The global print consumables market continues to evolve, driven by increasing demands for print quality, production efficiency, sustainability, and workplace safety. From commercial sheetfed and lithographic printing to folding cartons, board packaging, and specialty print applications, printers today require consumables that perform reliably under pressure — with minimal waste and maximum consistency.
This is where Archem PRS plays a critical role.
A UK-Based Manufacturer with a Global Footprint
Founded in the UK and still proudly founder-run, Archem PRS manufactures one of the most inclusive and technically advanced ranges of starch-based anti-set-off and barrier powders available to the print industry today.
Under the leadership of Paul Durrant, Sales Director and joint founder, Archem combines decades of hands-on print industry experience with a specialist technical team focused on precision manufacturing, quality control, and customer-led solutions. This blend of practical print knowledge and advanced powder technology ensures Archem products are designed for real-world production environments — not generic, one-size-fits-all applications.
Today, Archem supplies customers and partners across Europe, South America, Africa, Southeast Asia, New Zealand, and beyond, supporting both established markets and emerging print regions with the same consistent product standards.
Why Anti-Set-Off Powders Matter More Than Ever
In modern print operations, consumables must do more than “work.” They must protect print quality while supporting efficiency, safety, and cost control.
Poor-quality powders — often produced with wide particle size variance and excessive fines — can lead to:
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Excessive dust and contamination
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Blocked spray nozzles and increased downtime
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Inconsistent sheet separation
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Higher powder consumption and wasted material
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Compromised working environments and accelerated machine wear
Archem powders are engineered to address these challenges directly.
Precision Manufacturing for Consistent Results
Archem’s starch-based anti-set-off powders are manufactured using high-grade raw materials, bespoke flow agents, and a tightly controlled production process. Every product undergoes five stages of quality control, from raw material intake through to final packing, ensuring absolute batch-to-batch consistency.
A key differentiator is particle size control. While many commodity powders contain up to 33% unusable dust (“fines”), Archem’s BG-approved grades contain less than 3% particles below 5 microns. This results in:
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Lower dust emissions
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Cleaner press environments
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Reduced overspray and compaction
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Better powder efficiency and value per bag
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A smoother finished print surface
Different print applications demand different solutions. Heavy board and packaging require coarser particles for effective separation, while commercial sheetfed printing benefits from finer grades. Archem offers genuine grade differentiation — not relabelled powders with identical particle sizes.
Accreditation, Safety, and Compliance
Archem products meet the highest international standards, providing reassurance to printers operating in regulated markets. The range includes powders accredited to:
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BRC (AA standard) for food packaging environments
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ISEGA approval
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BG approval for low dust emission
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ISO 9001 quality management
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Halal and Kosher (including Kosher for Passover) certification
This makes Archem powders suitable not only for graphic arts and litho printing, but also for operations producing printed food packaging where safety and compliance are essential.
Supporting Printers Across Global Markets
Whether supplying commercial printers in Europe, packaging converters in South America, or expanding operations across Africa, Southeast Asia, and New Zealand, Archem maintains the same commitment to quality, technical support, and responsive service.
As a manufacturer, Archem works closely with distribution partners and end users to ensure the correct grade is selected for each application — helping printers optimise press settings, reduce waste, and achieve consistent, high-quality results.
A Partner-Led Approach
Archem’s strength lies not only in its products, but in its people. Led by a founder team with deep industry roots, supported by a specialised technical department, Archem remains focused on long-term partnerships rather than transactional supply.
For printers and distributors alike, this means access to technical insight, tailored recommendations, and a product range built specifically for modern print demands.
Interested in learning more?
Explore Archem’s full range of anti-set-off and barrier powders or speak directly with our technical team to find the right solution for your print operation.
