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As sustainability continues to reshape the printing industry, water-based printing inks are becoming the preferred choice for many gravure and flexographic printers. But switching to eco-friendly inks isn’t just about replacing solvent systems — it’s about educating the entire team to handle, monitor, and optimize this new generation of inks.
Here’s a look at who should learn about water-based inks and why their understanding matters for production success.
1. Printing Operators
They’re the first line of control. Operators must understand how viscosity, pH, and temperature affect print quality and drying performance. Proper ink management helps prevent issues like foaming, poor transfer, and unstable color density.
Why it matters: Skilled operators can ensure consistent print results and reduce waste during both long and short runs.
2. Ink Technicians & Color Matchers
Water-based inks behave differently from solvent-based systems. Ink technicians need to master formulation balance, know how to make small adjustments with co-solvents (like ethanol or IPA), and maintain stability during production.
Why it matters: Accurate color control ensures brand consistency and smoother press runs.
3. Maintenance & Engineering Teams
Equipment compatibility is crucial. Engineers must ensure pumps, dryers, anilox rolls, and doctor blades are optimized for water-based inks, which have different surface tension and drying needs.
Why it matters: Proper setup extends machine life and prevents ink-related downtime.
4. Quality Control
QC teams monitor ink parameters, print defects, and substrate interactions. With water-based inks, environmental factors such as humidity and temperature play a bigger role in print consistency.
Why it matters: A knowledgeable QC team can spot root causes faster and maintain print standards across jobs.
5. R&D, Procurement & Management
Decision-makers should understand the chemistry, environmental impact, and compliance standards of water-based inks. This helps them select sustainable suppliers, evaluate VOC performance, and support ESG goals.
Why it matters: Informed leadership drives smarter investments and long-term cost efficiency.
The Takeaway
Transitioning to water-based inks isn’t just a technical upgrade — it’s a team transformation. Every role, from the pressroom to the boardroom, contributes to achieving stable quality, lower emissions, and greater sustainability.
When knowledge flows through the whole factory, water-based printing doesn’t just work — it thrives.
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