Sun Chemical introduces AquaHeat, a bio-based ink range for high-temperature food packaging that remains stable and food-safe at temperatures up to 220°C.
Sun Chemical has announced the launch of its AquaHeat platform, a range of water-based inks developed specifically for high-temperature food packaging. This technology allows for full-colour printing on materials used for bread, pastries, and ready meals that are cooked or baked within their primary packaging, a requirement that has previously limited design and branding options due to heat-sensitivity and migration risks.
The AquaHeat range is formulated using food-safe ingredients and has undergone testing at temperatures up to 220°C. Every component, including the pigments, has been selected to ensure stability and safe migration levels, ensuring the finished packaging complies with relevant EU food safety regulations. These inks are compatible with standard rotogravure and flexographic printing processes, allowing manufacturers to integrate the technology into existing production lines without significant mechanical adjustment.
Sustainability is a central feature of the new platform, with the inks containing up to 60% bio-renewable content. This environmental profile earned the range the 2024 Sustainable Innovation Award from the British Coatings Federation. When paired with Sun Chemical’s liquid functional coatings, the system provides a turnkey solution that supports the transition to recyclable paper and board packaging, even for products destined for conventional ovens.
The series includes ten base inks, offering a broader colour gamut than has typically been available for high-heat applications. To support the design process and reduce the need for physical reworks, Sun Chemical provides digital tools such as GamutViewer software and SunDigiGuide books. these resources enable designers to accurately predict achievable colours across various substrates, including paper, board, and film, thereby accelerating the product launch cycle.
Eric Dejean, Product Manager for Water-based Products at Sun Chemical Europe, said, “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. AquaHeat exemplifies our commitment to delivering transformative innovations that address market challenges and help our customers experience transformation.”
By combining high-speed printing performance with robust heat resistance, the AquaHeat platform provides a functional and aesthetic upgrade for the food-service and commercial baking sectors, supporting the industry’s move towards more sustainable and visually distinctive packaging formats.