Moving to greener pastures in printing inks

Recently, an article from the technical journal “Progress in Organic Coatings” drew my interest. It observes that there is a trend towards renewable raw materials in printing inks but that the majority of printing inks does still contain petrochemical substances. The article called “Green inks in all colours”- Printing ink from renewable sources by Dr Tobias Robert focuses on the use of renewable raw materials in printing inks. The author describes interesting research approaches, for instance the usage of starch as a binder. This is just one example: the course for greener printing inks seems set.

Nonetheless, since many inks still contain petrochemical substances, I ask myself: How could a conversion to renewable be accelerated? Especially printing inks for food contact could surely benefit from the replacement of petrochemicals. I would be interested in hearing your opinions and experiences from industry and research. According to Robert, the research to use renewable materials in printing inks should be expanded. What are you experiences? Are there are other aspects that need further research? 

You can read the complete article here: www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/03009440/78. Additionally, Tobias Robert will give a presentation on renewable raw materials at the European Coatings CONGRESS. More information about his congress contribution and other congress sessions is available at: www.european-coatings.com/Events/European-Coatings-CONGRESS-2015/Congress-programme.