Choosing Between Inks Depends On Multiple Factors The mix of soy oil with petroleum oil would impact the level of VOCs emitted. It is also important to note that seeing a soy-based ink label does not necessarily mean that the carrier is 100% soy. Depending on the type of ink and its intended use, an ink’s oil content must be a minimum of 6% up to 40% soy to qualify for the Soy Seal logo. ![]() Print shops that have transitioned to soy or water-based inks typically report much better air quality and working conditions for their employees. Most cases, when soy or water-based inks dry, they emit very few (sometimes zero) VOCs. These new inks featuredĬarriers that were plant or water-based, though the additives and pigments largely remained the same. Petroleum-based inks also require print shops to use harsh cleaners on their printing plates and equipment, increasing the amount of VOCs emitted.Ī combination of oil shortages and the EPA's Clean Air Act of 1970 led the printing industry to transition many historically solvent-based inks to vegetable/soy or water-based inks. In the 1970s, most inks had petroleum-based carriers and were referred to as "solvent-based inks." When solvent dries, it releases volatile organic compounds in the air, which leads to poor air quality and adverse health effects for print workers. Pigments account for 10-20%, and additives account for 5-15%. Carriers account for 70-80% of a bucket of ink. Inks contain a few different components: pigments (what gives the ink its color), additives (that improve performance, drying time, resistance to smudging, etc), and carriers (the vehicle that transfers the ink onto the substrate that then dries off, leaving only the pigment and additive behind). Learn more about Algae Ink.īut we have come a long way since the 1970s. If you're printing in black, we strongly encourage you to ask for Algae Ink to keep you on the cutting edge of sustainable ink technology. The truth is that there is no ink available today that is 100% free of non-renewable resources or chemicals. Algae Ink (available with a water-based and soy-based carrier) comes the closest. ![]() I believe what people are asking is: Are your inks eco-friendly? ![]() Or Are your inks vegetable-based? or Are your inks water-based? We often get the question: Are your inks soy-based? What is the Most Sustainable Ink? | What Inks are Eco-Friendly
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