Sun Chemical develops film overwrap to customise standard packs

The ink giant’s packaging division, based in Rochdale, has teamed up with gravure firm Keatings Specialist Cylinders to develop the system, in which film is printed and embossed and can then be wrapped around standard packs. Innovia has provided the film for the development process.

Sun Chemical is now looking for designers, brands or converters to trial the film, which it believes can add value to standard packs.

Barry Ferne, business development manager, said that the embossing technique would give packaging buyers and producers the opportunity to give stand-out to packs without the need for a full redesign.

“With the embossing effect, it really does complement the package. The ink can include taggants, tactile effects or any number of other characteristics,” he said.

He added that patterns printed onto the overwrap would not necessarily need to be in register with the pack beneath, although that was a possibility.

The system is based on a unique engraving technique developed by Keatings in which deep engraving can be achieved but with a shallow gradient. Special ink has also been developed by Sun Chemical, although traditional presses can be used to produce the film.

The project to the develop the embossed film kicked off initially around 18 months ago, but was put on hold when Keating Group went into administration in January. However, it was picked up again when Keatings Specialist Cylinders began trading again.

- Sun Chemical is demonstrating its SunCure Advantage packaging inks at press manufacturer Komori’s showroom in Leeds this week. The demonstration is part of Komori’s annual Workshop event.

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