The ever-improving performance of eco-friendly alternative ink is making waves in the printing and packaging world. Covering water-based and biodegradable inks and UV curing methods, Chris Lo finds out how the eco-friendly printing market is gradually turning ink green.
Although packaging inks cover the full vivid spectrum of colour, there is one hue in particular which seems to be growing in importance for the printing and packaging industries: green.
Beyond the simple elimination of heavy metals like lead, cadmium and mercury, which is mandatory in many markets, eco-friendly inks can come in a number of forms. The most common is the reduction or removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a by-product of traditional solvent-based inks, which are a potential hazard for both the environment and human health.
Eco-friendly printing techniques can improve other environmental aspects, however, including biodegradability, improved recyclability and sustainable sourcing of raw materials.
Here, we profile the growing market for eco-friendly inks and check out some of the industry’s most innovative ways to improve ink’s environmental credentials, from biodegradable and soy-derived inks to water-based techniques.
Post time: Jan-09-2026
