Sun Chemical has received RecyClass certification for solvent-based solutions that serve as an alternative to nitrocellulose (NC) in flexible packaging. Sun Chemical is the first provider of a recycling-compatible system that combines NC-free printing inks with certified laminating adhesives.
RecyClass promotes the circularity of plastic packaging through science-based design-for-recycling guidelines, recyclability testing protocols, and certification systems.
Nitrocellulose-based printing inks face criticism because NC content can negatively impact recyclability and the value of recycled plastics. To address this challenge, Sun Chemical developed NC-free technologies for flexo and gravure printing: the polyurethane-based SunUno™ SoliCycle™ ink series. According to the manufacturer, this ink series is a versatile solution suitable for surface and reverse (laminate) printing; it is available both as a ready-to-use ink and as a modular system comprising concentrates and technology varnishes.
Additionally, as part of its SunLam® portfolio, Sun Chemical offers RecyClass-certified laminating adhesives that are suitable for flexible PE packaging recycling streams and compatible with colored PE. By combining NC-alternative inks with RecyClass-certified SunLam adhesives, Sun Chemical offers converters a comprehensive, single-source solution.
Romain Cleret, Product Director Flexible Packaging at Sun Chemical EMEA, comments: “We are proud to be among the first in Europe to receive RecyClass certification for versatile, solvent-based, and NC-alternative printing inks, and to offer flexible packaging manufacturers a range of certified solutions. This system provides our customers with greater confidence as the industry shifts toward more recyclable packaging systems. We will maintain this momentum in developing solutions for our customers as the market evolves.”
Sun Chemical
Sun Chemical, a member of the DIC Group, is a leading producer of packaging and graphic solutions, color and display technologies, functional products, electronic materials, and products for the automotive and healthcare industries. Sun Chemical works with DIC to develop sustainable solutions, and the DIC Group companies—with a global workforce of over 21,000—support a wide range of global customers.
