Sun Chemical has launched AquaHeat, a newly developed range of food-safe, bio-based inks engineered for high-temperature food packaging applications. Designed to meet the evolving needs of packaging converters and brand owners, the AquaHeat ink range supports full-colour printing across formats such as commercial baking and food-service packaging, including items that are baked directly in their final packaging.
The company confirmed that the inks are formulated using food-safe ingredients and have undergone testing at temperatures reaching up to 220°C. Target applications include packaging for bread, pastries and ready meals, where durability under heat exposure is critical. According to Sun Chemical, all components within the formulation, including pigments, have been selected for their thermal stability and ability to maintain safe migration levels in near-food environments. The company further noted that the inks enable the production of materials aligned with relevant EU regulatory requirements.
Operationally, the AquaHeat ink range integrates into existing production environments without the need for major process adjustments. It is compatible with standard water-based printing technologies, including rotogravure and flexographic methods, and supports high-speed printing operations. The inks can be applied across multiple substrates such as paper, board and film. The portfolio comprises ten base inks, offering a broader colour gamut compared to alternatives currently available. In addition, Sun Chemical provides design support tools, including The GamutViewer software and SunDigiGuide books, aimed at helping users predict achievable colour outputs, reduce rework and accelerate development timelines.
The ink range contains up to 60% bio-renewable content and can be paired with the company’s non-self-supported liquid functional coatings, which include optional heat-sealing capabilities. This system is designed to facilitate recyclable paper and board packaging suitable for conventional oven use. 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 life cycle 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.”