Future-proofing ink formulation

Among the trends influencing formulation space, sustainability is one of the most urgent. Inks, whether graphics inks for packaging and labelling, or functional inks for digital devices and other electronics, face significant challenges in the form of current regulatory pressure and a looming need to address circularity of the plastics economy. While substrates are constantly undergoing redesign for improved recyclability, even the most efficiently removed ink is difficult to truly recycle even at a chemical level. Therefore, reducing the carbon footprint of inks as much as possible is a necessity. A non-exhaustive, but broad-based overview of renewable material options for the production of resins and formulation of inks is presented throughout this whitepaper.