Sun Chemical has secured RecyClass certification for its solvent-based nitrocellulose (NC) alternative solutions for flexible packaging. The certification covers the company’s NC-alternative ink systems for flexographic and gravure printing and RecyClass-certified lamination adhesives designed for polyethylene (PE) flexible packaging recycling streams.
According to the company, it is the first supplier to provide a complete system combining NC-alternative inks with certified lamination adhesives and is among the first to receive RecyClass certification for solvent-based NC-alternative inks.
The development comes as European packaging regulations and industry initiatives continue to place greater emphasis on packaging recyclability. RecyClass provides design-for-recycling guidelines, recyclability testing protocols and certification schemes for plastic packaging.
Sun Chemical said its polyurethane-based SunUno SoliCycle ink range was developed as an alternative to nitrocellulose-based inks, which have attracted increased scrutiny because NC content can affect the recyclability and value of recycled plastics. The ink range is intended for both surface and lamination printing and is available as ready-made inks and modular systems.
The company also stated that its RecyClass-certified SunLam adhesive portfolio is compatible with PE flexible packaging recycling streams, including coloured PE structures.
Romain Cleret, Product Director, Flexible Packaging, Sun Chemical EMEA, said: “We are proud to be among the first in Europe to achieve RecyClass certification for versatile solvent-based NC alternative inks and to provide a range of certified solutions for printers of flexible packaging. This system enables our customers to move forward with greater confidence as the industry transitions toward more recyclable packaging systems.”
The certification applies to flexible packaging applications across flexographic and gravure printing processes.