Eco-Friendly Inks
The print industry initiatives also extend to the inks used when printing various products. As the printing industry makes continuous enhancements, so does the ink used to print. The general use of traditional inks usually translates to VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) being emitted which can pose as a hazard to print works and can work as a pollutant to the ozone. The printing industry has developed various kinds of eco-friendly inks that include soy-based inks and UV inks
Soy-Based Ink
Soy ink is derived from soybeans in comparison to petroleum-based ink which is more environmentally damaging than soy ink. Although it takes longer drying time than other inks, it contains an accurate colour range. Soy ink is also highly recyclable, as the first step in recycling paper is to remove any printed ink. According to a research conducted by Western Michigan University, paper printed with soy-based ink contains a faster dirt removal rate during the de-inking process. Due to this ink enhancement, various industries have adopted the use of soy-based inks.
Eco-Solvent Ink
Similar to soy-based ink, eco-solvent ink contains low VOC content. It is a form of non-water-based ink made from ether extracts from refined mineral oil. They also provide several benefits for consumers seeking a sustainable solution. Though it contains a slow drying time and requires multiple heaters in the printer, it is water-resistant and does not contain any harmful solvents.
