What types of carton materials can be printed using water-based inks
Date: Aug 09 2023 From: Star Color
Water-based inks are versatile and can be used to print on various types of carton materials. Some common carton materials that can be printed using water-based inks include:
1.Folding Cartons: Folding cartons are commonly used for packaging a wide range of products such as food, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and more. Water-based inks are suitable for printing on folding cartons made from materials like paperboard or solid bleached sulfate (SBS) board.
2.Corrugated Cartons: Corrugated cartons are widely used for shipping and transporting goods due to their strength and durability. Water-based inks can be used to print on the outer surfaces of corrugated cartons made from materials like corrugated fiberboard or solid fiberboard.
3.Paper-based Cartons: Water-based inks are ideal for printing on various paper-based cartons, including those made from recycled paper or virgin paper. These cartons are commonly used for packaging dry goods, cereals, snacks, and more.
4.Milk and Juice Cartons: Water-based inks are often used for printing on milk and juice cartons made from materials like liquid packaging board (LPB). LPB is a combination of paperboard and polymer layers that provide moisture resistance and structural integrity.
5.Tetra Pak® Cartons: Tetra Pak® is a well-known brand of cartons used for packaging beverages, such as milk, fruit juices, and other liquid products. Water-based inks can be used to print on the outer layers of Tetra Pak® cartons, which typically consist of paperboard and polymer layers.
Water-based ink printed cardboard boxes offer several characteristics that make them a popular choice for packaging and printing. Some of the key characteristics include:
1.Environmentally friendly: Water-based inks have lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and are considered more eco-friendly than solvent-based inks. They have a reduced environmental impact and are safer for both the environment and human health.
2.Non-toxic and safe: Water-based inks are non-toxic and do not contain harmful chemicals like certain solvent-based inks. This makes them safer to handle, especially in food packaging applications where there is a risk of ink migration.
3.Fast-drying: Water-based inks generally dry quickly on porous surfaces like cardboard, reducing the risk of smudging or smearing during the printing process.
4.Good adhesion: These inks have excellent adhesion properties to cardboard surfaces, ensuring the printed images and text stay intact and do not easily rub off or fade.
5.Vibrant colors: Water-based inks can produce rich and vibrant colors, providing high-quality printing results on cardboard boxes.
6.Versatility: They can be used for both simple text printing and complex graphics, making them suitable for various types of packaging designs.
7.Cost-effective: Water-based inks are often more cost-effective compared to some other types of inks, especially when considering their quick drying time, which can lead to increased printing efficiency.
8.Recyclability: Water-based ink printed cardboard boxes can be recycled more easily compared to those printed with certain solvent-based inks. This further supports their eco-friendly nature.
9.Low odor: Water-based inks typically have a lower odor than solvent-based inks, providing a more pleasant printing experience for operators and end-users.
It's important to note that the suitability of water-based inks for a specific carton material may depend on factors such as the porosity, smoothness, and coating of the material. It's recommended to consult with ink and printing material suppliers or conduct compatibility tests to ensure optimal results.