Sun Chemical Enables Full Color Printing on High-Temperature Food Packaging Applications with AquaHeat Technology
Sun Chemical today announced the launch of the AquaHeat platform, a new generation of food-safe, bio-based printing inks. The new inks enable full-color printing for high-temperature food applications, unlocking commercial baking and food-service packaging opportunities previously not possible, while supporting sustainability, productivity, and regulatory confidence.
Formulated with food-safe ingredients, the AquaHeat range of inks has been tested at temperatures of up to 220° C, making them an ideal choice for applications such as bread, pastries or ready meals that are baked in their final packaging. All components, including pigments, have been carefully selected for their suitability for high temperatures and safe migration levels for near-food applications. The inks support the production of materials that comply with all relevant EU regulations.
While prioritizing safety, AquaHeat delivers robust performance for high-speed printing. The inks are printable like standard water-based inks using rotogravure or flexographic processes, allowing them to integrate seamlessly into existing production environments.
AquaHeat inks offer vibrant results across a wide range of substrates, including paper, board and film. The range includes 10 base inks, offering a larger color gamut than previously available on the market. Sun Chemical also provides innovative tools for designers, such as The GamutViewer software and SunDigiGuide books, which help predict and illustrate achievable colors, reducing the need for reworks and accelerating product launches.
The AquaHeat ink range is engineered for optimal sustainability and enhanced protection. The inks are made with up-to 60% bio-renewable content, receiving the “2024 Sustainable Innovation Award” from the British Coatings Federation. They can be combined with Sun Chemical’s recommended non-self-supported liquid functional coatings with optional heat-sealing capabilities for a turnkey solution that enables recyclable paper and board packaging in applications reaching up to traditional oven temperatures.
Eric Dejean, Product Director, Product Manager, Water-based Products, Europe, Sun Chemical, comments,
“Brand owners and food packaging manufacturers have long sought to design unique packaging that can carry processed food products through their entire lifecycle while maintaining safety and visual appeal. At Sun Chemical, we are dedicated to supporting them with value-led solutions that enhance brands, improve efficiency, mitigate risk and boost sustainability. AquaHeat exemplifies our commitment to delivering transformative innovations that address market challenges and help our customers “Experience.Transformation.”
To learn more about the AquaHeat range, contact the Sun Chemical team.