Sun Chemical has collaborated with HP Indigo for many years, and this fruitful partnership has resulted in an exciting new product: the SunEvo Protect LEP HD range of varnishes. The SunEvo Protect LEP HD range of protective varnishes work by interlinking different layers, including primer, ink and varnish, on the printed film to form a single stack.

In essence, this set of varnishes promotes effective cross-linking throughout the ink and into the primer, helping to anchor and consolidate the different layers beyond pure adhesion as they interlink. This offers higher mechanical resistance and overall protection to wear.

This highly durable varnish solution offers a simple processing alternative with a suite of UV varnishes that most label converters are equipped to manage at their companies without additional capital expenses

“SunEvo Protect LEP HD are specially indicated for applications where labels need to withstand harsh conditions, particularly in the durable label space where labels are often exposed to high mechanical stress, water, heat or chemicals,” explains Marcos Valdezate, Global Business Development Manager for SunEvo Coatings for Digital, Sun Chemical. “Previously, the common workaround was to physically laminate labels by adding a film barrier onto the printed label to offer extra protection. However, this process required an extra step and additional cost.”

This new product line addresses a number of printing challenges. The required performance and resistance of SunEvo Protect LEP HD go beyond that of a standard varnish. “We began the process by choosing a base material with good wetting characteristics over HP Indigo inks across the most popular label substrates, including polypropylene (PP) white, PP clear and metalized substrates, which would not alter the visual characteristics and offer a good lay over the ink,” notes Valdezate. “Our team screened different materials to ensure a solid baseline to build the varnish properties from the ground up. Other materials were then incorporated to provide the required resistance and durability.”

Sun Chemical has conducted numerous field trials with the HP Indigo community across the globe, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

According to Valdezate, the goal of this process was to provide consistent performance and ease of use on the shop floor. Ultimately, the final product needs to be press-ready and allow converters to avoid using different additives on the press side. “The Sun Chemical team did a great job of accomplishing this while keeping the curing budget in check, which is another example of the innovation being done on a daily basis as a result of extensive research and development,” he adds.

Sun Chemical has prioritized product development that addresses all the latest industry trends. This range of initiatives has supported label growth in regards to sustainability, technology leadership, chemistry and compliance through performance, and digital printing, among others. This new range is also ideally suited for several key market segments.

“In particular, SunEvo Protect LEP HD varnishes are well suited for the beverage market, personal care and household chemicals where labels are exposed to harsh conditions and the use of a standard UV varnish offers limited protection,” says Valdezate. “These high durability varnish solutions provide performance above and beyond to what label converters are accustomed. To fully take advantage of the product, converters should apply these varnishes to both existing jobs and new business to facilitate new revenue streams and increase return on investment.”