Microencapsulated Scented Inks

The microcapsules contain the fragrance protected within a polymeric shell. During printing, the microcapsules are deposited onto the substrate and remain intact. The fragrance is released only when the user rubs or presses the printed material, mechanically breaking a proportion of the microcapsules present on the surface. The fragrance does not disperse spontaneously.

It is not possible to define a precise number of activations: there are thousands of microcapsules per square centimetre on the printed surface, and each friction breaks only a proportion of them. In practical terms, the fragrance remains perceptible for a very long time — samples of printed materials produced with this technology retain olfactory traces even years after printing.

A free fragrance evaporates rapidly and normally runs out within a few days or weeks. The microcapsules protect the fragrance from oxygen, light and heat, preventing spontaneous evaporation. The fragrance is preserved intact until the moment of mechanical activation, ensuring an enormously superior olfactory duration.

Microencapsulated scented inks are compatible with screen printing and flexography. Screen printing is the preferred technique as it allows thicker layers to be deposited with a higher density of microcapsules per unit of surface area, maximising olfactory performance. Flexography is suitable for high-volume production.

Compatible substrates include paper and cardboard (including coated), plastic materials (PET, PP), self-adhesive labels and other printable substrates.

IPS has an extensive library of tested and validated fragrances, divided into olfactory families: fruity (lemon, orange, apple, peach, coconut…), floral (rose, lavender, jasmine…), herbal and aromatic (mint, eucalyptus, rosemary…), spicy (cinnamon, vanilla, ginger…), woody and musky (sandalwood, pine, white musk…), gourmand (coffee, chocolate, hazelnut…), fresh and clean (talc, marseille soap…).

Yes, the microencapsulation of fragrances supplied directly by the client can be evaluated. Every new fragrance is subjected to compatibility testing with the microencapsulation process before use in production.

Yes, the microcapsules are designed to withstand the thermal stress of the printing and drying process, preserving the fragrance intact until the moment of activation by the end user.

The intensity depends on the density of microcapsules deposited on the surface (linked to the printing technique and the layer thickness), the chosen fragrance and the intensity of friction. In general, the effect is perceptible and immediate, but non-invasive: the fragrance does not diffuse into the environment without mechanical activation.

The main applications include: scented labels for cosmetics, fragrances, detergency and food; scented cards and promotional mailings; emotional packaging; point of sale materials (POP, display); sensory brochures and leaflets; children's publishing and recreational products.

To request samples or initiate an evaluation, please fill in the contact form or contact the IPS team directly. For custom fragrances or special applications, IPS follows a dedicated development process.