The regulatory environment affecting inks and varnishes is becoming increasingly stringent. Various global and regional regulations are emerging, aimed at minimising the environmental impact of these products. Compliance with these regulations is mandatory, but leading companies go beyond mere compliance. They proactively address concerns over harmful substances, ensuring that their products are safe for both the environment and human health, especially in a circular economy. In addition, new extended producer responsibility legislation for packaging is advancing around the world, which will mean that commitments to producing more sustainable packaging designs are no longer voluntary or optional but required by law.

Achieving sustainability progress requires collaboration across packaging market value chains. Partnerships among brand owners, converters, and raw material suppliers drive the most effective sustainability initiatives. Stakeholder companies promote the use of bio-renewable and recycle-friendly materials, to reduce global CO₂ emissions and advance the circular economy.

A significant new challenge in the industry is that traditional workhorse materials may not be adapted to the conditions and demands of material recovery processes. For example, nitrocellulose, while being bio-derived and offering excellent properties for pigment dispersion and printing, poses challenges in recycling processes due to its thermal instability. Development and application of alternative chemistries and resin systems in inks and coatings is underway to overcome these property limitations.

Substitution with alternative chemistries, such as polyurethane, polyvinyl butyral, polyamide, and polyester, both with existing commercial systems and with newly designed formulations, is crucial for enhancing the recyclability of printed products and reducing environmental impact. The overarching concept is to move away from materials that may hinder recycling and material recovery efforts and adopting those that enable and enhance sustainable end-of-life practices.

Practical applications demonstrate the tangible benefits of these sustainability initiatives. One of the critical advancements in sustainable inks is the shift from fossil fuel-based raw materials to bio-renewable alternatives. For instance, water-based inks containing plant-derived materials significantly reduce CO₂ emissions—by 33% or more compared to standard inks—without compromising performance. Such innovations underscore the potential of bio-renewable content in mitigating environmental impact.

Similarly, high bio-renewable content solvent-based inks designed for printing on biodegradable films offer excellent adhesion and non-blocking properties while enhancing biodegradability and compostability. Plant-based offset inks provide exceptional results for folding carton applications, reducing mineral oil usage and allowing eco-labelling.

Overprint varnishes also play a crucial role in enhancing the durability and aesthetic appeal of printed materials, while also promoting sustainability. Innovative varnish solutions contribute to sustainability in several ways. By performing as robust protective layers they can facilitate replacement of non-recyclable laminated films, thereby improving recyclability, reducing packaging weight, and thus reducing CO₂ emissions associated with shipping (while also reducing transportation costs).

Sun Chemical, one of the leaders in the ink and varnish industry, plays an important role in developing all these key sustainability approaches. The company is committed to integrating sustainability into every aspect of its operations, products, and collaborations. Sun Chemical’s innovative products, such as the SunVisto AquaGreen water-based inks and the high bio-renewable content solvent-based inks, exemplify the shift toward more sustainable materials. The company's developments in varnish solutions, such as SunBar barrier coatings and adhesives, also contribute significantly to the industry's sustainability goals.

And by conducting thorough substance risk assessments, migration modelling, and bioassays, Sun Chemical ensures that its products meet and even exceed the highest safety and compliance standards, even as regulations continuously evolve.

By prioritising sustainability, reducing potentially harmful substances, and fostering industry-wide collaboration, Sun Chemical is not only meeting the demands of today but also paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future.

For more information visit: https://www.sunchemical.com/sustainability/.