Sun Chemical enhances direct food contact portfolio with launch of SunPak DFC inPace and new AquaSafe colour range

Sun Chemical is expanding in direct food contact (DFC) packaging with the launch of SunPak DFC inPace, an advanced sheetfed offset ink system for folding carton applications.

Manufactured at its Badalona Centre of Excellence for food packaging, DFC inks and coatings benefit from dedicated DFC production capabilities that ensure consistent quality, strong regulatory compliance, and reliable supply across EMEA.

As Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) regulations drive demand for more sustainable packaging, SunPak DFC inPace helps packaging manufacturers and brand owners reduce plastic use, improve recyclability, and create engaging consumer experiences without compromising performance.

Powered by Sun Chemical's proprietary Pace Technology, SunPak DFC inPace and DFC coatings deliver:

• Direct food contact compliance.

• Elimination of plastic laminates and inserts.

• Simplified recyclable packaging designs.

• High bio based carbon content verified through Carbon-14 testing.

• Reduced material usage and production steps.

• Potential EPR fee reductions.

• Enhanced internal package printing for stronger consumer engagement.

The company has also expanded its AquaSafe water based DFC ink portfolio with nine new base colors, delivering a broader colour gamut, improved vibrancy, and greater colour accuracy. Designed for direct food contact applications, AquaSafe inks are compatible with paper, paperboard, flexible films, and aluminium foil, enabling brands to replace plastic barriers with more sustainable packaging solutions while maintaining food safety and performance.

Both SunPak DFC inPace and AquaSafe now feature an extended colour gamut, including a newly developed food compliant green pigment. The enhanced palette delivers greater design freedom, stronger colour impact, and improved print performance for both exterior and interior package graphics. To accelerate colour development, Sun Chemical integrated GamutViewer into SunColorBox, enabling brand owners and packaging manufacturers to verify coloir achievability before production. This reduces rework, minimises waste, and improves manufacturing efficiency.

Nicolas Betin, director of product strategy EMEA aand global sustainability business leader, said: ‘Packaging producers and brand owners are looking to simplify packaging, improve recyclability, and enhance consumer engagement. With SunPak DFC inPace and the expanded AquaSafe portfolio, we are providing solutions for both offset and flexographic applications that help customers achieve sustainability, compliance, operational efficiency, and creative freedom.’