When we talk about sustainable packaging, we often focus on materials—biodegradable films, recyclable cartons, or compostable pouches. But there’s an equally important element hiding in plain sight: the ink.
Inks are not just colors on a label. They influence recyclability, food safety, and even regulatory compliance. As more brands move toward eco-conscious packaging, the spotlight is now turning to water-based pigment inks—a technology quickly gaining ground for its environmental, functional, and commercial benefits.
In this article, we’ll explore why water-based pigment inks are being hailed as the future of sustainable packaging, how they compare to traditional inks, and why packaging converters and brands should care.
What Are Water-Based Pigment Inks?
Water-based pigment inks use water as the primary solvent instead of petroleum-based solvents or reactive chemicals. They contain color pigments suspended in water and stabilizers, and are known for their excellent durability and colorfastness.
Unlike dye-based inks that soak into the substrate, pigment inks sit on the surface, making them more resistant to light, moisture, and chemicals—ideal for packaging that needs to last through shipping, shelving, and handling.
Switching to water-based inks
Why Sustainability Leaders Are Switching to Water-Based Inks:
1. Low Environmental Impact
Solvent and UV inks release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) during curing or drying, which contribute to air pollution and pose health risks in production environments. Water-based inks drastically reduce VOC emissions and eliminate the need for UV curing systems that consume high energy.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), water-based inks can reduce VOC emissions by up to 90% compared to solvent-based inks.
2. Safe for Food and Pharma Applications
In industries like food, beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, ink safety is critical. Water-based pigment inks are often formulated to comply with Nestlé and Swiss Ordinance packaging standards, making them ideal for indirect food contact and primary packaging in regulated industries.
Brands looking to meet FDA, EU, or REACH regulations are increasingly turning to compliant water-based solutions that align with health and safety expectations.
3. Better for Recyclability
Traditional inks can contaminate recyclable packaging, especially when they contain heavy metals or solvent residues. Water-based pigment inks contain no hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and are designed to minimize ink migration, making them far more compatible with paper, board, and film recycling streams.
As Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations continue to gain momentum globally, using inks that don’t compromise recyclability is becoming essential.
Performance of inks matters
Since production performance is very important, one important question remains: Do water-based inks hold up?
The biggest concern with water-based inks used to be print quality and durability—especially on non-porous surfaces. But those days are long gone.
Thanks to advancements in printhead technology and ink chemistry, modern water-based pigment inks deliver:
High-resolution print quality (up to 1600 x 1600 dpi)
Excellent rub and water resistance
Fade-resistant colors suitable for retail packaging
Compatibility with various substrates, including flexible films and synthetic materials
Leading digital presses like the ArrowJet Aqua 330R and ArrowJet Bolt now feature water-based pigment ink systems that meet the rigorous demands of short-run label and flexible packaging production—without compromising on performance.
Comparison of sorts of inks
CONVERPACK Group has compiled the various types of inks and their impact in a comparative information sheet. This sheet can be requested below free of charge and without obligation.