What is the Most Sustainable Ink?

It is possible to rank types of ink in terms of general sustainability.

Still, it's important to note that context matters—the substrate, printing method, end-use, and disposal all play roles in determining the overall sustainability of a specific ink.

While this ranking is a general guide, the actual environmental impact may vary depending on the application.

Ranking inks in order of their eco-friendliness:

🟢Algae-Based Ink

Extremely Eco-Friendly: Algae Ink™ is a groundbreaking innovation whose pigment is derived from algae waste cells. The algae-derived pigment in this ink is carbon-negative. It is available in water- and soy-based formulations (so it can be used across flexo and offset printing methods).

In comparison, all other mainstream water and soy-based inks feature pigments derived from non-renewable resources (such as fossil fuels and minerals).

Best for: Eco-friendly packaging and products prioritizing sustainability.

🟢Water-Based Ink

Very Eco-Friendly: Describes inks where water is the primary carrier, significantly reducing VOC emissions. It's versatile and used in a range of printing applications.

Best for: Printing on paper, cardboard, and textiles with an eco-friendly focus.

🟢Soy-Based Ink

Very Eco-Friendly: Describes inks in which soybean oil is the primary carrier. It is typically low in VOCs. It offers vibrant colors and is commonly used in offset printing.

Best for: Paper packaging, newspapers, and print materials.

Note: We consider water-based and soy-based inks broadly equivalent in terms of how eco-friendly they are. Choosing one over the other depends on the printing methodology - flexographic versus offset.

🟡Vegetable-Based Ink (other than Soy)

Somewhat Eco-Friendly: Describes inks whose carriers are derived from non-soy-based plant oils (such as linseed or corn). These inks can sometimes have a higher VOC content than soy-based ink.

Best for: General packaging, newspapers, and prints where an eco-friendly approach is desired.

🟡Water-Based Digital Ink (Aqueous Ink)

Somewhat to Very Eco-Friendly: Describes a specific type of water-based ink used in digital printing. This tends to be the most eco-friendly alternative ink type available when digital printing is required.

Best for: Small runs of packaging, labels, and customized prints.

🟡UV-Curable Ink

Somewhat Eco-Friendly: Describes ink where UV light instantly cures the ink, reducing ink waste. It contains no solvents, eliminating VOC emissions.

UV-curable inks tend to require very high heat and energy, so the carbon footprint of this printing methodology can be less eco-friendly than those listed above.

Best for: High-quality prints on various substrates, including non-porous materials, and durable packaging.

🟡Latex Ink

Somewhat Eco-Friendly: Similar to water-based inks, but contains polymer particles for increased durability. It's relatively low in VOCs.

Best for: Large-format prints, outdoor signage, and applications requiring durability.

🟡Toner (Used in Laser/Digital Printers)

Somewhat Eco-Friendly: Toners are powder-based pigments made from polymers. They have a relatively high energy consumption during production.

One significant benefit is that they contain no VOCs, making them less harmful during use than many other inks.

Best for: High-speed printing on various substrates, such as paper and some flexible packaging.

🔴Solvent-Based Ink

Not Eco-Friendly: Describes ink that uses petroleum-based solvents with high VOC levels, leading to air quality and health concerns for those using these inks in printing.

Solvent inks are inexpensive, durable, and highly adhesive on non-porous materials, making them necessary for specific applications.

Best for: Printing on plastic films, foils, and other non-porous substrates where durability is critical.

Additional Considerations:

• Substrate Compatibility: An ink that is sustainable on paper might not be sustainable when used on plastic.

• Production & End-of-Life: The sourcing of raw materials, the production process, and how the printed material can be disposed of (recycled, composted) all affect sustainability.

• Print Durability & Use Case: More sustainable inks may sometimes compromise on durability or color vibrancy, which may or may not suit the needs of specific applications.

While this list gives a general ranking, the specific environmental impact will vary by context, making it essential to consider all factors when choosing an ink for your project.

When brands ask us if our ink is recyclable, we believe they ask how ink affects the substrate's recyclability.

Most paper packaging and #1, #2, #4, and #5 plastic packaging can print with any type of ink and still be recyclable.

However, making eco-conscious printing ink choices can improve the quality of what the substrate can be recycled back into. More eco-friendly inks are easier for repulpers to "de-ink" or remove during the repulping process. Studies have shown that soy and water-based inks are easier and cleaner to "de-ink" than solvent-based inks.

While no studies have yet been conducted on algae pigments, the fact that our Algae Ink™ is water or soy-based suggests that it should be easier to de-ink than traditional solvent-based inks.

Additionally, toner and UV-curable inks are more challenging to remove when repulping.

In addition to choosing the correct printing ink, we also recommend (1) avoiding flood coats and full coverage designs when possible and (2) avoiding substrate coatings or laminates designed to enhance printability and gloss, but degrade the quality of the recycled material.

When brands ask if our ink is compostable or biodegradable, we believe they ask how ink affects the substrate's compostability. While no inks are biodegradable or compostable, many inks can be printed on packaging without affecting whether or not the package can pass compostability standards. This is not because the ink itself is compostable or biodegradable, but because the contamination it brings to the compost is negligible.

If you are designing your packaging for compostability, we recommend avoiding UV-curable and toner inks and considering Algae Ink™ if possible. Then, conduct compostability certification and testing on your finished package (fully printed and with any adhesives, tape, or labels) to ensure the whole package is compostable.

As composting becomes more common, we believe people must consider the impact of the minor components of their packages, such as inks and adhesives. We are excited about Algae Ink™ because its Algae Black™ pigment (primarily left on the package) is biorenewable, natural, and, therefore, safer for our soils."

Finally, the answer is no for anyone asking if a bucket of ink used in our facility or any other print facility is recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable. Even the most eco-friendly inks must be disposed of responsibly.

At EcoEnclose, we first work to reuse our ink for as many print cycles as possible. Then, when our ink is no longer usable, we work with a Colorado-based hazardous materials service provider who picks up our waste printing ink and disposes of it responsibly so it does not end up being washed down the drain and into our waterways.

The answer is complicated.

The truth is that no ink available today is 100% free of non-renewable resources or chemicals.

Algae Ink™ (available with a water-based and soy-based carrier) comes the closest. 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.

But we have come a long way since the 1970s.

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). Carriers account for 70-80% of a bucket of ink. Pigments account for 10-20%, and additives account for 5-15%.

In the 1970s, most inks had petroleum-based carriers and were called "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. Petroleum-based inks also require print shops to use harsh cleaners on their printing plates and equipment, increasing the amount of VOCs emitted.

A 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. These new inks featured plant- or water-based carriers, but the additives and pigments remained the same.

When soy or water-based inks dry, they often emit very few (sometimes zero) VOCs. Print shops that have transitioned to soy or water-based inks typically report much better air quality and working conditions for their employees.

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. The mix of soy oil with petroleum oil would impact the VOC emission level.

Ink affects packaging recyclability and compostability in different ways:

Recyclability: Recyclability refers to how easily recyclers can remove ink during repulp or melt. Soy and water-based inks are generally easier to remove ("de-ink") than solvent-based ones. However, there are no comprehensive studies yet on de-inking water- and soy-based inks that use algae pigments.

Compostability: Compostability refers to how well the packaging material breaks down with the ink. Most paper-based packages are considered compostable, even though they often use inks with fossil-fuel-derived pigments. This is because inks typically comprise a tiny percentage of the package's weight, and this small amount of contamination is acceptable in composting processes.

Note: As composting becomes more widespread, it's essential to consider the impact of small components like inks and adhesives. Algae Ink™ is promising because its Algae Black™ pigment is biorenewable and natural, making it safer for soil during composting.

Hydro-soy ink is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional petroleum-based inks. It's made with a blend of water (hydro) and soy oil, resulting in lower VOC emissions, which helps reduce environmental impact. This ink suits various printing needs, offers vibrant colors, and provides a more sustainable solution.

See our chart for a comparison of water-based ink, solvent-based ink, and hydro-soy ink.

At EcoEnclose, we utilize various printing methods for our packaging solutions. Our primary printing methods are flexographic and digital printing, which we use across both our post-production processes and high-volume printing operations. Additionally, we incorporate lithographic printing, rotogravure printing, and other techniques based on project size, product type, and scope.

Flexographic printing (or "flexo") is a high-speed rotary printing process that uses flexible relief plates to transfer ink onto various substrates, including paper, plastic, and cardboard. It's similar to using a rubber stamp, where raised surfaces on the plate pick up ink and transfer it to the material.

Flexo is highly versatile and efficient for printing on both porous and non-porous surfaces, making it ideal for large-volume packaging applications.

Offset printing (often referred to as "lithographic printing") is a traditional printing method where images are transferred from a metal plate to a rubber blanket and then onto the substrate. It is widely used for high-quality, detailed prints on flat, rigid surfaces.

Offset printing is mainly known for its vivid color reproduction and is often used for premium packaging, labels, and high-end printed materials.

Rotogravure Printing(or "gravure") is a high-quality, high-speed printing process that uses a cylinder engraved with tiny cells or wells to transfer ink directly onto a substrate, like film, paper, or foil. The engraved wells on the cylinder vary in depth and size, allowing for different amounts of ink to be transferred, which creates smooth, detailed images and solid colors.

It's commonly used for packaging, labels, magazines, and decorative prints, especially when high volumes and consistent quality are required.

Digital printing is a modern, versatile printing process where images are printed directly from digital files (such as PDFs) to the substrate without needing plates. This allows for fast turnaround times, and it's perfect for smaller runs, variable data printing, and highly customized designs.

Digital printing is great for lower volumes or when you need to make frequent changes to your design.

In digital printing, toner and ink serve different purposes based on their composition and application. 

Toner is a powder used in laser printers and digital copiers, fused onto the substrate with heat to create durable, smudge-resistant prints that work well for text-heavy documents and high-volume runs.

In contrast, ink is a liquid or semi-liquid used in inkjet printers and is sprayed onto the substrate to produce vivid colors and gradients, making it ideal for photos, specialty prints, and graphics.

While toner provides sharp contrast and durability, ink offers smooth color reproduction but can be prone to smudging and fading, mainly if not used on appropriate substrates.

The choice between toner an dink depends on print project needs, volume, and desired print quality.

Yes and no—some printing techniques are more sustainable, but it's not a straightforward answer.

The sustainability of a printing method depends on various factors, such as the type of machine, ink compatibility and type, waste generated due to printing accuracy, the plate type and its compatibility with the machinery, and the energy consumption of the printing process. Each of these elements plays a role in determining the overall environmental impact of a particular print method.

You would choose one print method over another for various reasons, including the desired aesthetic, lead time, substrate size, accessibility and compatibility with the substrate, and access to technology.

Other considerations might include cost efficiency for the run size, the level of detail or color fidelity required, drying time and speed of production, durability, and end-use of the printed material, ability to produce variable data or personalization, ink type, and environmental considerations, as well as machine setup time and flexibility for design changes.

Printing plates are tools used in specific printing processes, like flexographic or offset printing, to transfer an image or design onto a substrate (like paper or cardboard). They are essentially molds or templates that contain the design to be printed. Each color in a design typically requires its own plate, and during printing, ink is applied to the plates, which then presses the design onto the material.

You need to buy printing plates because they are customized for your specific design and printing needs. Once a plate is made, it can be reused for future print runs of the same design, making it a necessary upfront investment, especially for larger or recurring print jobs. Plates ensure consistent quality and will be kept on file.

RGB and CMYK color models in printing and design serve different purposes, while Pantone offers a standardized system for consistency.

RGB stands for Red, Green, and Blue and is used primarily for digital content—websites, screens, and other electronic applications. It cannot be used for printing and exists solely for electronic displays. Typical file formats for RGB include JPG, PSD, and PNG.

Conversely, CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black (Key) and is used for printing processes, where four separate plates apply specific amounts of ink to create colors. Compared to Pantone standards, this model can lead to inconsistencies when replicating specific colors (especially vibrant blues, greens, and purples).

Standard CMYK file formats are AI, PDF, and EPS. The two color models also produce visible differences, as what you see on screen in RGB will often look different when printed in CMYK, with RGB colors appearing brighter and more vibrant on screen than their printed counterparts.

Meanwhile, the Pantone Matching System (PMS) provides a universal color language, ensuring precise color consistency across substrates and processes. Pantone colors are pre-mixed inks that produce shades outside the CMYK spectrum, resulting in brighter, more pigmented colors with crisp lines.

Coated (C) and uncoated (U) Pantone colors denote the type of surface being printed on, with coated colors appearing richer and uncoated colors appearing more muted. These codes may not always be directly transferable, as different substrates absorb ink differently so that adjustments may be necessary for an accurate match.

Pantone codes vary across applications, from fabric and textiles (e.g., TCX, TN) to printing (C, U) and graphic design (CP, UP), providing a consistent reference for accurate color reproduction.

Learn more in our Introduction to Printing Guide.

"Digitally printed using CMYK" does not automatically mean the ink isn't eco-friendly. It depends on the type of ink or toner being used.

Some digital CMYK printers use water-based, soy-based, or low-VOC inks, which are considered more sustainable, while others use toners or solvent-based inks, which might have a higher environmental impact.

To be truthful in your labeling, you'll want to specify the type of CMYK inks used and their eco-friendly attributes, if applicable. It's best to accurately confirm the exact type of ink or toner used by your printer to reflect its environmental impact in your deck.

Printing ink is a specially formulated substance that reproduces text and images on various surfaces, such as paper, plastic, or metal. The composition of printing ink varies depending on its intended use (e.g., for books, packaging, textiles) and the printing process (e.g., offset, flexography, digital printing).

Generally, printing ink is made up of several components:

1. Pigments (or Dyes)

Pigments provide color and opacity. They can be made from organic, inorganic, mineral, and innovative waste byproducts. For example, carbon black is commonly used for black ink, while titanium dioxide is used for white ink. Dyes, another type of colorant, dissolve in the medium but are less common in printing inks due to their lower durability.

2. Binders (or Resins)

Binders hold the pigment particles together and adhere them to the printed surface. Typical binders include natural resins (e.g., rosin) or synthetic ones (e.g., acrylics, polyurethanes). The choice of binder impacts the ink's flexibility, adhesion, and gloss.

3. Carriers

Carriers dissolve the binder and make the ink fluid enough to be applied to a surface. After application, the carrier evaporates, allowing the ink to dry. Carriers may be water-based, oil-based, or solvent-based, depending on the ink type. Water- and vegetable-based inks are more environmentally friendly, whereas solvent-based inks have quicker drying times but may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

4. Additives

Additives are used to modify the ink's properties, such as drying time, gloss, viscosity, and resistance to heat or UV light. These include plasticizers, stabilizers, and defoamers, among others.

5. Drying Agents

Drying agents help the ink dry or cure after printing.

Approximate Composition by Weight:

Pigments: 5–30%

Binders: 15–40%

Carrier: 30–70%

Additives: 1–5%

Drying Agents: 1–5%

MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) are documents that provide detailed information on the composition, hazards, handling, storage, and safety precautions for chemicals, including inks. They are required to ensure safe use, prevent accidents, and comply with regulatory standards for workplace safety.

SDS sheets for industrial ink include environmental health and safety (EHS) callouts: "method of disposal," / "health concerns," / "potential hazards," etc., - mainly for the synthetic additives included. This is required by OSHA for manufacturers of inks (and other industrial chemicals or materials) for situations where large volumes of ink are used in industry/production - and when these relatively large amounts (like a bucket) might be at risk of spilling on workers or entering the ecosystem through drains, sinks, or accidental spills.

For example, in our back-of-house printing process, we use 45-gallon buckets of Algae Flexo Ink in our machines at a time - if a bucket accidentally spills outside, our safety manager checks the MSDS to understand how to proceed.

When it comes to industrial inks - algae or other - an SDS that includes these concerns and callouts is not necessarily the mark of environmental friendliness or unfriendliness - the components that can be most easily improved in ink are the carrier and the pigment.

We don't have deep concerns about the potential for a negative impact on human health and the safety of Algae Ink™. Its makeup and SDS are very similar (and, in some cases, better) to other inks we utilize in our printing.

We also don't have deep concerns about the impact of Algae Ink™ on compost quality from packaging - although we still recommend that all of our paper-based products be recycled before composting to boost circularity. This is because the amount of Algae Ink™ by weight on a substrate that's composted is typically very low. Composters tend not to have requirements or concerns about inks impacting their yield unless that ink has metallic elements, so they consider it acceptable.

At EcoEnclose, the type of ink we use depends on the product, order volume, and print machine or method.

Our post-production flexographic printing utilizes various inks, including hydro-soy ink, Algae Ink™, and water-based ink.

For our digital post-production line, we use toners instead of ink. Meanwhile, our high-volume EcoEnterprise lines employ various printing methods and ink types, which vary by project.

Also, what type of ink does EcoEnclose offer for each printing method, and what are the sustainability attributes of EcoEnclose's ink for each printing method?

Post-Production Flexographic Printing on Boxes and Mailers: hydro-soy ink (flint group-boxes/paper), water-based ink (magnum- poly/glassine)

Low to Mid-Quantity Units of Printed Notecards, Stickers, and EcoBands: toner inks

High Quantity Units of Printed Notecards, Stickers, and EcoBands: water-based inks

Tissue Paper: Water-Based Inks

When printing high volumes with EcoEnclose (typically 10,000 or more at a time), we usually print with water-based or soy-based inks, with the ink selection being driven by the print method.

Inquire about printing inks for your order or quote to get specific information on the ink used for your job.

Even the most eco-friendly inks must be disposed of responsibly.

At EcoEnclose, we first work to reuse our ink for as many print cycles as possible. Then, when our ink is no longer usable, we work with a Colorado-based hazardous materials service provider who picks up our waste printing ink and disposes of it responsibly so it does not end up being washed down the drain and into our waterways.

EcoEnclose follows the guidelines of the EPA and OSHA regarding disposing of inks. In larger quantities, such as buckets, ink is disposed of through guidelines from RCRA, whereby our team works directly with waste management companies to properly dispose of ink in these very concentrated, high quantities.

Algae Ink™ is a bio-based and renewable ink that mixes the carbon-negative pigment Algae Black™ into a water-based or vegetable-based carrier.

This pigment sequesters more carbon than is used in its production, trapping it in a stable and inert form for hundreds of years. Every kg of Algae Black™ pigment produced keeps ~3 kgs of petroleum (crude oil) from being used.

Additionally, because the pigment is carbon negative, 1 kilogram of Algae Black™ can remove -4 kilograms of carbon dioxide.

Algae Ink™ has more biorenewable content than any other ink on the market. Offset Algae Ink™ has 83% biorenewable content, and Flexographic Algae Ink™ has 90% biorenewable content.

Soy and water-based describe the ink's "carrier" (the agent that carries pigment onto the printing substrate). The move from solvent carriers to water- and plant-based carriers was great for the environment, but the conventional pigments in these inks are still derived from fossil fuels.

Algae Ink™ is a leap forward in the landscape of sustainable inks, as its pigment (Algae Black™) is biorenewable and derived from algae (algae waste generated by an algae farm from its nutritional supplement production).

In addition to this safe, waste stream pigment, Algae Ink™ utilizes water or plant-based carriers, making it the most renewable ink available today.

Algae Ink™ is currently exclusively available in black. No other colors are available, but we will share updates here as progress is made and new colors are released.

Technically, Algae Black™ pigment can be a replacement whenever carbon black pigment is used.

As of 2024, Algae Black™ pigment is actively used in the ink formulations of Flexographic Algae Ink™, Offset Algae Ink™, and Screen Algae Ink™. Living Ink Technologies has also developed formulations for cosmetics, textiles, footwear, and dyes in plastics.

Unfortunately, inks colored with Algae Black™ are currently unavailable for digital printing applications (toner or inkjet). Please reach out if you have a new idea for how your company wants to use Algae Ink™.

At EcoEnclose, we first work to reuse our ink for as many print cycles as possible. Then, when our ink is no longer usable, we work with a Colorado-based hazardous materials service provider who picks up our waste printing ink and disposes of it responsibly so it does not end up being washed down the drain and into our waterways.

If you are a print shop looking to dispose of your ink, first review the MSDS for the formulations you are using. Then, research to find services or drop-off locations that enable you to dispose of your hazardous materials responsibly. The most crucial step is to ensure this ink waste is not washed by the drain.