In the last part, The Role of Inkjet & the Importance of Water-Based Inks in Corrugated Box Packaging (click here to read), we explored how aqueous packaging ink combined with inkjet technology transforms the world of corrugated box printing.
Building on that foundation, this article will examine key factors shaping the future of customized packaging and highlight how advanced aqueous ink solutions are designed to meet these evolving needs without compromising on quality or compliance.
Corrugated Box & Its Applications
There are typically two main applications of corrugated box printing based on the material type.
- Porous Material Corrugated Boxes
Porous surface corrugated boxes are used especially for applications involving plain text and simple graphic printing, such as barcode, material information, company logos, etc. Due to their fast-drying properties and low viscosity, water-based inks are becoming popular among printers using porous corrugated material for basic packaging and logistics applications.
- Semi-Porous Material Corrugated Boxes
The semi-porous surface enables more intricate designs and detailed graphics, offering enhanced print quality compared to fully porous substrates. As a result, this type of printing is ideal for high-end packaging, retail displays, and other applications that demand more advanced and visually appealing print outcomes.
Semi-porous material’s corrugated boxes allow the use of a broader range of ink types, such as Solvent Inks, UV/LED/EB Curable Inks, or oil-based inks, depending on the printing process.
However, with this arises several safety concerns that need to be considered while printing using these inks. Thus, the evolution of high-viscosity water-based inks, suitable to offer similar performance with very less safety concerns, is on the rise and gaining the trust of businesses.
Corrugated Box Printing Safety Concerns & How Water-Based Inks Help
Let’s take a look at the Safety concerns of corrugated box printing and how they are limited by using water-based pigment inks.
-
Product Manufacturing & Handling Issues
On corrugated boxes, potential risks are posed by the inks themselves during the printing process or through their lifecycle, particularly related to the environment and worker safety.
Many traditional inks, especially solvent-based ones, release VOCs into the air during printing and drying. VOCs contribute to air pollution (smog) and can be harmful to human health (respiratory issues, headaches, etc.) in the workplace, especially when it comes to human touch.
Water-based pigment inks dramatically reduce migration risk due to their fundamental composition. These inks contain significantly lower VOCs and are generally considered safer for the environment and human health. They are widely used for corrugated printing.
-
Migration Of Packaging Inks
Ink migration is a major concern when it comes to food, pharmaceutical, and other sensitive packaging applications, as per the BIS – IS 15495:2020 Guidelines. It occurs when ink components transfer from the packaging surface to the product, posing contamination risks. Ink coverage is another critical factor, as a higher printed surface area can increase the likelihood of migration.
Aqueous ink offers several key features that help minimize migration in corrugated box printing. Its fast drying time and strong adhesion to the substrate’s surface ensure that the ink sets quickly, reducing the chances of smudging or unintended transfer.
-
Recyclable Packaging Ink Solutions
Corrugated boxes are highly recyclable and are considered one of the most successfully recycled packaging materials globally, as they are made from wood fibers, which are a renewable resource.
While highly recyclable, traditional inks and varnishes used on paper and cardboard products can significantly impact their recyclability, primarily by interfering with the de-inking process, making it harder to produce high-quality recycled paper.
Water-based pigment inks are a significant advancement in making printed corrugated boxes even more recyclable and environmentally friendly. These inks are generally formulated to be more easily separated from the paper fibers during de-inking, leading to cleaner, higher-quality recycled pulp.
Many water-based pigment inks are formulated without heavy metals or other harmful solvent residues, and are often designed to comply with stringent food safety standards (like Nestlé and Swiss Ordinance packaging standards), making them ideal for indirect food contact and primary packaging.
In Conclusion
Water-based pigment inks are revolutionizing corrugated box printing, making it both greener and more efficient. These inks boost recyclability by easily de-inking, drastically cutting VOC emissions, and meeting food safety standards. They deliver vibrant prints and strong adhesion, all while enabling high-speed production.
At Splashjet, we’re contributing to this vital industry shift. With over 15 years of expertise, we specialize in application-specific water-based ink chemistry, including our renowned “Corrugated Box Dye Ink Porous” and “Corrugated Box Pigment Ink.” We’re dedicated to high-purity ingredients, consistent jetting, and superior adhesion, collaborating closely with OEMs to drive innovation. We’re not just keeping pace; we’re actively shaping the future of sustainable, high-performance ink solutions for corrugated packaging.
