“Water-based ink makes a holistic contribution to sustainability”

How did your switch to water-based inks work?

For many substrates, we have never formulated anything else. Since 1984 we have offered water-based systems for table decorations and wallpapers. About 10 years ago, working with a sustainability pioneer in the consumer product sector, we started making water-based inks for flexible packaging. In addition to the reduction of VOCs, which have a negative impact on occupational safety and on climate footprint, we managed to reduce wear on printing plates and achieve a saving there.

We are closely monitoring how preferences are evolving and are aware that our customers need our expertise. Making connections along the entire value chain will be even more crucial when it comes to addressing future issues. A closely aligned network will more effectively develop solutions in the interest of end customers; a single person couldn’t manage the same outcomes.

The PRETHINK INK initiative is therefore a good way of consolidating knowledge and enabling our partners and customers to enjoy success. Just exchanging a solvent-based product for a Follmann ink won’t result in optimum performance. Every factor – ink, press design and all parameters – must be coordinated. We must work together to bring together these factors and achieve maximum impact without a reduction in press running speeds.

Are there any differences in performance between water and solvent-based inks?

Printers will notice a change to elements of their workflow, such as cleanability, foaming or viscosity control. This is where we come in and support our customers in changing systems, from the laboratory to handling, production and post-processing. Using our expertise, we help customers manage this overall change, supporting them with quality and safety management through each production process.

In terms of performance, overall comparisons between water-based and solvent-based inks often miss the mark: the benchmark covers NC, PU, PVB and PVC-based portfolios, so this generalisation is not helpful. Each solvent-based product is used for a specialized performance attribute: printing speed, mechanical properties, chemical or physical characteristics. In addition, each substrate and application is different. The correct products must be chosen, and the right buttons pressed on the printing machine, to achieve the desired results.

Our overall assessment is that the distinction between the two products is marginal, if any. With the right machine parameters, coordinated hardware and correct handling, you can achieve comparable results with our printing inks: For example, our customers report the same process speeds and print qualities in reverse printing.
Substrates such as PVC, PLA, OPA or aluminium can vary in terms of printability – but this is also the case with a solvent system.

Why did you decide to join the PRETHINK INK network?

Working together on issues and challenges is hugely valuable. Widespread change in a traditional industry like printing can only be achieved by a network of partners.

For example, if a printer has a problem with foam formation, the press operator might decide that the water-based portfolio does not work. But they could avert the issue with the right information on the handling of processes, workflows, and tool set-up. We work with our value chain partners to give them this sort of crucial information. Our comprehensive service includes making the know-how we have acquired available to everyone.