Sun Chemical innovates to meet newest curing trends

The demand for faster print speeds and higher quality labels has necessitated significant innovation from ink suppliers. The newest solutions must perform under a wide range of curing conditions to ensure quality. Plus, these inks must satisfy numerous applications. Therefore, converters are seeking consistent, high-quality products across both LED and conventional UV curing systems.

To learn more about the newest ink trends and Sun Chemical’s innovation in this critical area, L&NW sat down with Derrick Hemmings, Product Manager, Screen, Energy Curable Flexo, LED North America, Sun Chemical.

L&NW: How has the trend of UV LED curing impacted Sun Chemical’s ink R&D?

DH: The shift to UV LED curing has been a major focus for Sun Chemical’s ink innovation efforts. Our R&D teams are developing advanced ink systems that support low energy curing while delivering the performance converters expect.

Sun Chemical has prioritized inks that:

• Deliver consistent, high-quality results across both LED and conventional UV curing systems.
• Enable converters to transition seamlessly to LED technology without disrupting production workflows.
• Perform reliably across a broad range of substrates, including non-absorbent materials such as films and plastics.

This direction reflects the industry’s move toward greater efficiency while giving converters the flexibility to adopt new curing technologies without disrupting workflow. It also helps customers meet current performance demands while preparing for future operational needs.

L&NW: What are the newest Sun Chemical products that meet these demands from converters?

DH: Sun Chemical continues to expand its portfolio with solutions that improve performance, meet compliance, and adapt to the evolving needs of modern pressrooms. For example, SunWave® Advance II UV LED LM is a high-performance UV LED-curable offset ink system designed for low-migration applications, including food packaging and sensitive uses such as in-mold labeling. SunWave® Lumina US is a UV LED-curable offset ink series for commercial printing and non-food packaging, offering strong performance on high-speed presses, reduced misting, and compatibility with the latest curing technologies. SolarFlex™ UV Flexo PolyCorr is a UV flexo ink series formulated for corrugated plastic substrates, delivering strong adhesion, durability, and dependable performance in demanding packaging applications.

Together, these solutions reflect our commitment to delivering application-specific innovation across packaging and commercial printing.

L&NW: How does the versatility of these ink products separate them from other solutions on the market?

DH: Our ink technologies are designed for versatility, giving converters greater flexibility and efficiency across a wide range of applications.

Several key differentiators set these solutions apart. First, dual-curing capability: SunWave® Advance II performs consistently on both LED and conventional UV systems, making it easier to integrate into mixed press environments.

Second, broad substrate compatibility: this ink system performs well across a wide range of materials, including board, paperboard, film, and plastic substrates.

Third, cross-market flexibility: these solutions support both packaging and commercial print applications. Together, these advantages help converters reduce complexity, streamline operations, maximize press productivity, and lower total cost to print while maintaining excellent print quality.

L&NW: How do Sun Chemical’s newest innovations also meet demand for sustainability?

DH: Sustainability is a key driver of innovation at Sun Chemical, shaping how we develop new UV LED technologies. Our latest UV LED ink technologies support more sustainable printing practices in several important ways. For example, SunWave® Lumina US supports energy efficiency through compatibility with LED curing systems, which can reduce energy consumption compared with traditional curing technologies. It is also formulated as a low-hazard UV-curable ink with no VOCs, supporting improved workplace safety and environmental performance.

In addition, some formulations help enable recyclable packaging. For example, SolarFlex™ PolyCorr supports the use of recyclable corrugated plastic packaging as an alternative to wax-coated containers.

By integrating sustainability into product design, Sun Chemical helps customers advance their environmental goals without compromising performance.

L&NW: What should converters know about using these inks in low-migration settings, and how can they benefit?

DH: For converters working in sensitive packaging applications, especially food packaging, Sun Chemical offers solutions designed to support low-migration requirements.

SunWave® Advance II UV LED LM inks are:

• Developed for low migration applications in regulated packaging environments.
• Ideal for non-absorbent substrates and specialized uses such as in-mold labels.
• Compatible with both UV and LED curing systems, providing operational flexibility. 

These inks help converters achieve:

• High-quality print performance on demanding substrates.
• Greater confidence in applications where migration performance is critical.
• Improved production efficiency through flexible curing capabilities.

L&NW: What can we expect from Sun Chemical in the future?

DH: Sun Chemical remains committed to investing in R&D to advance technologies that help converters succeed in a rapidly evolving market. Based on current innovation priorities, customers can expect continued focus on:

• Advanced UV LED technologies that further optimize energy efficiency and performance.
• Application-driven solutions tailored to the specific needs of packaging and commercial print markets.
• Sustainable product development, including innovations that support recyclability and lower environmental impact.
• Flexible, future-ready systems that enable smooth transitions across printing technologies.

By combining deep technical expertise with a strong commitment to partnership, Sun Chemical will continue to deliver solutions that help converters improve efficiency, enhance quality, and prepare for the future of printing.