Vegetable Ink vs. Traditional Ink
When it comes to printing, most people focus on paper use and its impact on the environment. While paper waste and deforestation are major concerns, there’s another important piece often overlooked: the ink itself.
In the past, most printing inks were made from petroleum-based products and heavy metals. These ingredients are harmful to the environment, especially when printed paper ends up in landfills. Even if the paper was recyclable or biodegradable, the ink would leave behind toxic residue, polluting soil and water.
Today, many printing companies have switched to vegetable-based inks, such as soy or linseed oil. These inks are made from renewable resources and break down more easily in the environment. That means when paper printed with vegetable ink is recycled or composted, it doesn’t release harmful chemicals. It’s a simple change that makes a big difference in reducing the overall environmental footprint of printing.
Vegetable inks also have other benefits. They produce brighter, sharper images and are easier to remove during the recycling process. This helps create higher-quality recycled paper. On top of that, using vegetable ink can be a great way for businesses to show they care about sustainability.
As a customer, one of the easiest ways to support eco-friendly printing is by asking your printer what kind of ink they use. If they don’t already use vegetable-based inks, your interest might encourage them to make the switch.
So next time you’re printing brochures, flyers, or business cards, think beyond just the paper. Choosing vegetable ink over traditional petroleum-based ink is a small change with a big environmental impact.
Does your printer use vegetable ink? It’s worth asking. Helping the planet doesn’t always require huge changes—sometimes, it starts with the ink on the page.
