How vegetable based inks improve sustainability for printing companies
When considering broader way to make print marketing more sustainable vegetable based inks can seem like a small change but they can make a meaningful difference. They’re made using oils from renewable plant sources and they offer print companies are more responsible option without compromising on print quality. In fact, vegetable based inks often improve the clarity of colours whilst also being easy to work with when print is being recycled.
For printing companies the use of vegetable based inks can lead to clean working environments, better waste management and stronger alignment with the things customers care about.
What are vegetable based inks?
Vegetable based inks are made using oils from plant sources rather than oil. The plant oils can include soy ink, linseed and rapeseed. Traditional print inks reply on petrol based oils which are not only non renewable and release higher levels of volatile organic compounds into the air both during printing and drying processes.
They should perform just as well, and often better than conventional print inks. They usually produce more vibrant colours mainly because the oils used a naturally clearer.
The environmental benefits of switching to vegetable based inks
Reduced carbon footprints
Printing companies that switch will instantly reduce their carbon footprint. The cultivation of vegetable oil crops should result in much lower greenhouse gas emissions. Plus, plants absorb carbon dioxide during their growth which can be partially offset by the carbon released during the ink and print production.
Biodegredability and non-toxicity
Vegetable based inks are inherently less toxic. Working in environments using traditional inks adds health risks to works due to the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are released into the air. Their improved biodegradability means printed materials can decompose over time to reduce landfill and risk of water contamination.
Materials from renewable sources
By their nature, plant based oils are renewable. They are from plants that can be replanted season after season. Fossil fuels are limited and require intensive extraction. Plus, by using vegetable inks the print industry is supporting agriculture as a whole and contributing to wider regenerative resource management.
Commercial benefits to switching to vegetable based inks
Healthier working environments
The lower VOC levels will result in improved air quality around printing equipment. This creates a safer and more welcoming working environment for staff and helps improve health and safety standards.
High quality print
The quality of printed materials will remain high, with many jobs producing more vibrant colours. Switching is a key way to offer sustainable practices without compromising on print quality.
Improved waste management
Paper that’s printed with vegetable based inks are easier to de-ink and therefore easier to recycle.
Strong sustainability credentials
Switching demonstrates genuine investment in greener business practices rather than just superficial claims.
Inkwell Printing
Did you know that sustainability is one of our core values? We’re committed to eco-friendly print practices – so for every tonne of paper bought we capture 0.56kg of carbon with the Woodland Trust and plant 14 Square meters of new woodland.
With us you don’t have to choose between quality results and your care for the planet, we allow brands to stand out and remain conscious of their footprint at the same time.