Ricoh has launched a plant-based ink, the first of its kind for mainstream graphics and packaging print. This will help brand owners and printer manufacturers further reduce their environmental impact.
The ink is a derivative of the oil-based ink created for the décor printing sector as part of Ricoh’s collaboration with German equipment manufacturer Olbrich. It has been developed to deliver excellent rub resistance and set-off performance for corrugated brown and white boards, as well as carton board.
Some of the key features of the product claimed by Ricoh are that it is quick drying, as no heat is required to fix or dry the ink. It is odour-free with improved food compatibility as no monomers are used. The ink is also biodegradable and supports deinking and is not water-based so no biocides are required to keep the ink usable.
The print heads are easier to clean and less likely to clog as ‘open time’ is much longer. This helps enhance jetting reliability, performance, and printhead life. Low ink consumption is also enabled as the same optical density is achievable using 50% less ink.
Graham Kennedy, Director Industrial Printing, Graphic Communications, Ricoh Europe, says: “Brand owners and printer manufacturers are increasingly focused on reducing their environmental impact and applying sustainable practices wherever possible. With our new plant-based ink they can seamlessly introduce positive changes that make a big difference without impacting their high quality printed results.”
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