or 9.74 or greater, as measured according to the Color Density Test disclosed herein. The printed area may have a dot gain of about 65% or greater, or 67% or greater, or about 70% or greater, as measured according to the Dot Gain Test disclosed herein. The printed area may have a Delta E of 4.5 or greater, as measured according to the Delta E Test disclosed herein.

[0035] The printed area may include a primer and ink disposed over at least a portion of the primer.

[0036] The primer may include a binder polymer, a solvent, and a white pigment. The binder polymer for the primer may be selected from the group consisting of nitrocellulose polyurethane, nitrocellulose polyamide, and combinations thereof. The solvent for the primer is one suitable for flexographic printing, such as ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and ethyl acetate.

[0037] The primer may include at least about 1% white pigment. Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, lithopone, and / or zinc sulfide are examples of white pigments. Titanium dioxide is preferred as the white pigment. Titanium dioxide exists in three different crystalline forms: rutile, anatase, and brookite. Rutile and anatase have the highest refractive index of all white pigments and provide the highest coverage for ink coating. Rutile has the highest opacity and anatase has the highest whiteness. The anatase form is most preferred. Pigments are typically subjected to modification, for example, by grinding and / or surface treatment. Grinding can change the surface area, with higher surface areas generally being preferred.

[0038] The present inventors have found that the print quality of the printed area on the paper layer can be maximized by using a specific primer in the printed area. It has been found that a specific mixture of white pigment and polymer results in high color density, high dot gain, and / or high delta E, even on paper materials with high surface roughness. Thus, examples of suitable primers include K-primer (PG12SC67) and F-primer (PG12SC66) available from Sun Chemical Europe, and PB-1 primer (XS-716 709 White Ink No.3 plus Medium (20.5% TiO2)) and PC-1 primer (XS-716 709 White Ink No.3 (41% TiO2)) available from DIC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan.

[0039] In order to improve print quality, the following combinations of the above factors may be considered: In a typical embodiment, a primer suitable for the present invention comprises at least about 1% white pigment and a polymer selected from the group consisting of nitrocellulose polyurethane, nitrocellulose polyamide, and combinations thereof. In a specific embodiment, the anilox cup volume of the primer is 5-40 g / m2. 2 , or 10 to 30 g / m 2 , or 15 to 30 g / m 2 , or 15 to 25 g / m 2 The range is.

[0040] The ink that may be used in the present invention is any liquid composition that can be applied onto a substrate in a predetermined pattern. The components of the ink may include, but are not limited to, a vehicle, such as a solvent or water, a colorant, such as a pigment or dye, a binder, and other components, which may include, but are not limited to, waxes, crosslinkers, adhesion promoters, pH adjusters, viscosity adjusters, defoamers, dispersants, press hygiene control agents, preservatives, and corrosion control agents.

[0041] As used herein, "ink" refers to any composition or components thereof that is applied to a substrate and remains in a visible pattern on the substrate even though the components of the ink may evaporate. The components of the ink may be applied to the substrate sequentially or as a mixture. As used herein, "vehicle" refers to the liquid component of the ink that is utilized to carry the ink to the surface of the substrate. As used herein, "pigment" refers to an insoluble colorant material used in finely dispersed form to impart color to the ink. As used herein, "dye" refers to a colorant that is soluble in the continuous phase of the ink. As used herein, "binder" refers to the adhesive component of the ink.

[0042] Suitable inks include, but are not limited to, inks that are in liquid form at room temperature (i.e., a temperature of about 20° C.). The inks preferably utilize water as a vehicle and pigments as colorants suitable for flexographic printing.

[0043] A binder is generally required to allow the ink to adhere to the surface of the substrate. In general, the rub-off resistance of the ink increases as the adhesion of the ink to the surface of the substrate increases. Inks that include a binder comprised of a film-forming polymer tend to have improved adhesion of the ink to the surface of the substrate compared to inks that contain non-film-forming binders.

[0044] The printed areas on the substrate of the present invention are flexographic printed areas.

[0045] The printed substrate of the present invention may be produced by a process comprising the steps of: providing a substrate comprising a first paper layer, the first paper layer comprising a first surface and an opposing second surface, the first surface having a surface roughness ranging from about 2 μm to about 15 μm; and subjecting the substrate to a flexographic printing process; applying a primer to a predetermined area on the first surface of the first paper layer; and applying ink to at least a portion of the predetermined area where the primer is disposed, such that the first surface comprises flexographically printed and non-printed areas. The "predetermined area" refers to any desired area or array on the substrate, including all combinations of patterns ranging from small individual dots to about 99% coverage of the entire surface of the substrate. The ink may be disposed over the entire area where the primer is disposed, or over only a portion of the area. The printed areas have a color density of about 0.70 or greater when measured according to the Color Density Test, and the non-printed areas have a surface roughness in the range of about 2 μm to about 15 μm when measured according to the Roughness Test disclosed herein.

[0046] The printed areas are formed using flexographic printing processes, which are well known in the printing industry.

[0047] 3, the printed substrate of the present invention may be produced by a method including the steps of: providing a substrate 50 to be printed on a rotating central impression cylinder 40; moving the substrate 50 through a first primer printing station 100' disposed adjacent to an exterior surface 42 of the central impression cylinder, the first primer printing station 100' including a printing cylinder 30; rotating the printing cylinder 30 of the first primer printing station 100' to apply a primer to a predetermined area of ​​a first side of the substrate 50; moving the substrate 50 through a plurality of ink printing stations 100'' disposed about the exterior surface 42 of the central impression cylinder 40, each ink printing station including a printing cylinder 30; and rotating the printing cylinder 30 of the ink printing station 100'' to apply a series of inks to at least a portion of the predetermined area where the primer was applied. The primer printing station 100' may be a single printing station or may be a plurality of printing stations. The primer may be printed onto the substrate using one printing station or multiple printing stations before the substrate moves to the first ink printing station. The substrate 50 may be a first paper layer or a laminate including a first paper layer.

[0048] More specifically, referring to FIG. 4, which shows the printing stations 100′, 100″ in more detail, the primer or ink supply 10 may be a chamber doctor blade system, preferably with a hard doctor blade, and may be set for a doctor blade chamber pressure of 1-4 bar. The anilox roller 20 serves to meter the amount of ink applied. Preferably, the outer surface 22 of the anilox roller contains an array of cavities or “cells” 24 arranged at 100-250 lines per centimeter. The cells may be hexagonal in shape. Alternatively, anilox rollers that do not contain individual cells may be used, such as High Volume Solids, Tri-Helical, Fluid, Open Channel and Open Slalom Ink Channel anilox engraving shapes. Disposed around the plate cylinder 30 is a printing plate 32. Preferably, the printing plate is a high definition printing plate that contains either an array of dots that are flat top dots or an array of dots that are round top dots with a microcell structure. Disposed around the impression cylinder 40 is an impression surface 42. The substrate 50 to be printed passes between the printing plate 32 and the impression surface 42. Pressure is applied between the printing plate and the impression surface. The applied pressure is between 80 and 220 N / m 2 Alternatively, the speed at which the substrate passes between the printing roll and the impression roll may be 10 to 600 meters / minute, or 60 to 300 meters / minute.

[0049] non-print area The non-printed areas of the printed substrate of the present invention maintain the original properties of the paper material forming the first paper layer, for example, the non-printed areas have a surface roughness in the range of about 2 μm to about 15 μm, or in the range of about 2 μm to about 12 μm, or in the range of about 3 μm to about 10 μm, as measured according to the Roughness Test disclosed herein.

[0050] Test Method Roughness Test The surface roughness of the sample substrate is measured according to ISO 4287: 1997. Three replicas are tested for each test substrate and the average value of the three replicas is reported as the color density.

[0051] Color Density Test Color density refers to a property of the printed area in a printed substrate that measures the amount of colorant in the printed image. Color density is measured according to Photography and graphic technology-Density measurements, ISO-5:2009, using Pantone color No. PMS 293C blue. Three replicas are run for each test substrate, and the average of the three replicas is reported as color density.

[0052] Dot Gain Test Dot gain refers to a property of printed areas on a printed substrate that measures the percentage of printed dot distortion during the printing process. Dot gain in printed areas on a printed substrate is measured in accordance with ISO-12647:2013, Graphic technology-Process control for the production of half-tone colour separations, proof and production prints. Three replicas are run for each test substrate and the average of the three replicas is reported as dot gain.

[0053] Color Delta E Test Color delta E of the printed areas on the printed substrate is measured according to ASTM D2244. Three replicas are tested for each test substrate and the average of the three replicas is measured as the color delta. EXAMPLES

[0054] Example 1 Three papers, Papers 1-3 (SP106, SP107, SP108, respectively, from Mi Sung Paper CO., Korea), were tested for surface roughness according to the roughness test disclosed herein. The same papers were qualitatively evaluated for natural luxury feel by asking 15 panelists to describe the sample substrates. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0055] [Table 1]

[0056] Example 2 Printed substrate samples were prepared as follows.

[0057] Sample 1 (Printed Substrate 1): The following materials were used to prepare Sample 1: Paper layer: SP107 available from Mi Sung Paper CO. (Korea) and having a surface roughness of about 6.7 μm as measured according to the roughness test disclosed herein. Primers: K-primer (PG12SC67) and F-primer (PG12SC66) available from Sun Chemical Europe Ink: Pantone Colour No. PMS 293C blue.

[0058] Using a flexographic printing process, the primer was deposited in predefined areas on the paper layer using two printing stations. The flexographic plate was attached to the printing cylinder. The anilox cup volume was 25 g / m 2 and the web speed is set at 220 m / min. Then, 7.5 g / m 2 The ink is applied with a cup volume of 1000 μm.

[0059] Sample 2 (Printed Substrate 2): Sample 2 was prepared following the same process for preparing Sample 1 above using the same materials except using primers such as PB-1 primer, XS-716 709 White Ink No. 3 plus Medium (20.5% TiO2) and PC-1 primer (XS-716 709 White Ink No. 3 (41% TiO2) available from DIC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan).

[0060] Sample 3 (Comparative Printed Substrate): Using the same paper layer and ink used to make Sample 1, Sample 3 was made following the same process for making Sample 1 above, without depositing a coating material on the paper layer, i.e., a flexographic printing process was used to apply the ink to predefined areas of the paper layer without depositing a primer.

[0061] The color density, dot gain, and Delta E in the printed areas of Samples 1-3 were measured according to the Color Density Test, Dot Gain Test, and Delta E Test disclosed herein, and the results are shown in Table 2 below.

[0062] [Table 2] Samples 1 and 2 show improved print quality as represented by color density, dot reproduction, and delta E compared to Sample 3, which was printed without a primer treatment before applying the ink.

[0063] Example 3 Printed substrate samples were prepared as follows and microscopic images of the substrate samples were taken. Sample 5 in Figure 2B provides a better print quality appearance than Sample 4 in Figure 2A.

[0064] [Table 3]

[0065] Dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​recited. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."

[0066] All documents cited herein, including cross-referenced documents or related patents or applications, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety unless expressly excluded or specifically limited. The citation of any document shall not be deemed to be prior art to any invention disclosed or claimed herein, or to teach, suggest or disclose any such invention, either alone or in combination with any other reference or references. Furthermore, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with a meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall apply.

[0067] While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A printed substrate comprising a first paper layer, the first paper layer comprising a first side and an opposing second side, the first side comprising printed areas and non-printed areas; the printed area is printed by flexography and has a color density of about 0.70 or greater when measured according to the Color Density Test; the non-printed areas have a surface roughness in the range of about 3 μm to about 15 μm as measured according to the Roughness Test; the printed area includes a primer and ink disposed over at least a portion of the primer; The printed substrate, wherein the primer comprises a white pigment and a polymer selected from the group consisting of nitrocellulose polyurethane, nitrocellulose polyamide, and combinations thereof.

2. 10. The printed substrate of claim 1, wherein the printed area has a dot gain of about 65% or greater as measured according to a dot gain test.

3. 3. The printed substrate of claim 1 or 2, wherein the printed area has a Delta E of about 4.5 or greater, as measured according to the Delta E Test.

4. A printed substrate as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the primer contains at least about 1% of the white pigment.

5. The printed substrate of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the printed area comprises between about 1% and 99% of the first surface of the first paper layer.

6. The printed substrate of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the printed substrate further comprises a film layer disposed on the second surface of the first paper layer.

7. The printed substrate of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a second paper layer disposed on the second side of the first paper layer.

8. A package for disposable absorbent articles made from the printed substrate of any one of claims 1-7.

9. 1. A method of making a printed substrate, comprising: a. providing a substrate comprising a first paper layer, the first paper layer comprising a first side and an opposing second side, the first side having a surface roughness in the range of about 3 μm to about 10 μm; b. subjecting said substrate to a flexographic printing process; c. applying a primer to a predetermined area on the first surface of the first paper layer; applying ink to at least a portion of the area where the primer is disposed, such that the first surface includes flexographically printed areas and non-printed areas; said flexographically printed area having a color density of about 0.70 or greater as measured according to the Color Density Test; the non-printed areas have a surface roughness in the range of about 3 μm to about 15 μm, as measured according to the Roughness Test disclosed herein; the flexographic print area includes a primer and ink disposed over at least a portion of the primer; A method of making a printed substrate, wherein the primer comprises a white pigment and a polymer selected from the group consisting of nitrocellulose polyurethane, nitrocellulose polyamide, and combinations thereof.

10. 10. The method of making a printed substrate of claim 9, wherein the flexographic printed area has a dot gain of about 65% or greater when measured according to a dot gain test.

11. 11. The method of making a printed substrate according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the printed area has a Delta E of about 4.5 or greater when measured according to the Delta E Test.

12. A method for producing a printed substrate described in any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the primer contains at least about 1% of the white pigment.

13. 13. The method of making a printed substrate according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the flexographic printed area comprises between about 1% and 99% of the first surface of the first paper layer.

14. 14. The method of making a printed substrate according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the substrate further comprises a film layer disposed on the second surface of the first paper layer.

15. 14. The method of making a printed substrate according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the substrate further comprises a second paper layer disposed on the second side of the first paper layer.

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