Ricoh has developed a plant-based ink for mainstream graphics and packaging print that it claims is greener and cheaper to use than alternatives.
The ink – now available across the EMEA – 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.
Ricoh said the plant oil component creates an ink that is quick drying. The oil penetrates porous substrates leaving the pigment near the surface, reducing energy consumption and eliminating the need for a drying system. It is odour-free, biodegradable, supports deinking and is said to provide the same optical density using 50% less ink. Plus, printheads using this new ink are said to be easier to clean and less likely to clog as ‘open time’ is much longer.
Graham Kennedy, director industrial printing, graphic communications, Ricoh Europe, said: “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.”
