Food-safe Packaging Ink
StarColor SC1600 is a low-migration water-based flexo ink for paper food packaging such as cups, napkins, pizza boxes, and food wrappers. It is supported by FDA and REACH SVHC test reports for the grade, and is designed for good adhesion, heat resistance, and color density on absorbent paper substrates. Final suitability depends on the substrate, ink film weight, drying, and the food-contact test required by your market.
Ink Type
Water-Based Ink
Printing Method
Flexographic Printing
VOC Content
Under 1%
Test Report
FDA,ROHS,REACH SVHC 253
Solid Content
30%--40%
Printing Speed
150-400m / min
Position:Home > Products > Flexo Inks
Product Introduction
StarColor SC1600 is a low-migration, water-based flexo ink for tissue, napkins, paper cups, and similar porous food packaging.
Typical VOC content is below 1%. FDA and REACH SVHC test reports are available for the grade; the applicable report and test conditions depend on the substrate and intended food contact.
SC1600 is commonly used in narrow-web flexo printing on porous food packaging, especially paper cups and napkins. Food-contact suitability depends on the complete packaging structure, ink film weight, drying/curing, and migration testing for the destination market. We supply the ink-level TDS and test reports so your team can complete the final assessment.
Under high line count printing screens and high machine speed conditions, this ink performs excellently, while also exhibiting outstanding abrasion resistance, color brilliance, and print clarity.
Ingredients:
Environmentally friendly water-based acrylic resin, organic pigments, water, and additives.
Typical Applications:
Napkins, paper cups, paper plates, pizza boxes, French fry boxes.
Product Features
Safety & Environmental
Non-flammable and non-explosive under normal storage conditions; low odor. Handle according to the SDS.
VOC emissions less than 1%, compliant with EU REACH, US FDA, and RoHS certification
Printing Performance
Excellent flowability and good post-press adhesion
Fast drying and high print clarity (high resolution & high color strength)
Excellent printability at high printing speeds
Durability & Substrate Compatibility
Superior wear resistance, scratch resistance, and water resistance
Good adhesion on various plastic films (BOPP, PET, PP, PE film, etc.)
Retort grades are for film and laminate structures only—not paper cups, napkins, or pizza boxes.
Test Report Download
Product Parameters
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Applicable Equipment | Flexographic printing |
| Fineness | ≤ 10 microns |
| pH Value | 7.5-9.0 |
| Drying Speed | 150–400 m/min |
| Viscosity | 20-30 sec (Zahn #4 / 25°C) |
| Solid Content | 30% -- 40% |
| VOCs Content | <1% |
| Testing Report | ROHS, FDA, REACH SVHC 253 |
| Shelf Life | 12 months |
| Brand | Starcolor |
| Origin | Huizhou City, Guangdong Province, China |
| Storage | 5–35°C; sealed; keep in cool, ventilated place; avoid fire, sun, rain, contaminants |
| Packaging | Plastic drum: 5kg/drum, 10kg/drum, 20kg/drum |
Printing Applications
Printing paper cups with food grade ink
Food grade ink printed napkins
Flexographic printing cake paper tray
French fry box
Pizza box
Egg tart paper tray
Customization Service Process
From your specific machine parameters to food-grade compliance, we craft the perfect SC1600 ink formula for you.
Requirement Consultation
Specify your substrate, machine speed, and safety standards like FDA or REACH.
Formula & Matching
Lab matches your Pantone/Sample, adjusting viscosity and pH for your high-speed flexo line.
Testing & Verification
Internal tests for adhesion, water resistance, and non-migratory food safety standards.
Trial Run & Feedback
Run customized batches on your line with our remote or on-site technical support.
Production & Delivery
Mass production with batch consistency in 5kg/20kg drums, shipped from Huizhou factory.
Manufacturing Excellence
Strict control from raw materials to delivery, ensuring every drop of ink meets international standards.

Premium Raw Materials
Strict selection of high-quality raw materials

Production
Fully enclosed automated grinding

Quality Control
Batch sampling and testing

Finished Goods
Temperature-controlled storage

Shipping
Efficient logistics and on-time delivery
Technical Guidelines & Operating Instructions
Follow these recommendations to achieve optimal printing results and ink performance.
Core Process Parameters
- Standard Viscosity: 20-30 seconds (Zahn 4# cup)
- pH Control: 7.5 - 9.0
- Substrate Requirement: Surface Tension ≥ 38 dyne
Operating Recommendations
Dilution Ratio:
Suggested water addition is less than 10%, depending on ambient temperature and humidity.
Anilox Roller:
Recommended 400-600 line screen for optimal ink transfer.
Drying Temperature:
Set dryer between 60℃-80℃
Machine Stoppage:
If stopped for more than 30 minutes, flush the ink path thoroughly with water.
Shipping & Delivery
Standard fumigation-free pallet: 1.2m × 1.0m
27 buckets per pallet
✓ 5 – 20 tons: shipped within 15 business days after payment confirmation.
FAQ for SC1600 Food-Safe Water-Based Flexo Ink
Q1: Is StarColor SC1600 ink safe for direct food contact?
A: SC1600 is formulated as a low-migration water-based ink and is supported by FDA and REACH SVHC test reports for the grade. Food-contact suitability depends on the complete packaging structure, ink film weight, drying, and the migration test required by your market. We will send the matching report with the TDS.
Q2: What makes this ink more environmentally friendly than solvent-based inks?
A: Our SC1600 series is a low-odor water-based acrylic system with typical VOC content below 1%. It is formulated without intentionally added organic solvents and is supported by RoHS test data for restricted substances.
Q3: How does the ink perform during high-speed flexographic printing?
A: SC1600 is designed for narrow-web flexo lines. The exact fineness, viscosity, and speed window depend on the grade and your press configuration; the parameter table on this page and the current TDS are the authoritative source. We recommend a press trial at your target speed before production.
Q4: Can this ink withstand post-press processing like heat sealing or refrigeration?
A: Retort grades are for film and laminate structures only. For heat-treated packaging, send your structure, process temperature, and food type so we can recommend the right grade.
Q5: What are the recommended storage conditions to ensure the 12-month shelf life?
A: Store SC1600 sealed at 5–35°C in a cool, ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, rain, and contaminants. The TDS for your grade lists the target viscosity and pH; re-check both before each run and follow the technical guideline on this page. Stir well before use if the ink has been stored for an extended period.
Data Download
1.Food-Grade Water-Based Ink User Guide.pdf2.Technical Specification for Food-Grade Water-Based Inks.pdf
Contact Us
Our engineers are ready to help you optimize your ink viscosity, pH control, and adhesion for high-speed flexo presses. Tell us about your substrate, and we'll provide a tailored quote within 24 hours.
Phone/WhatsApp
+86 18011968332
Address
Huidong County, Huizhou City, Guangdong Province,China
Leave a Message to get a sample
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