Amcor’s folding carton business, a division of Amcor Group GmbH, has launched a new printing technology called Sunshine. The patent-pending technology consists of an in-line application of a bright silver coating over an ultraviolet (UV) or electron-beam (EB) primer. According to the manufacturer, the process delivers a highly reflective metallic effect, unlimited design possibilities, and faster speed to market for a range of folding carton applications. The breakthrough technology also simplifies the supply chain, improves packing line performance versus laminated boards, and provides significant environmental benefits.
 
Amcor says that Sunshine offers a wide range of cost-effective design options and can serve as an alternative to existing multi-process technologies such as metallized board and hot foil stamping. The in-line process is completed on a single press and removes various stages in the supply chain—therefore reducing lead times and eliminating extra transportation costs associated with conventional metallization methods. The brilliantly reflective effect is achieved using a three-layer structure consisting of paperboard (layer 1), an energy-cured lacquer (layer 2), and a specially developed metallic coating (layer 3). Sunshine also boasts environmental benefits.