Flexible Packaging
Addressing the trend for more sustainable and safe solvent-based solutions
S
olvent-based inks comprise pigments, binders and performance additives suspended in a solvent solution. Due to their excellent adhesion to non-porous substrates such as plastics and foils, they are commonly used for fl exible packaging, currently holding 80% market share within this space. Additionally, sustainability and safety are key customer demands shaping the market. As a result, there is an increased requirement for solvent-based inks that are both sustainable and meet health and safety requirements. This article explores these trends as well as the solvent-based solutions available to address such demands, including initiatives by Sun Chemical. Within the packaging industry, there are several emerging trends and regulations in the realm of sustainable ink development. Sun Chemical is deeply engaged in new developments, actively taking part in national and European initiatives to gain a comprehensive understanding of evolving regulations and the impact of both new and existing ink series. Embracing the principles of the circular economy, Sun Chemical is a proud member of CEFLEX (Circular Economy for Flexible Packaging), which is a comprehensive, cross- industry initiative that advances plastic packaging recyclability while promoting the traceability of plastic waste and recycled plastic content in Europe, and RecyClass, which also publishes recyclability guidelines under the auspices of Plastic Recyclers Europe. Sun Chemical is also actively involved with APR (Association of Plastic Recyclers) in the USA, which sets the recyclability standards for the North American market. As a result, Sun Chemical creates packaging printing solutions that follow regional industry guidelines and adhere to circular economy principles, with a focus on recyclability. Solvent-based inks have become a preferred choice for a range of fl exible packaging
solution for gravure or fl exo printing applications. As the industry continues to prioritise innovation and environmental responsibility, products like SunStrato Duratort are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of fl exible packaging. SunStrato Duratort inks are suitable for fl exo and gravure lamination, with high temperature stability to meet even the most demanding sterilisation conditions, as well as off ering exceptional bond strengths, and low solvent retention. A new line of versatile polyurethane concentrates/bases allows inks to be prepared on-site covering the full range of packaging applications with both lamination and surface printing. The on-demand ink preparation off ers multiple sustainability benefi ts, including minimisation of waste and inventory. The high temperature performance provides benefi ts in recycling.
applications due to their versatility, durability, printing effi ciency and print quality. Sustainability also remains a key driving force, with printers facing increased demand to enhance the sustainability credentials of solvent-based solutions, specifi cally focusing on elimination of PVC and PFAS (perfl uoroalkyl substances) for many years, and more recently also on limiting nitrocellulose. Many solvent-based inks contain PVC and nitrocellulose, both of which can be problematic in recycling. Nitrocellulose can break down at high temperatures during plastic fi lm recycling if there is no de-inking beforehand. Additionally, PVC can also produce environmentally unfriendly byproducts during production and disposal. The fl exible packaging market is undergoing
a signifi cant transformation, driven largely by material recovery, circularity, and sustainability goals. Solutions such as Sun Chemical’s SunStrato Duratort, with its PVC and nitrocellulose-free formulation, emerges as a noteworthy player in this space, off ering a sustainable and compliant
Sun Chemical’s integration in adhesive manufacturing together with our barrier material capabilities allows formulation of unique oxygen barrier adhesive products, available in solvent- based or solvent-free solutions. The Paslim adhesive products can help to improve oxygen barrier of an existing packaging structure, or to transition to a simpler, lighter-weight and more sustainable structure through removal of one or more fi lm layers. In conclusion, there is a clear demand for solvent- based ink solutions that meet sustainability and safety requirements. Sun Chemical is addressing this trend with innovative technologies including its SunStrato Duratort ink family. This PVC and nitrocellulose-free solution refl ects a commitment to high-performance printing, health, safety, and environmental responsibility.
Attributed to Piero Brambilla, Product Director, Global Laminating Adhesives & Cold-Seals, EMEA/LAR Functional Coatings, Sun Chemical, and Romain Cleret, Product Director, Flexible Packaging EMEA, Sun Chemical
26
May 2024
www.convertermag.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46
