Sun Chemical expands nitrocellulose alternatives

Sun Chemical has expanded its portfolio of nitrocellulose-alternative inks for flexible packaging applications, where the inks address supply chain volatility, rising costs and sustainability concerns while remaining fully compatible with recycling processes in line with RecyClass and CEFLEX design guidelines.

The portfolio includes SunSpectro SolvaCycle for surface printing, SunStrato DuraCycle, SunStrato Duratort and SunStrato Duralam for lamination printing, and SunUno SoliCycle, which can be used for both surface and lamination printing in flexo and gravure applications.

Sun Chemical's modular system, based on polyurethane concentrates, allows converters to transition from NC/PU inks to NC-free alternatives while ensuring supply continuity and press stability.

The inks deliver benefits including lower eco-modulated Extended Producer Responsibility fees, recyclability in line with packaging design guides and reduced regulatory costs, while maintaining the full color gamut needed for branding requirements.

'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,' said Mehran Yazdani, president of packaging and advanced materials at Sun Chemical.

The portfolio is particularly relevant for converters of polyethylene and polypropylene flexibles and multi-laminates supplying users in chilled foods, frozen foods, laundry products, confectionery, bread bags and horticulture.