Sun Chemical partners with Onlineprinters to optimise SunLit ProPace ink range

Print Solutions

Sun Chemical has partnered with Onlineprinters in the co-development and optimisation of the SunLit ProPace ink range – the latest vegetable oil based, sheetfed process inks based on the novel Pace technology platform, designed to help printers boost productivity and increase sustainability credentials in commercial publication and non food packaging printing. The SunLit ProPace ink range, now widely used across Onlineprinters’ production site in Germany, was formulated in continuous, close consultation with Online Printers to meet the stringent print quality, runnability, and drying requirements specific to its operations.

Onlineprinters operates in one of the most demanding production environments in the industry, with clients demanding high quality print, at an extremely fast turnaround rate, leaving minimal room for error.  All efficiency gains are important. Sun Chemical listened closely to the needs of the business and developed the new product using dedicated on-site technical support and rapid troubleshooting methods.

Stefan Hagen, divisional manager, offset printing at Onlineprinters, commented: ‘Sun Chemical’s inks meet our stringent production requirements, but more importantly, the company has shown itself to be a responsive and reliable partner. Our collaboration is about much more than the products Sun Chemical is supplying us with, it is about shared problem solving, transparency, and adaptability.’

Stefan added, ‘We value suppliers who understand the realities of our workflow, where hundreds of jobs are processed each day and any inconsistency can have a knock-on effect. Sun Chemical has shown it understands the speed, scale, and complexity of what we do, and they have responded quickly and constructively when issues arise.

‘From addressing misting and rub resistance to ongoing work on colour stability, Sun Chemical has listened to our feedback and actively adapted the inks over time. While some aspects of performance are still being refined, the continuous engagement between the two teams demonstrates a proactive, co-development approach that distinguishes Sun Chemical from other suppliers.

‘There are longer term topics we’re already discussing – including how to handle disposal and material compliance in more sustainable ways,’ said Stefan. ‘We appreciate that Sun Chemical is not just reacting to change, but actively preparing for it.’

This relationship represents a modern supplier-partner dynamic, built not on promises, but on practical, day to day alignment. From technical service to product adaptation, and from joint problem solving to forward looking sustainability efforts, the partnership continues to evolve in line with the market.

‘We see this as a long term collaboration,’ concluded Stefan. ‘Sun Chemical brings not only the product performance we require but also the responsiveness, integrity, and willingness to grow with us that the market demands.’

James Buchanan, product director – sheetfed Systems at Sun Chemical, commented: ‘Our partnership with Onlineprinters exemplifies the kind of customer relationship we strive for – transparent, forward thinking, and grounded in real world performance. From the development of SunLit ProPace to our ongoing technical and sustainability efforts, we are proud to work alongside a partner that challenges us and wants to innovate and grow with us.’