Sun Chemical has significantly enhanced its portfolio of nitrocellulose-alternative inks tailored specifically for food and beverage packaging. This innovation directly supports converters, retailers, and consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies in adapting to evolving market dynamics and increasingly stringent packaging regulations.
This new array of inks addresses the inherent challenges associated with traditional solvent-based inks and coatings containing nitrocellulose. Moreover, these alternatives are fully compatible with recycling processes and adhere to the RecyClass and CEFLEX design guidelines.
The expanded portfolio highlights Sun Chemical’s unwavering commitment to innovation that effectively balances sustainability, performance, and supply security. Nitrocellulose (NC) has been a staple in solvent-based inks and coatings; however, it now presents supply issues, rising costs, and sustainability concerns. Its thermal instability during high-temperature recycling leads to odor, discoloration, and contamination—factors that undermine recyclability and diminish its potential for reuse.
By replacing NC, Sun Chemical’s NC-alternative portfolio reinforces value for converters and brand owners across four critical areas.
Firstly, these inks help converters mitigate risks stemming from supply chain volatility. Beyond simplifying risk management, they offer added value through total cost of goods advantages, such as lower eco-modulated Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees, which enhance overall efficiency.
Additionally, they promote sustainability by ensuring recyclability in alignment with packaging design guides and satisfying end-of-life requirements. This approach aids in minimizing regulatory expenses, while ensuring a quality recyclate availability to meet plastic tax requirements.
Sun Chemical’s extensive portfolio of NC-alternative inks, coatings, primers, and adhesives is optimized to work cohesively as a complete system. Available for both flexo and gravure printing, the portfolio includes:
- SunSpectro SolvaCycle solutions for surface printing
- SunStrato DuraCycle, SunStrato Duratort, and SunStrato Duralam for lamination printing
- SunUno SoliCycle, a versatile multipurpose option applicable for both surface and lamination printing
Mehran Yazdani, President of Packaging and Advanced Materials at Sun Chemical, stated:
“Our NC-alternative solutions offer customers a clear pathway to sustainable growth. By mitigating supply risks, enabling efficiencies, and supporting end-of-life recyclability targets, we’re giving our customers the solutions they need to meet evolving brand, retailer, and regulatory demands, without compromise on quality or safety. This enhanced portfolio reflects Sun Chemical’s long-term investment in innovation, expertise, and collaboration with converters to deliver value beyond ink and to allow them to ‘Experience. Transformation’.”
With global capabilities spanning Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and Asia, Sun Chemical ensures that its solutions are tailored to meet local market needs.
By closely collaborating with its customers, Sun Chemical has already facilitated successful transitions across multiple regions using its NC-alternative solutions.
