About NUtec Digital Ink | Global Printing Ink Manufacturer

NUtec Digital Ink technician inspecting digital printing ink formulations in a modern laboratory

Empowering Partners with Innovative Solutions for Their Growth & Creativity

NUtec Digital Ink is a leading manufacturer of high-performance digital inks, headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa. Since 2009, we have been delivering innovative, sustainable, and reliable ink solutions for OEMs and distributors worldwide. With state-of-the-art manufacturing and R&D facilities, we push the boundaries of solvent, UV-curable, and water-based ink technology, ensuring exceptional quality and performance in digital printing.

NUtec Journey

NUtec Digital Ink (2025)

NUtec invests in verified carbon credits from wildlife conservation and nature restoration foundations to offset its logistical carbon emissions demonstrating its commitment to responsible business practices.

NUtec Digital Ink (2024)

Installation of an extensive photovoltaic system generating 400MWh of clean energy annually from the sun, resulting in a combined reduction in carbon emissions of 600 tonnes per year, considerably reducing the plant’s carbon footprint.

NUtec Digital Ink (2023)

Demonstrating its commitment to environmental sustainability, the company is awarded OEKO-TEX Eco Passport and GREENGUARD Gold product accreditations.

NUtec Digital Ink (2021)

NUtec Digital Ink is acquired by the Crosse family and continues to grow its influence and product offering in the international market, with its roots firmly planted in Cape Town, South Africa.

NUtec Digital Ink (2019)

The company celebrated a decade of growth and innovation.

NUtec Digital Ink (2018)

Expanded water-based ink plant facilities to accommodate growing volumes.

NUtec Digital Ink (2015)

Developed pigmented water based inks for industrial printing purposes.

NUtec Digital Ink (2014)

Developed water based dye sublimation inks for the global textiles and apparel market.

NUtec Digital Ink (2012)

Developed Environment Responsible Product (ERP) digital inks with no hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) for safer operator environment.

NUtec Digital Ink (2011)

Developed UV curable digital printing inks for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and global distributors.

NUtec Digital Ink (2009)

Established by the founders of TechINK, NUtec Digital Ink developed and manufactured digital printing solvent inks for OEMs and distributors for the global market.

HP-TechINK (2005)

TechINK was acquired by Hewlett Packard (HP), producing up to 500 tons of solvent and UV cured inks a month, making it one of the largest digital ink manufacturing companies in the world at the time.

TechINK (2001)

Acquired by Scitex Vision, TechnoInk was renamed TechINK, producing all the OEM Scitex Vision solvent and UV curable inks as well as producing alternative inks for the global digital printing ink market. Neil Green joins to head up international sales and marketing and the team that would later form NUtec.

TechnoInk (1999)

A separate company was formed to produce solvent digital ink for Scitex Vision who by then had acquired Idanit.

Omnigraphics (1998)

Paul Geldenhuys had now joined the Omnigraphics team and successfully developed the first solvent digital ink for Piezo electric print heads for the VUTEk UltraVu & Idanit 162Ad (Scitex Novo) printers for in-house commercial printing.

Omnigraphics (1995)

NUtec Digital Ink founding members Jamie Lowndes and Tony Davison are involved in a management buy-out of Omnigraphics, an early adopter of inkjet digital printing processes and solvent ink development.

Manufacturing

Raw Material Sourcing & Preparation

We begin by sourcing premium raw materials, ensuring that every component meets strict quality standards.

Nano-Level Pigment Dispersion

Our process starts with precise pigment dispersion at the nano level. Advanced milling techniques guarantee uniform particle size and an optimal mix that sets the foundation for exceptional print quality.

Quality Control

Utilizing cutting-edge proprietary equipment, our ink is produced under strictly controlled conditions. Our unique four-stage quality control system tests every batch for viscosity, surface tension, particle size, and other critical parameters. This rigorous testing ensures batch-to-batch consistency and long-run print reliability.

Custom Packaging Solutions

Post-production, our packaging department tailors packaging solutions—from pouches and cartridges to bottles—to meet specific customer requirements, ensuring product safety and ease of use.

Regulatory Compliance & Traceability

A dedicated regulatory team oversees that each product complies with international chemical safety standards (such as REACH and GHS). Every ink batch is fully traceable from raw material to finished product.

Distribution

Finally, our logistics team ensures prompt and secure distribution, backed by ongoing customer support to address any inquiries or technical challenges.

Development Tools

Print head laboratories with drop watcher and waveform analysis tools.

Independent UV curable, water-based and solvent digital ink laboratories.

R&D Print rooms with the relevant printer platforms for ink development.

Environmental simulation rooms to replicate seasonal temperature and humidity conditions.

Complete ink characterisation to ISO standards to ensure final product and application performance.

R&D Capabilities

NUtec employs a dynamic Research and Development (R&D) team which includes:

Chemists specialising in UV curable, water-based and solvent digital ink development.
Print head, rheology and waveform specialists.
Integration specialists for single pass and multi pass systems.
Engineering specialists for auxiliary component design.

Labs & QC Facilities

At NUtec, analytical chemists verify the robustness of all ink designs throughout the multiple stages of QC. Retained samples of final products are held in store for traceability.

Quality control tests conducted by the QC team include:

Surface Tension
Viscosity
Particle Size
Printing Properties
Wear & Tear
Crack Stress Testing
Colour
Shelf Life Stability

Close-up of NUtec Digital Ink's printing ink being poured onto a digital printer surface, showcasing ink technology for digital printing applications

Chemical Regulatory Compliance

NUtec Digital Ink’s Chemical Regulatory Compliance Department plays a critical role in ensuring the company’s products are safe, legally compliant, and environmentally responsible. This team operates at the intersection of science, safety, and global legislation, and is essential to the company’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and ethical manufacturing.

Regulatory Strategy and Compliance

Ensures all ink formulations and raw materials comply with international chemical regulations, including:

REACH (EU)
TSCA (USA)
GHS/CLP (Globally Harmonized System)
South African regulations and other region-specific requirements

Monitors changing global legislation and proactively adapts company policies and product documentation.

Material Safety and Risk Management

Manages Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and product labels in accordance with applicable regulatory standards.
Conducts hazard assessments and classifies products for physical, health, and environmental risks.
Advises on safe handling, transport, storage, and disposal of chemicals, supporting customer and employee safety.

Product Stewardship

Coordinates with R&D to ensure safe and compliant product development from the initial formulation stage.
Reviews and approves new raw materials based on toxicity profiles, supply chain declarations, and legal acceptability.
Supports eco-labels or sustainability certifications where applicable.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Works closely with:

R&D for early-stage compliance planning
Quality Assurance for documentation control
Sales & Marketing for customer regulatory queries
Export and Logistics to ensure legal transport of hazardous goods