Responding to the need for converters, retailers and consumer packaged goods companies to face tighter regulations and changing market conditions, Sun Chemical has expanded its portfolio of nitrocellulose (NC)-alternative inks for flexible packaging.
The company said the NC-free inks are designed to address challenges linked to traditional solvent-based inks and coatings containing nitrocellulose, including supply constraints, cost pressures and sustainability concerns. The solutions are compatible with recycling processes and aligned with RecyClass and Ceflex packaging design guidelines.
Nitrocellulose has long been used in solvent-based inks, but its thermal instability during high-temperature recycling can cause odour, discolouration and contamination, reducing the quality of recyclate. Sun Chemical’s expanded portfolio aims to overcome these issues while maintaining print performance.
The portfolio includes inks, coatings, primers and adhesives developed as a complete system for both flexographic and gravure printing. Products include 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 applications. A modular polyurethane-based system is also available to support converters transitioning from NC-based inks.
According to Sun Chemical, the NC-alternative inks help reduce supply chain risk, support recyclability and end-of-life requirements, and offer potential cost efficiencies such as lower eco-modulated extended producer responsibility fees, while maintaining colour performance and product safety.
The solutions are targeted at polyethylene and polypropylene flexible packaging and multilayer laminates, including applications in chilled and frozen foods, laundry products, confectionery, bread packaging and horticulture, particularly across Europe.
Mehran Yazdani, president of packaging and advanced materials at Sun Chemical, said: “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.”
