EMBRACING SUSTAINABILITY IN PRINTING

In recent years, the printing industry has increasingly focused on sustainability due to growing environmental concerns and the rising demand for eco-friendly solutions. As a result, bio-based coatings are emerging as a viable alternative to traditional coatings made from fossil raw materials. Evonik – a global leader in speciality chemicals – is at the forefront of this transformation. The company offers a range of sustainable products that successfully align with the industry’s evolving needs. 

The printing industry – traditionally dependent on fossil-based products – is undergoing a significant shift towards sustainability. This transition requires a complete rethinking of formulations and technologies, heavily reliant upon the availability of sustainable raw materials. Fortunately, the supply of these resources is steadily increasing. Bio-based additives are derived from renewable resources, such as plant oils and natural fats. As a result, there is a reduced reliance on fossil fuels. These bio-based raw materials are increasingly being integrated into printing applications. Without compromising performance, these materials offer a more sustainable alternative.

Evonik has strategically aligned its product development with sustainability goals. The company’s aim is to provide innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the printing industry. 

The TEGO® Foamex 88xx series – including TEGO® Foamex 8820, TEGO® Foamex 8850 and TEGO® Foamex 8880 – features innovative defoamers with high bio-based content. The series is specifically designed to improve the quality of printing inks and coatings. By increasing the bio-based content, the products advance sustainable practices within the industry. These additives are crucial for controlling foam formation at various stages of the ink production and printing process.

TEGO® Foamex 8820 is particularly suited for high-viscosity inks and the grinding stage. Due to the good compatibility of TEGO® Foamex 8850, this product is very versatile and is an ideal choice for the let-down stage and for inks on films. TEGO® Foamex 8880 is an emulsion-based defoamer developed with unique hybrid technology, using bio-based polymers and polyether siloxane. This makes it suitable for various printing ink applications. TEGO® Foamex 8880 provides both effective foam prevention and superior foam knock-down. This product is ideal for the let-down stage and serves as a powerful press-side defoamer. These bio-based defoamer solutions not only enhance efficiency, but also align with sustainable practices in production.

“The printing industry is undergoing a significant shift towards sustainability”

In the realm of sustainable dispersants and co-dispersants, products with high bio-based content are becoming increasingly essential for eco-friendly production processes. LIPOTIN® DB stands out as a fully bio-based co-dispersant, crafted entirely from renewable raw materials. It is ideally suited for pigment wetting of both organic and inorganic pigments, serving as an effective co-dispersant that accelerates pigment incorporation during the grinding process. This can lead to a reduction in overall dispersion time. By decreasing the dispersion time, the energy required is also lessened, which can ultimately reduce the ink’s overall carbon footprint. 

“The TEGO® Foamex 88xx series features innovative defoamers with high bio-based content”

On the other hand, TEGO® Dispers 1010 is a polymeric dispersant tailored for use with low-polarity solvents and inorganic pigments. This ensures excellent dispersion stability and pigment wetting. For water-based pigment dispersions, TEGO® Dispers 740 W is particularly well-suited for organic pigments. The product offers enhanced efficiency and compatibility in aqueous systems. These innovative solutions not only improve processing efficiency, but also support sustainable practices in industrial applications.

Evonik has introduced two innovative bio-surfactants – TEGO® Wet 570 Terra and TEGO® Wet 580 Terra. They are not only bio-based, but also produced through a natural fermentation process. This development represents a strategic move towards more sustainable additive production. TEGO® Wet 570 Terra and TEGO® Wet 580 Terra are designed to enhance the dispersion process by rapidly wetting pigments and fillers, acting as effective co-dispersants. In printing inks, the products improve wetting across a wide range of substrates, thereby accelerating and enhancing the overall dispersion process.

“LIPOTIN® DB stands out as a fully bio-based co-dispersant”

Looking ahead, several factors are expected to drive the adoption of bio-based coatings and inks. Consumer demand and the necessity for eco-friendly products is on the rise. In response, technological advancements are making bio-based solutions more cost-effective. Additionally, as the chemical industry expands its capacity to produce bio-based materials, the cost of production is likely to decrease. Evonik’s focus on sustainable products positions the company as a leader in this transition. By continuously innovating and expanding its sustainable product portfolio, Evonik is not only meeting the current demands of the printing industry, but also setting new standards for sustainability.

By offering eco-friendly alternatives that do not compromise performance, Evonik is helping the industry transition towards a more sustainable future.