Ricoh has introduced a plant-based ink, which it says is the first of its kind for mainstream graphics and packaging print and will help companies to reduce their environmental impact.
The ink itself has been derived from an oil-based ink created for the décor printing sector as part of a collaboration between Ricoh and German equipment manufacturer Olbrich. It has been specifically developed to deliver ‘excellent rub resistance and set-off performance for corrugated brown and white boards, as well as carton board.’
The plant oil component is claimed to create a sustainable and environmentally friendly ink that it is quick drying, odour-free, biodegradable and supports deinking, and is not water-based so no biocides are required to keep the ink usable. In addition, printheads are said to be easier to clean and less likely to clog as open time is much longer. This helps enhance jetting reliability, performance, and printhead life. Low ink consumption is also enabled as the same optical density is achievable using 50% less ink.
Graham Kennedy, Ricoh Europe’s director of industrial printing, graphic communications, commented, ‘Brand owners and printer manufacturers are increasingly focused on reducing their environmental impact and applying sustainable practices wherever possible. With our new plant-based ink they can seamlessly introduce positive changes that make a big difference without impacting their high quality printed results.’
