Eco-Friendly Inks for Cylinder UV Printers: A Buyer’s Guide

Introduction

As customers become more environmentally conscious, businesses are responding by adopting sustainable practices across all operations — including printing. If you're in the custom printing business, choosing eco-friendly UV inks is a key step toward reducing your environmental impact. In this blog, we’ll explore what makes an ink eco-friendly, what to look for when buying, and how to maintain print quality while going green.

What Makes a UV Ink Eco-Friendly?

- Low or zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Free from heavy metals or hazardous solvents
- Biodegradable or recyclable ink containers
- Manufactured using renewable energy or sustainable methods

Benefits of Eco-Friendly UV Inks

- Safer for operators and indoor workspaces due to reduced chemical emissions
- Contributes to cleaner air and water by minimizing toxic runoff
- Appeals to eco-conscious clients in sectors like cosmetics, food, and wellness
- Reduces regulatory risks associated with hazardous waste handling

Certifications to Look For

- RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)
- REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals)
- GREENGUARD Certification for indoor safety
- ISO 14001 for environmental manufacturing compliance

Recommended Ink Brands and Features

- Look for inks labeled “LED UV” which cure faster with less energy
- Brands like Marabu, Nazdar, or Mimaki offer eco-series UV inks
- Ensure compatibility with your printhead type and curing system

How to Switch to Eco-Friendly Inks

- Flush out your existing ink lines using recommended cleaning fluid
- Run print tests to recalibrate colors and curing settings
- Inform your customers and promote your switch as a green initiative

Maintaining Print Quality

- Most eco-friendly UV inks perform just as well as traditional inks — with similar adhesion, vibrancy, and durability
- Adjust your RIP settings to optimize for different ink viscosity and curing speeds

Conclusion

Switching to eco-friendly UV inks is a smart move for both your business and the planet. With growing demand for sustainable solutions, making the switch can help you stand out, attract greener brands, and align your production process with global environmental goals.

Go green without compromising quality. Discover our cylinder UV printer — compatible with eco-friendly inks designed for sustainability and performance.