Water-Based vs Solvent Inks
Ink chemistry decides recyclability, worker health and print aesthetic. Here's what matters.
The ink type used on your packaging affects sustainability, worker health, aesthetic and recyclability. Water-based, soy-based and solvent-based each have places.
Water-based inks
No VOCs, safer for workers, better for compostable packaging. Muted color on kraft. Standard for eco-friendly packaging and kraft bags.
Soy-based inks
Renewable soy oil replaces petroleum. Similar performance to conventional inks. Common on FSC-labeled products.
Solvent-based inks
Higher color saturation, faster drying, better on non-porous stocks. Higher VOCs.
UV-cured inks
Instant cure under UV light. Excellent color and abrasion resistance. Standard for high-end offset printing on printed paper bags and rigid boxes.
Our default
Water-based for eco lines, UV-cured for luxury. See sustainability. Contact us.
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Send us your size, quantity and artwork and we'll come back with a costed quotation, printed proof options and a delivery date — usually the same working day.