So, you’ve done all you can to source a sustainable packaging supplier that has a no-waste policy and minimises plastic use wherever possible. But did you stop to consider the ink? Of course you didn’t; that would be utter madness. Nevertheless, there’s good news. Did you know vegan ink is a thing? Let’s learn some stuff…

What is vegan ink?

In a nutshell, vegan ink (also known as biodegradable, eco-friendly, sustainable ink) is ink that’s not derived from or does not contain any animal products or volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are carbon compounds released at various stages of production and have nasty greenhouse effects and health implications for those that work around them. For comparison, at this point, it’s good to have a little crash course in what most inks are made of. Inks need colourants, additives and a carrier or medium for other elements within the makeup, which can be water, solvent or oil. Within the coloured history of ink (eh, eh?), this medium has gone from plant-based to petroleum-based, to synthetic and back again. Oil shortages and environmental acts have primarily driven change in the industry.

How is vegan ink used?

This ink still works using the same print process as normal inkjet ink, but it has no VOCs and uses natural dyes instead of pigment and plant-based mediums instead of petroleum or synthetic. The same quality results can also be expected, depending on the printed material.

Is vegan ink sustainable?

The truth is, as with almost any commercially produced product, no ink is 100% free of any non-renewable stuff. Some come closer than others, like algae-based ink, but the biodegradable inks today are vastly better than their non-bio counterparts.

There are a few things to consider concerning ink and sustainability. As well as the process of producing it—ensuring no animal products or harmful chemicals are employed—the recyclability of the end product also comes into play. By this, we mean de-inking, the first step in paper recycling, where ink is separated from the fibres. Different ink manufacturers run lab-based and real-world tests to determine just how well their product de-inks and many results show that vegan inks fare as well as, or better during this process. In general, vegan inks are easier to remove during the recycling process.

In simple terms, petroleum is a non-renewable resource, while vegan or plant-based inks are renewable. And while it’s important to choose eco-frienlt, it’s worth noting that seeing a 100% vegan or soy-based label is no guarantee. To qualify for a Soy Seal logo, for example, an ink’s oil content must be a minimum of 6% up to 40% soy, not 100%.

How can I switch to vegan inks?

It might look like a cucumber, feel like a cucumber, SMELL like a cucumber, but that’s a zucchini. When deciding what’s best for your product, try to take a holistic view rather than one that might feel right but is limiting. As mentioned above, no ink is 100% eco-friendly, but you can make the right choice by asking questions. What printing method is best, and what ink will be used, for example.

Then make sure you know exactly who your suppliers are, what methods and inks they use, and their overall sustainability credentials. And if you’re not sure? We are. Talk to us today about your product packaging.

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