Why Soy Ink is a sustainable choice?
Soy ink is a plant-based printing ink made from soybean oil. It is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional petroleum inks.
Let’s explore what makes it a sustainable choice and why it’s becoming popular in printing.
Traditional Inks
Most traditional printing inks are petroleum-based. Petro-based ink, made from fossil fuels, depends on non-renewable resources.
When used for printing, it releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. According to EPA.GOV, these chemicals can contribute to smog and hurt indoor air quality.
Besides pollution, petroleum ink has other downsides:
It isn’t biodegradable.
Removing it during recycling is difficult.
The process is energy-intensive, making recycling less efficient.
Soy ink is a cleaner alternative. Made from soybean oil, it uses renewable resources and produces fewer VOCs. Soy ink is also easier to remove when recycling, which helps create better-quality recycled paper.
Soy Ink VS Petroleum Ink
Petroleum-based inks have been the standard for printing, but soy ink is a greener option. To help you see the difference, I’ve put together a simple table that compares both inks.
<a table comparing soy ink and petroleum ink>
Soy-Based Ink
Soy ink was created in the 1970s to address high oil prices and the pollution from traditional inks. In the 1980s, the National Newspaper Association (NNA) tested soy ink for newspaper printing. These successful trials led to soy ink’s wider adoption (NNA.org).
As technology advanced, soy ink improved. Colour quality and stability increased, making it suitable for different types of printing. Today, it’s widely used in packaging, newspapers, and specialty printing for its eco-friendly benefits.
How Is Soy-based Ink Manufactured?
The production of soy ink begins with extracting soybean oil. First, soybeans are harvested, cleaned, and crushed to release the oil, which is then refined to remove impurities. In most soy inks, this oil makes up around 20% to 30% of the final product.
Once refined, the soybean oil is mixed with pigments for color, resins that help the ink adhere to surfaces, and waxes to create a smooth flow. These ingredients are carefully blended to produce a stable, vibrant ink suited for printing.
Soy Ink: A Natural Fit for a Greener Future
Lower VOC emissions
VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are chemicals that evaporate into the air and can harm health. According to the Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Institute, switching from petroleum-based to soy-based inks can reduce VOC emissions by about 16.6%. This reduction is particularly noted in heat-set inks, which traditionally have higher VOC content due to their formulation and drying processes
Easy-Recycling
When recycling paper, the ink must be removed in a de-inking process. Soy ink comes off paper more easily than petroleum-based inks, creating cleaner recycled pulp and higher-quality recycled paper.
More Biodegradable
Soybean oil is its main ingredient. It is plant-based and breaks down naturally over time. In contrast, petroleum inks can linger in the environment, affecting soil and water quality.
With its low emissions, recyclability, and biodegradability, soy ink is a more sustainable choice for printing.
Soy Ink: A Clearer, Brighter Choice for Printing
The Brighter Color
Soy ink offers a brighter and more vibrant colour than petroleum-based ink. This difference comes from the base material: naturally light soybean oil, while petroleum oil is darker. This lighter base allows colours printed with soy ink to appear cleaner and more vivid.
Clearer Results
In addition to its brightness, soy ink produces clearer results. Text and images are sharper, improving readability and overall design. This clarity is especially valuable for printed materials where detail matters, like magazines or packaging.
Stability and Consistency
Soy ink is also stable and consistent. It spreads evenly on surfaces and holds its color over time, reducing issues like smudging or fading. This dependable quality makes soy ink ideal for professional printing.
Compatibility with Different Printing Methods
Soy ink is versatile and works with a variety of printing methods. Whether used in offset, screen, or digital printing, soy ink performs well across different surfaces, from paper to packaging materials.
With its bright colours, clear prints, stable performance, and compatibility with multiple techniques, soy ink is a strong choice for high-quality printing.
Is Soy Ink More Expensive?
Yes.
Soy ink costs more upfront than traditional petroleum-based inks. Typically, soy ink is about 5-10% more expensive.
However, there are savings in the long run:
Less Ink Needed
Less Ink NeededSoy ink is more vibrant, so less ink is required to achieve bright colours.
Reduced Waste Cost
Soy ink is easier to recycle, which cuts down on waste during de-inking.
In the long term, soy ink can save 20% to 30% in ink costs compared to petroleum-based inks.
What Materials Work with Soy Ink?
Soy ink is versatile and works well on many materials. It’s commonly used on labels, cartons, and other types of packaging, giving vibrant color and a professional look to product branding.
Beyond packaging, soy ink is widely used in newspapers, magazines, and books. Its sharp, clear print quality makes it ideal for publications where readability and image clarity are key.
New uses for soy ink are also emerging in digital printing and specialty products. For example, eco-conscious businesses are now using soy ink for printing business cards, brochures, and even art prints.
With its wide compatibility, soy ink provides an eco-friendly option across many types of printed materials.
Sustainability with WITPAX
At WITPAX, we are committed to sustainable packaging solutions. We use soy-based ink for printing, which is environmentally friendly and safe. Our materials are FSC-certified, ensuring they come from responsibly managed forests.
Our focus on sustainability is evident in every step of our process. By choosing WITPAX, you align your brand with eco-friendly principles, building a responsible brand image.
We guide you through each step, ensuring your packaging reflects your commitment to the environment.