Graphic and packaging printing: more sustainability thanks to plant-based ink

Ricoh unveils its first vegetable-based ink for graphic and packaging printing. The new product is designed to help brand and printer manufacturers reduce their environmental impact. The plant-based ink is a successor to oil-based ink and was developed by Ricoh in collaboration with Olbrich, a German-based equipment manufacturer, for the decorative printing sector. The focus was on high abrasion resistance and improved settling behavior on brown and white corrugated board as well as on cardboard.

Advantages of the new ink

The environmentally friendly vegetable oil-based ink has properties that are key factors in graphic and packaging printing. For example, the ink is fast-drying, so no heat is required to fix or dry the ink. The oil penetrates pore-rich materials and keeps the pigment close to the surface. This process eliminates the need for drying, thus reducing energy consumption, according to Ricoh. In addition, no monomers are used in the production of this ink. As a result, the ink is odorless and food-grade. Last but not least, the ink is biodegradable and contains no biocides to increase durability. Water is used as the solvent.

Sustainability: Big topic in graphic and packaging printing

The ink also has advantages for the printing machines: The print heads are easier to clean when using plant-based ink and clog less frequently because they are open longer. This increases their reliability, performance and service life. The low ink consumption ensures that the same optical density is achieved with 50 percent less ink. Graham Kennedy, Director Industrial Printing, Graphic Communications at Ricoh Europe, explains, "Brands and printers are increasingly focused on reducing their environmental impact and adopting sustainable practices wherever possible. Our new plant-based ink will drive changes in sustainability strategy without compromising print quality."

More information: www.ricoh-europe.com