Sustainable Inks and Coatings in Packaging Design

Sustainability in packaging extends to the inks and coatings that finish it. Vegetable-based and water-based inks, plus compostable coatings, reduce environmental impact without sacrificing print quality — completing the eco story that starts with the material.

The Scenario: Three challenges in sustainable inks

Sustainable inks and coatings face three challenges:

Pain Points

• Conventional solvent inks carry VOCs and environmental cost;
• Eco-friendly inks must still deliver print quality and durability;
• Coatings must balance protection with compostability.

The Solution: Three sustainable-ink measures

Sustainable ink use follows three measures:

1. Vegetable and water-based inks Use vegetable- and water-based inks that cut VOCs and environmental impact.

2. Compostable coatings Choose compostable coatings that protect without blocking biodegradation.

3. Quality-preserving selection Select eco inks that hold print quality and durability.

The Result: A complete eco story

With these measures, the packaging's eco claims extend to every layer. Sustainable inks finish what sustainable materials start.