INCODE Advances Eco-Ink Development to Support Cleaner and Safer Industrial Coding

Why Eco-Ink Matters for Modern Production Lines

Many industries — from food packaging to electronics — are under increasing pressure to reduce environmental impact and improve workplace safety. Traditional solvent inks often contain high-aromatic compounds that evaporate quickly and contribute to unpleasant odors and elevated VOC emissions.

INCODE’s R&D division has been studying alternatives since early 2023.

As Ink Development Engineer Li Wen put it:
“We’re not only improving print performance. We’re redesigning ink chemistry so factories can operate cleaner without sacrificing speed or clarity.”

This philosophy now guides INCODE’s eco-ink strategy.

What the Week 18 Lab Evaluation Focused On

The latest testing round explored three dimensions of sustainability and performance:

1. Low-VOC Solvent Systems

INCODE’s chemists experimented with modified solvent bases that:

• evaporate more slowly

• emit fewer volatile compounds

• maintain strong adhesion on non-porous materials

Preliminary data shows that the VOC level of the new formulation is 30–40% lower than previous generations, without compromising drying time.

2. Safer Resin Structures with High Adhesion

The core of ink adhesion comes from its resin system.
Instead of relying on traditional high-aromatic resins, the team worked on a refined polymer structure that improves film-forming stability while reducing chemical intensity.

Key outcomes:

• Better adhesion on PP, PE, coated carton, and anodized aluminum

• More consistent optical density during fast production

• Improved environmental resistance in humid conditions

3. Odor Reduction Testing in Closed-Room Printing

Since many INCODE customers operate indoor printing workstations, odor control is a major concern.
This week’s odor evaluation involved running continuous print cycles in a controlled, sealed room.

Results indicated:

• noticeable odor reduction compared with standard solvent inks

• smoother airflow behavior around the printhead

• less operator discomfort during long shifts

This aligns with global customers’ expectations for safer workplace environments.

Customer-Centric Approach: “Sustainability Must Feel Practical”

During the review meeting, INCODE’s R&D Manager summarized a key principle:
“An eco-ink is only meaningful if it fits real production. Lower VOC means nothing if the code doesn’t adhere.”

This is why INCODE’s sustainability efforts always incorporate:

• adhesion testing

• nozzle behavior under long-decap conditions

• storage stability assessments

• compatibility with high-speed online inkjet printers

The company’s long-decap eco-ink blend remains one of the core advantages for high-volume manufacturing lines.

How INCODE Plans to Extend Eco-Ink Development

The next phase of development will include:

• pigment-based eco-inks in white, yellow, and red

• resin modifications targeting extreme humidity regions

• expanded material compatibility for recycled plastics

• accelerated aging tests to forecast long-term stability

INCODE will also share environmental data with global distributors to help them advise customers more accurately on sustainable coding options.

Looking Ahead: Building a Responsible Printing Ecosystem

Sustainability has become a defining element in industrial coding, and INCODE intends to remain ahead of that curve.
By merging chemistry, engineering, and real-world testing, the company is working toward an ecosystem where printing is not only precise and stable — but also cleaner, safer, and more environmentally conscious.

An INCODE spokesperson concluded the Week 18 review with a simple reminder:
“Better printing is not just sharper codes. It’s a better environment for the people who rely on them.”