The Benefits of Water-Based Ink
Common plastic-based inks and new water-based inks are not created equal. Though most plastic-based inks are easier to use for mass production, there are benefits to using water-based inks that are hard to ignore. Over time, water-based ink has become easier to use, very easy to clean up, and more affordable than it was in the past.
Due to water-based ink’s potential benefit to the environment, more companies are switching over from plastisol ink. In fact, after seeing some of these benefits firsthand, companies are starting to prefer using water-based ink instead of the industry-standard plastisol ink.
Water-Based Ink is Environmentally-Friendly
Despite the fact that popular plastisol ink brands are mostly phthalate-free now, water-based ink was and still is more environmentally safe. Due to recent efforts to slow or even undo some of the harm brought on by climate change and pollution, many companies are choosing to use water-based ink being that it does not contain any PVC resin or plasticizer. Unlike plastisol ink, water-based ink also contains absolutely no aromatic hydrocarbons or harsh chemical compounds that further deplete the ozone layer. There is a safer choice, guaranteed.
Additionally, water-based ink not only provides high-quality designs, but it is also safer for the individual printing said designs. This type of ink does not produce any harmful chemical fumes that pose a danger to people breathing nearby.
Because plastic-based inks are used in mass production of clothing, there are quite a lot of dangerous chemical compounds that are released into the environment by factories that handle apparel printing. Even with safety measures being considered and followed, plastic-based inks still negatively impact the ecosystems nearby. To add to the impact, plastisol ink takes many decades to decompose in landfills where the water base is far less!
Safety First
It’s important to note that water-based inks are not perfect. They are most certainly a more environmentally-friendly choice when compared with plastic-based ink, but some considerations have to be made.
It’s crucial to improve the relative safety of water-based ink by implementing proper procedures when it comes to processing, using, storing, and disposing of the product. While this ink type is safer in general, it’s up to users and factories to be responsible with the way they use their inks. Improper storage, use, or disposal can result in environmental damage. However, companies that are willing to take proper precautions are doing their part when it comes to water-based ink, being that proper disposal reduces pollution and eco harm.
