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Water-based inks: a sustainable alternative to solvents

With its low ink and solvent usage, the water-based ink printing technology is recognized as one of the most economical and the most feasible for the flexible packaging industry, as it reduces Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) emissions at source.

In 2020, the site of BOBST in Changzhou, China, developed this technology. In collaboration with Printing and Printing Equipment Industries Association of China (PEIAC), it focused strongly
on continuously improving the process and quality of water-based ink printing.

This technology is now available for the new RS 3.0 PLUS BOBST gravure printing press, with which alcohol consumption can be reduced to less than 30% compared with traditional solvent-based inks.

PEIAC recognized the contribution and commitment of BOBST to sustainability on 4 December 2020, by awarding the Chinese site as “Demonstration Center for Source Replacement Technology Application Demonstration and Training Base”.

This is the first time ever that a Chinese national association has awarded such a distinction to a company. This recognition provides the printing industry with a new platform for the research, development, promotion, application and training in alternative technologies to VOCs. It also opens the door to joint research into greener solutions, that will allow the entire industry to reap the benefits of more sustainable printing methods.

 

Bobst Mex SA, Switzerland