What is causing your customers to complain about pens leaking?

As a stationery supplier for over 10 years, I've observed many buyers sacrificing $0.01 in cost, ultimately resulting in $1000 in lost brand reputation.

At the tip of a ballpoint pen refill, there's usually a small amount of oily liquid. What is its role? This oily liquid is called a "tail sealant," commonly known as "lithium-based ester" or "follower gel." Its primary function is to seal the ink, preventing backflow or evaporation.

This liquid isn't for monitoring ink levels; it has a more crucial function—sealing the ink. Its main purpose is to ensure the ink doesn't dry out when not in use and to allow for rapid writing.

Why does inferior ink deteriorate in the high temperatures of shipping containers?

1. Under direct sunlight in summer, the internal temperature of shipping containers can reach 60°C to 70°C. High temperatures significantly accelerate the chemical reactions and physical changes within the ink.

2. Compared to high-quality inks, inferior inks have the following defects: unstable solvent system; poor binder stability; insufficient dye stability; imprecise formulation; etc.

3. Inferior inks are often paired with inferior packaging:

Poor sealing: Inadequate sealing of the bottle cap or inner stopper allows solvents to evaporate more easily at high temperatures, potentially introducing oxygen and moisture, accelerating oxidation and mold growth (for water-based inks).

Materials not heat-resistant: Plastic containers themselves may not be heat-resistant, softening, deforming, or even releasing harmful substances that contaminate the ink.

High-temperature shipping containers are an extreme environmental testing ground. Inferior inks, due to comprehensive reductions in raw materials, formulations, and processes, cannot pass this "stress test," thus exposing various deterioration problems. This is not only an inevitable consequence of chemical reactions but also a risk that producers must bear to reduce costs. For ink products requiring long-distance sea transport, choosing reliable suppliers that have undergone rigorous environmental testing is crucial.

Our factory conducts a 60°C oven aging test on every batch of products to simulate the sea transport environment. Looking for a stable supplier? Let's connect.