Water-Based Inks: The Clean Revolution in Industrial Printing

As sustainability moves to the top of the agenda across industries, water-based digital inkjet inks are gaining traction — not just for their environmental benefits, but also for their cost-effectiveness and versatility across materials.

Whether you're printing food packaging, textiles, or corrugated board, water-based inks offer a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable approach to high-quality digital printing.

What Are Water-Based Inks?

Water-based inks are inks that use water as the primary solvent to carry pigments (colours) onto the substrate. Unlike solvent-based or PVC-laden alternatives, these formulations replace harsh chemicals with a water/organic co-solvent base — making them safer to handle and more environmentally responsible.

They are particularly well-suited for primary and secondary packaging, especially in industries where contact with consumables, fabrics, or recyclables is a concern.

Advantages of Water-Based Inkjet Inks

Environmentally Friendly

Water-based inks reduce chemical exposure for both operators and end-users. They are free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and are ideal for applications where low migration and food safety are a priority.

Cost-Effective

Using water and organic co-solvents significantly lowers material costs. With fewer hazardous compounds, waste disposal and handling are simplified — making them economically attractive for high-volume production.

Soft-Hand Feel on Fabrics

When applied to textiles, water-based inks soak into the fabric fibres rather than sitting on the surface. The result? A “soft-hand” finish that feels natural — perfect for babywear, bedding, or apparel where softness matters.

Versatile Across Substrates

These inks work exceptionally well on porous materials like paper, cardboard, and corrugated board. With the right pre-treatment, they can also print onto non-porous, flexible films, enabling consistent performance across various industries.

Common Applications for Water-Based Inkjet Inks

Cardboard & Corrugated Packaging

Water-based inks help brands reduce risk of contamination in food and pharma packaging. They also support recyclability, making them a preferred choice for eco-conscious packaging solutions.

Flexible Film & Non-Porous Surfaces

Used in plastic films and high-density substrates, these inks offer strong adhesion and vibrant colours, while maintaining compliance for regulated markets like food and cosmetics.

Wallpaper & Interior Décor

With demand growing for low-emission products, wallpaper manufacturers are switching to water-based inks for both indoor air quality and on-demand design printing — eliminating the need to hold physical stock for years.

Why Choose Cyklop Needham for Water-Based Ink Solutions?

At Cyklop Needham, we’ve worked with global manufacturers and print specialists to integrate OEM-compatible, water-based inkjet inks that meet both performance and sustainability standards. Whether you're printing packaging, décor, or textiles, we offer:

• Expert advice on substrate compatibility

• Fast-drying, high-adhesion ink options

• Support for CIJ and TIJ inkjet systems

• Custom ink development for specialist needs

Ready to Go Water-Based? Let’s Talk.

If you’re looking to reduce chemical exposure, improve sustainability, and enhance print quality — water-based inkjet inks are a smart move.

Call: +44 (0)1948 662629
Email: enquiries@needham-ink.com
Visit: www.needham-ink.com