During Labelexpo Europe, Sun Chemical has been showcasing its complete product portfolio for the narrow web label and packaging markets. Sun Chemical has also been demonstrating its commitment to sustainability, which continues to be fundamental to its  product development.

Sun Chemical is using Labelexpo as a platform for the global launch of SolarVerse, a range of highly pigmented, low viscosity, multipurpose UV flexo base concentrates, designed to be easily dispensed through a standard UV flexo dispenser and offering customers benefits in terms of cost savings and flexibility.

By simply blending a SolarVerse base concentrate with a specific, optimized technology varnish, different, finished ink profiles can be produced, ready for use on press in whatever color specified. As SolarVerse bases are formulated with materials suitable for migration-compliant applications when mixed with the appropriate technology varnish, the single base range is also ideal for UV flexo food packaging and label applications. With the same SolarVerse base concentrates being used for each ink profile, color consistency is also maintained regardless of the end print use.

Sun Chemical has also introduced a new concept for food compliant UV flexo products within the SolarVerse system, under the brand name SolarFlex Zero. This technology has been shown to achieve excellent low odor and migration characteristics in food compliant label and packaging applications. Sun Chemical will be making this available for market validation in the coming months. 

Demonstrating other developments for the UV market, Sun Chemical is discussing its latest class leading range of UV LED curing SolarWave flexo and SunWave offset inks. The fully EuPIA compliant SunWave Lumina offset inks are suitable for use on all sheetfed UV LED press types, including those equipped with low energy mercury lamps, and deliver leading lithographic performance that helps printers to achieve increased productivity.

SolarWave FSP UV LED flexo food compliant inks are available as finished inks or as part of the SolarVerse system through a dedicated UV LED technology varnish. The inks demonstrate all the capabilities of conventional UV flexo inks when cured under suitable UV LED curing systems.  

A further highlight of the stand is Sun Chemical’s demonstration of SunColorBox, which addresses the multiple issues associated with color management. SunColorBox offers a set of tools and services – from site assessments and full color audits to matching and validating colors to hosting digital libraries of spot colors – that enables consistent, accurate digital color communication and provides color data connectivity across the entire packaging supply chain. 

Also present on the stand is the company’s SunJet range, which is the company’s digital inkjet brand. Working globally with OEM partners, system integrators and print head manufacturers, SunJet provides enhanced inkjet chemistry solutions, including high opacity whites, for a broad range of label and narrow web applications.

Under the SunJet brand, Sun Chemical is showing its UV, e-beam and aqueous technology through its Etijet range, as well as its “Amplio” digital effects range, which comprises primers, effects varnishes, gloss varnishes, foiling varnishes, lamination varnishes and adhesives for digital effects. Demonstrating its understanding and expertise of food safety regulations, SunJet is also presenting its line of migration-compliant inkjet solutions for printing onto the non-contact side of primary and secondary food packaging applications.

Finally, Sun Chemical is presenting its range of SunInspire specialty inks and coatings for label applications, which add an extra dimension and look and feel to label applications.