Today Xaar, the innovative inkjet development company, and Sericol Imaging, the inkjet division of Sericol, announced the signing of an ink partnership agreement. Under the agreement, Sericol will work closely with Xaar to develop and manufacture a range of inks for use in XaarJet printheads. Sericol is the latest company to join Xaar's elite group of approved ink suppliers. Xaar's inkjet printheads are being increasingly used in wide-format graphics and industrial applications as was demonstrated at drupa in May, when several leading suppliers launched XaarJet-based machines aimed at these markets. The XaarJet 500 printhead has made a significant impact in the markets for printing onto board, plastics, vinyl, ceramics and glass, using UV curable and solvent based inks. Sericol's specially formulated inkjet inks will be used to extend Xaar's penetration into these traditional printing markets. Sericol is the printing division of the Burmah Castrol Chemicals Group, which has recently been acquired by BP Amoco, and has extensive research and development facilities with over 80 chemists working in the UK, USA, India and Australia. Sericol Imaging, the inkjet division of Sericol, is focused on the rapidly expanding digital printing industry, developing and manufacturing novel ink systems for the drop-on-demand inkjet market. Commenting on the announcement, Xaar chief executive officer, Jan Fineman said: "Sericol is a world leader in ink development and manufacture. It has a wealth of experience and expertise in the screenprinting and flexo markets, which fits perfectly with Xaar's aim to persuade more players in the traditional printing industry to embrace inkjet technology."