Sun Chemical launches HP Indigo-approved primer

Sun Chemical has launched its first HP Indigo-approved primer for label applications and HP Indigo 6X00, 6K, 6K+, 8X00, 8K presses, developed specifically for use with HP Indigo's in-line priming unit.

The new primer, SunEvo EV-LWR09 WB LEP, will be available across the EMEA region from Q4 2025, following a phased country-by-country roll-out to ensure printers across each country can benefit from Sun Chemical's localized support.

This product release follows close collaboration between Sun Chemical and HP development teams, validated through an extensive qualification process involving multiple leading European label converters. These converters, operating in numerous shift production lines, have successfully used the new primer across a wide array of substrates within the pressure-sensitive label space.

Designed to provide flexibility and reliability, the primer supports a broad range of materials, including PE and PP, as well as coated/uncoated paper, metallized paper and wine labels. This makes it suitable for digital label printing environments where printing multiple SKUs on various substrates is required.

UK label printer Label Apeel has been using the primer on its two HP Indigo presses as part of the extended qualification process.

'We have been closely involved with Sun Chemical throughout the development of the primer,' commented Helena McKinder, managing director at Label Apeel. 'The final product performs exceptionally well across all substrates, with great performance in finishing. We're very happy with the results and will continue using this primer going forward. It's been a pleasure working so collaboratively with the Sun Chemical team on this project.'

In addition to its versatility, the primer enables instant ink adhesion with reduced coat weights and lower voltage corona discharge. This reduces energy consumption, making it a cost-effective option. It also minimizes media damage from thermal shocks, lowers the risk of voltage burns and resists yellowing, a common challenge with many other primer chemistries.

The release marks the beginning of a broader innovation roadmap, with Sun Chemical actively developing additional digital technologies to further enhance its offerings to the HP Indigo label and packaging community.

'This is a great milestone for Sun Chemical as we release our first primer,' noted Pete Saunders, global director of digital business, Sun Chemical. 'The launch reflects the strong collaboration between HP and Sun Chemical to provide a flexible primer for the packaging community. Our new primer offers customers choice and performance, one approach to meet their label printing needs, all while boosting productivity and remaining cost-efficient.'

'We're proud to celebrate this milestone with Sun Chemical, marking a new chapter in our shared commitment to innovation in the Labels business,' added Regina Guslitzer-Okner, head of supplies, applications and sustainability at HP Indigo. 'This primer launch is the result of deep collaboration, technical expertise and a shared vision to empower customers with a wider range of options. Together, we're enabling label converters to streamline operations, enhance print quality and meet evolving market demands with confidence.'