The Environmental Impact of Ink in Printing

In the world of sustainable printing, every detail matters—including the ink we use for our paper goods. At Earth Greetings, we are committed to minimising our environmental impact, which is why we now print all of our products with VOC-free inks.

 

But what exactly does VOC-free ink mean? Is it vegetable based ink, and why is it important for sustainability and compostability? Let’s take a closer look.

 

What Are VOCs and Why Do They Matter?

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that easily become vapors or gases. Traditional petroleum-based printing inks contain VOCs, which are released into the air during the drying process. These compounds contribute to air pollution and can have harmful effects on both the environment and human health - especially for those who work in the printing industry. VOCs are known to contribute to smog formation and indoor air pollution, potentially leading to respiratory issues and other health concerns.

 

VOC-Free Ink vs. Vegetable-Based Ink

While vegetable-based inks are often seen as a more eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based inks, they may still emit VOCs, usually from the solvents used in their formulation. Vegetable-based inks are derived from renewable sources like soy or linseed oil, making them a better option than traditional inks. However, VOC-free inks go a step further by eliminating these harmful emissions entirely, making them the best choice for both air quality and compostability. By opting for VOC-free inks, we ensure that our printed products are completely non-toxic and can safely break down in natural environments without any lingering pollutants.

 

What’s in Offset Printing Ink?

Offset printing is used when we print larger quantities (usually over 1000 sheets of paper) as it is more efficient than digital printing. Offset ink consists of several key ingredients that work together to create vibrant, long-lasting prints. These include:

• Carriers (Oils): The base of the ink, often made from petroleum, soy, linseed, or other plant-based oils, helps spread the pigment evenly.

• Pigments: These provide color and are typically derived from organic or inorganic compounds.

• Resins: Act as a binding agent to adhere the pigment to the printed surface.

• Solvents: Used to adjust viscosity and drying time; in traditional inks, these often contain VOCs.

• Additives: Include waxes for rub resistance, driers to speed up curing, and stabilizers to maintain ink consistency.

VOC-free inks replace petroleum-based carriers and solvents with more sustainable alternatives, ensuring a cleaner, healthier printing process with minimal environmental impact.

 

The Environmental Benefits of VOC-Free Ink

By choosing VOC-free inks, we significantly reduce our carbon footprint and eliminate the release of harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. Here’s how:

• Improved Air Quality: VOC-free inks do not release toxic fumes, making them safer for printers, consumers, and the planet.

• Healthier Work Environment: Traditional printing inks expose workers to harmful emissions, while VOC-free inks create a cleaner and safer workspace.

• Lower Carbon Emissions: VOCs contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, so eliminating them helps reduce our impact on climate change.

• Safer for Waterways: VOC-free inks are less toxic, reducing the risk of contamination when disposed of or recycled.

 

Compostability: A Natural End-of-Life Solution

One of the biggest benefits of VOC-free ink is that it makes printed products safer for composting. Because these inks do not contain heavy metals or petroleum-based chemicals, they break down more naturally in composting conditions.

Here’s why VOC-free printed materials can be composted:

• Non-Toxic Decomposition: Since VOC-free inks don’t contain harmful solvents, they decompose without releasing toxins into the soil.

• Microbial Breakdown: Composting relies on microorganisms to break down organic materials. VOC-free inks do not inhibit microbial activity, allowing natural decomposition to occur efficiently.

• Soil-Friendly: The absence of petroleum-based compounds means no harmful residues are left behind, making the compost safe for gardens and agriculture.

 

The Future of Eco-Friendly Printing

At Earth Greetings, we believe that every choice we make can contribute to a more sustainable future. By using VOC-free inks, we ensure that our products are not only safer for the environment but also fully compostable at the end of their life. This means our greeting cards, wrapping paper and stationery can return to the earth without harm, closing the loop in a truly sustainable way.

By choosing VOC-free printed materials, you’re not just reducing waste—you’re supporting cleaner air and a healthier planet.