As brands seek to reduce the environmental impact of their product packaging, eco-friendly inks like soy-based inks present an excellent opportunity. But what exactly are soy-based inks, and why should we choose them?
Petroleum has traditionally been a key material for producing conventional printing inks. However, shortages and price spikes in the late 1970s illustrated the need for more reliable raw materials. After testing over 2,000 vegetable oils, the stability of soybean oil made it the best petroleum alternative.
Compared to petroleum-based inks, soy-based inks reduce volatile organic compounds and improve health, safety, and environmental issues in printing. Trade associations have set standards for minimum soybean oil content, such as 10% in heatset web offset inks, 20% in sheetfed offset inks, 40% in flexographic inks, and 55% in news inks.
source: KIMTRUE且初
The advantages of soy-based inks are clear:
Vibrant Colors and Saturation - Soy-based inks produce sharper, brighter images than traditional inks. Soybean oil's transparency and vivid colors also enable a wide range of colorful packaging printing.
Eco-Friendly - Soy-based inks contain just 0.8% VOCs versus 4.6% in petroleum-based inks, meaning they have less impact on air quality. Plus, soybeans' quick growth cycle and biodegradability minimize environmental strain.
Recyclability - All papers and boxes go through a deinking process for recycling. Research shows soy-based inks are easier to deink than conventional inks, with less fiber damage. Waste soy-based ink residues also readily biodegrade for easier wastewater treatment.
With excellent stability, vibrant colors, and eco-friendliness, soy-based inks are already immensely popular in packaging. Their domestic and global market share continues to expand as brands make the sustainable switch. Soy-based inks are already here – and they're here to stay. As environmental awareness grows worldwide, more companies will turn to plant-based inks like soy to reduce their carbon footprint. Soy-based inks have cemented their status as the present and future of eco-friendly printing and packaging.
0 comments