Petroleum-based inks are one that’s been around and used for many years, praised because it does dry fast, and also is not super inexpensive,, and also is easy for you to use. But the problem is the crude oil in this is not renewable, is flammable, and toxic, and it does emit different compounds that are volatile, and it can be a problem when you look at the sustainability. Here are some of the top eco-friendly alternatives out there.
UV and electron-Beam Inks
UVC inks along with election beam curable inks are good because they do work differently than the normal petroleum-based inks. This is basically set, polymerized, which is initiated via the activity of the electrons and the way that it gets energized through the UV anergy. While there are no volatile compounds, this can be an expensive process.
There is also the fact that this does cause radiation exposure, so you need some protection, and they are hard to really recycle, but there is now cleaner and more complex kinds of equipment that can make it easier for more long-term uses.
Water Based
This has become a super popular one, since the water-based ones are simple to use. They are great for super smooth images and tones and make for excellent color reproduction.
They arne’t UV and water resistant, so they’re only good for indoor products.
They also are more durable to UV exposure and water, which means that they get bigger, and they settle. They can last up to a few months before they start to fade, but if you protect this with another layer before it fades, it can protect against sunlight and UV exposure.
The water based inks also use co-solvents in order to speed this up, and also to utilize less heat, offering sustainable option for printing.
Algae
Algae has become something that a lot of companies have used as an alternative, since it creates colorants where ethe first one was commercialized.
It has a carbon footprint that's actually negative, and also is bio-based, which means that the exposure to this when it comes to UV rays is definitely pretty safe.
This is something that can be synthesized across all sorts of the color spectrum, including orange, green, yellow, red, and blue. This is something thats offering a more sustainable and beneficial ways for you to use inks within this industry.
Latex
Latex is one of the top developments of this type of product, since it offers high-quality and odorless types of prints. Basically, you’re getting inks that are resistant to water and scratching, and they cost a lot less compared to the other inks that are suitable. They also emit a lot less volatile compounds, so you don’t have to worry about purifying the air.
Latex is the primary component, so it will be non-toxic and simple to use. It’s also good for the outdoor products, and this also allows for you to get white ink products, and this also is good for those who need products that are priced reasonably.
Soy and Veggie Inks
This is another bioavailable type of ink. The drawbacks to this is that it takes a lot more time to dry. There is also the problem that this can be way more pensive tan inks that are petroleum based.
This is something that also may have a small amount of petroleum and you also need to follow certain regulations.
The vegetable inks are becoming more popular, and the process is pretty straightforward, with less hazards, so it’s something that more and more companies are opting to use.
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