Sun Chemical Introduces AquaHeat Technology for Full-Color Printing on High-Temperature Food Packaging

Sun Chemical has announced the launch of AquaHeat, a next-generation platform of food-safe, bio-based printing inks. Designed for high-temperature food applications, the new inks enable full-color printing on packaging used in commercial baking and food-service environments—opening opportunities that were previously not feasible. At the same time, the platform enhances sustainability, operational efficiency, and regulatory assurance.

Developed using food-safe ingredients, AquaHeat inks are engineered to withstand temperatures of up to 220°C, making them well-suited for products such as bread, pastries, and ready meals baked directly in their packaging. All components, including pigments, are carefully selected to ensure stability at high temperatures and safe migration levels for near-food applications. The inks also support compliance with all relevant EU regulations.

In addition to safety, AquaHeat delivers strong performance in high-speed production settings. The inks can be applied using standard rotogravure and flexographic printing processes, enabling seamless integration into existing manufacturing operations without the need for significant modifications.

The AquaHeat range produces vibrant, high-quality results across various substrates, including paper, board, and film. It includes 10 base inks, offering an expanded color gamut compared to traditional solutions. Sun Chemical also supports designers with advanced tools such as GamutViewer software and SunDigiGuide books, which help visualize achievable colors, reduce rework, and accelerate time-to-market.

From a sustainability standpoint, AquaHeat is formulated with up to 60% bio-renewable content and was recognized with the 2024 Sustainable Innovation Award by the British Coatings Federation. The inks can be paired with Sun Chemical’s recommended liquid functional coatings—featuring optional heat-sealing properties—to deliver a comprehensive, recyclable packaging solution suitable for applications exposed to conventional oven temperatures.

Eric Dejean, Product Director, Product Manager, Water-based Products, Europe, Sun Chemical, comments, “Brand owners and food packaging manufacturers have long sought to design unique packaging that can carry processed food products through their entire lifecycle while maintaining safety and visual appeal. At Sun Chemical, we are dedicated to supporting them with value-led solutions that enhance brands, improve efficiency, mitigate risk and boost sustainability. AquaHeat exemplifies our commitment to delivering transformative innovations that address market challenges and help our customers “Experience.Transformation.”

Source: sunchemical.com