Sun Chemical to Highlight Full Range of Flexo Solutions at INFO FLEX 2013

Flexible package printers who are looking for new ways to help their customers’ products stand out on the store shelves will be introduced to a full range of solutions from Sun Chemical during INFO*FLEX 2013.

At booth 225, Sun Chemical will showcase inks for high-speed printing, digital plate technology which provides sharper images than standard plates, plates designed to reduce waste and coatings that engage the senses.

“Our customers want solutions that both meet the high speed requirements of their press equipment and satisfy their customers’ requirements with packaging graphics that pop and grab attention,” said Tony Renzi, vice president, product management, liquid inks, North American Inks, Sun Chemical. “Sun Chemical offers a wide range of solutions for the flexo market that take converters from concept to shelf to meet their individual printing requirements. From scented coatings and oxygen-barrier technology to high-speed inks and the latest in plate technology, Sun Chemical is working for our customers by bringing solutions to each of the key challenges the industry is facing today.”

Developed for high-speed, wide web flexo presses of bread bags and frozen food packaging, Sun Chemical’s SunSpectro Sunsharp solvent-based inks are high gloss, resistant to water, fats and oils, and formulated for low odor and low viscosity for enhanced color strength.

Alternatively, developed for flexographic printing on polyethylene film, SunSpectro Sunsharp HR solvent-based inks provide moderate heat resistance of up to 350°, maintain excellent gloss, and are suitable for use with conventional and high-performance printing plates. Its clean printing and water resistance make it an ideal choice for printing on items such as plastic bags, shampoo bottles and milk containers.

During the show on Monday, April 29 at 2:55 p.m. in the INFO*FLEX theater, Jim Felsberg, a field marketing manager at Sun Chemical, will discuss the advantages of the SunSpectro Sunsharp inks and discuss techniques converters can use to avoid defects in high-speed printing.

Sun Chemical will also highlight SunVisto Hydroking PHS water-based inks. Formulated to match GCMI X color standards, SunVisto Hydroking PHS water-based inks are PH stable with excellent coverage and mileage. The low-VOC inks meet the requirements of the Coalition of Northeastern Governors (CONEG) and provide consistent viscosity with excellent press stability.

Narrow web, tag and label and corrugated printers at the show will be introduced to SunGraphics high definition flexographic plate technology, with Esko HD software and CDI high resolution imaging. Converters that utilize the HD printing plates can print with an image quality of up to 4,000 PPI resulting in expanded tonal range and wider color gamut to produce sharper more vibrant images and colors.

Printers will also see the new Flat-Top Dot technology that prints with 30-60 percent less impression sensitivity compared to standard digital plates which allows for longer, cleaner, more consistent runs from beginning to end.

Flexographic printers looking to integrate sustainable practices into their workflow can also consider SunGraphics SunLite In-Position Plates. Shown to reduce a printer’s carbon footprint, these alternatives to conventional mounted plates are produced using up to 50% less photopolymer – eliminating solvents, VOCs and PVC materials. Printers using the SunLite plates can take advantage of accurate color-to-color registration and improved safety in handling and durability due to a 70% lower weight than conventional plates.

On April 28 at 4 p.m., Bob O’Boyle, a coating products manager at Sun Chemical, will speak on the “Emerging Trends Panel.” One of the key trends he will discuss includes oxygen barrier coatings.

Sun Chemical’s SunBar Oxygen Barrier Coatings are designed to enable lightweighting of packaging by removing the metal foil and one layer of adhesive from packaging, as well as offering improved laminate flexibility. A smooth, homogenous, pinhole-free layer, SunBar is easily overprinted with inks and can be laminated to a variety of secondary films. SunBar is cost-effective, recyclable, biodegradable and press-ready, allowing for lighter-weight packaging, a reduced carbon footprint, and easy application with few changes to current equipment

At 2:55 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30, Bob Lorenz, vice president of business development at Sun Chemical, will give a presentation titled “Engaging the Senses” in the INFO*FLEX theater. The presentation will show firsthand how Sun Chemical’s specialty effects inks and coatings can engage the senses. From metallic, glow-in-the-dark, fluorescent or photochromic inks to tactile, velvet feel and soft feel coatings that invite the touch of fingers, these sensory inks and pigments can make products seem more than a typical item on the shelf.

In partnership with ScentSational Technologies, Sun Chemical can also help brand owners interact with consumers using the sense of smell through SunScent water-based coatings. Available in stock or custom aromas, SunScent coatings, can be used for all types of print and can be applied as a spot coating and done in-line. Sun Chemical scent marketing experts can help brand owners and package printers develop a unique fragrance for their brand.

Sun Chemical’s Bob Mullen, the FTA INFO*FLEX 2013 Forum chair, will be conducting the kickoff “Welcome Session” at 12:15 p.m. on Sunday, April 28.