Eco-friendly Packaging: Definition, Importance and the Key Role of Water-based Inks

Currently, with the growing consciousness of saving the environment, consumers and companies alike are increasingly becoming concerned about packaging sustainability. As a water-based ink printing customized flexible packaging manufacturer, Zhongjia Printing also knows that green packaging is not just a trend but also the focus of corporate social responsibility.

Among the many environmentally friendly packaging technologies, water-based ink printing is gradually becoming a high-tech alternative for the industry of flexible packaging production with the advantages of fewer volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, non-toxicity, and reduced ecological footprint. In this article, I will walk you through the term and importance of environmentally friendly packaging and discuss how water-based inks are the precursors of the green revolution.

What is Eco-Friendly Packaging?

Eco-friendly packaging, also known as green packaging, refers to minimizing the negative impact on the environment by using degradable and recyclable materials and environmentally friendly production processes. Its core includes:

• Green materials: such as compostable films, plant-based materials, recycled paper, etc.;
• Low carbonization of the production process: reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions;
• Harmless printing process: using non-toxic, low-VOC (volatile organic compound) printing technology such as water-based inks.

Compared with traditional solvent-based inks, water-based inks use water as the main solvent and do not contain harmful substances such as benzene and formaldehyde. It can not only ensure bright printing colors, but also greatly reduce pollution. It is one of the “souls” of environmentally friendly packaging.

Why is Environmentally Friendly Packaging so Important?

Reduce environmental pollution and protect ecological health

Traditional plastic packaging is difficult to degrade, and solvent-based inks will release a large amount of VOC, polluting the air and soil. Water-based ink printing technology has almost zero VOC emissions. Combined with degradable materials, it can effectively reduce “white pollution” and toxic gases and truly achieve full-chain environmental protection from “production to disposal”.

Meet consumers’ need for green

Based on surveys, more than 70% of consumers are ready to opt for products packaged using green materials. Flexible packaging with water-based ink printing is not only harmless and safe (especially for food and daily chemical products) but can also convey the enterprise’s idea of environmental protection and enhance brand image and customer loyalty.

Meet global policies and avoid trade risks

From the “Plastic Ban” of the EU to China’s “Dual Carbon” targets, the environmental protection policies of countries are increasingly stricter. Eco-friendly, flexible package customization adopts water-based ink and compliant material, making it convenient for enterprises to obtain international certifications like REACH and FDA and avoid trade barriers.

Enhance production safety and efficiency

Aqueous inks are non-flammable solvents. Moreover, print shops that make prints don’t require explosion-proof equipment, and workers won’t be harmed due to these toxic chemicals; at the same time, with a quick drying time, this allows for higher productivity levels and shorter turnaround time cycles for delivery.

Zhongjia Printing: An environmental pioneer in water-based ink printing

As a customized flexible packaging manufacturer that has been deeply involved in the industry for many years, Zhongjia Printing has always promoted green transformation with technological innovation. We are committed to providing customers with high-quality, environmentally friendly packaging solutions. Our core advantages include:

Leading water-based ink technology

Using internationally advanced water-based ink printing equipment, it has high color reproduction and strong adhesion. It is suitable for a variety of scenarios, such as food bags, cosmetic packaging, and medical packaging. It is safe, non-toxic, and wear-resistant.

Full-chain eco-friendly packaging customization

“Green control” from materials to processes:

• Substrate selection: Provide environmentally friendly materials such as PLA degradable film, recycled paper, and aluminum foil;
• Design optimization: Reduce excessive packaging and lightweight structure to reduce transportation carbon emissions;
• Printing process: water-based ink + solvent-free composite technology to achieve VOC “zero emission”.

Flexible and efficient one-stop service

• Quick proofing: 3-5 working days to produce samples to help you seize the market opportunity;
• Flexible production: Support small batch customization to meet the needs of emerging brands;
• Global delivery: Meet international environmental standards and serve customers at home and abroad.

Real cases witness the effect

A natural food brand successfully reduced the carbon footprint of packaging by 40% through Zhongjia’s water-based ink flexible packaging, and the sales volume increased by 25% after the product was put on the shelves, and it won the “Green Packaging Innovation Award”.

Take action now and let the packaging add points to the earth!

Environmental protection is not only a slogan but also a pass for future business. Choosing Zhongjia Printing, you will get:

• Cost-effective, eco-friendly packaging solutions that take into account cost and sustainability;
• Differentiated brand image, win consumer trust with green packaging;
• Long-term compliance guarantee, easily cope with global environmental protection policies.

Consult now to get your exclusive water-based ink customized flexible packaging solution!