Sun Chemical expands Nitrocellulose-free ink portfolio to support circular flexible packaging

USA – Sun Chemical has launched an expanded portfolio of nitrocellulose-free (NC-free) inks designed for flexible packaging applications, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability, recyclability, and regulatory compliance across global packaging value chains.

The new inks target converters, retailers, and consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies seeking alternatives to traditional solvent-based formulations.

The move addresses long-standing challenges associated with nitrocellulose, which can cause odour, discoloration, and contamination during high-temperature plastic recycling processes.

As countries tighten recycling requirements and adopt stricter Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules, demand for NC-free solutions has accelerated, particularly for polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) flexible packaging.

Sun Chemical’s new offering spans flexo and gravure applications and includes purpose-built product lines such as SunSpectro SolvaCycle for surface printing and SunStrato DuraCycle, Duratort, and Duralam for lamination.

The SunUno SoliCycle system supports both surface and lamination needs, providing converters with a flexible, modular transition away from conventional NC/PU inks.

The formulations are designed to meet packaging design guidelines from RecyClass and CEFLEX and support compliance with eco-modulated EPR fees, recyclability standards, and plastic tax obligations.

Their polyurethane-based modular system helps mitigate raw material supply risks while preserving print quality, color strength, bond performance, and resistance attributes required by food, household, frozen goods, confectionery, bakery, and horticultural packaging sectors.

Mehran Yazdani, president of packaging and advanced materials at Sun Chemical, said the expanded portfolio gives customers “a clear pathway to sustainable growth.”

He added, “By mitigating supply risks, enabling efficiencies, and supporting end-of-life recyclability targets, we’re giving our customers the solutions they need to meet evolving brand, retailer, and regulatory demands, without compromise on quality or safety.”

The NC-free expansion builds on Sun Chemical’s broader sustainability strategy and recent cross-industry collaborations.

In late 2025, the company worked with Onlineprinters to commercialize SunLit ProPace, a vegetable-oil-based sheetfed process ink platform for publication printing and non-food packaging.

The formulation, developed through joint testing and technical consultation, has now been rolled out across Onlineprinters’ German operations.

That partnership mirrors similar efforts across the print and packaging sector, with manufacturers repositioning portfolios toward low-VOC, bio-based, and recyclable-compatible inks.

As flexible packaging recycling systems evolve and regulatory pressure intensifies in 2026, NC-free ink systems are expected to gain wider adoption, particularly among brand owners committed to circular packaging targets.

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