Sun Chemical set to launch flexible UV flexo bases

Sun Chemical will launch SolarVerse, a new range of UV flexo base concentrates, at Labelexpo in Belgium next month.

The range will include a range of standard and resistant pigments that cover a broad colour range. The technology is intended to increase ink system flexibility and to be easily dispensed through a standard UV flexo dispenser.

The SolarVerse concentrates can be blended with a number of specific varnishes in order to produce different types of finished inks suited to applications such as UV LED or food packaging, allowing multiple inks to come from a single dispense.

Sun Chemical product manager Mark Walkling said: “While there are UV flexo concentrates used in certain locations and independent manufacturers of UV flexo concentrates, we believe SolarVerse uniquely has the flow and viscosity characteristics across the whole range to be dispensed in a standard UV flexo dispenser for a wide range of applications, from self-adhesive labels through to highly sensitive food packaging.

“Its USP is its versatility. SolarVerse concentrates are suitable for applications that require low migration when combined with the correct technology varnish, but they are also cost-effective enough to be used with technology varnishes for applications that don’t require compliance. All this with a rheology to be dispensed on a standard UV flexo dispenser.

“SolarVerse is a cost-effective way of producing a wide variety of inks, whether for the highest specification food packaging application or for a low strength, non-resistant ink for a non-food application.”

Base concentrates and technology varnishes for the creation of SolarFlex Integra, SolarFlex FSP and SolarFlex Endure inks are now available. Technology varnishes to make SolarWave FSP are set for release in Q4 2019.

Sun Chemical will also introduce its new SolarFlex Zero ink technology for low odour and migration on food-compliant labels at the show. SolarVerse technology varnishes to create the ink will be available in early 2020.

Labelexpo Europe runs over 24-27 September at the Brussels Expo in Belgium. The US-based manufacturer will on stand E45 in hall 5.