Printing with Purpose: Choosing the Right Ink for Sustainable Creativity
At Cardboard Mill, sustainability isn’t a buzzword, it’s the blueprint behind everything we create. Every project, from playful installations to striking event signage, carries our commitment to creativity that doesn’t cost the Earth. And when it comes to printing on cardboard, the choice of ink matters more than you might think.
Today, we’re diving into the world of ink, because the right choice doesn’t just impact your project; it impacts the planet.
So, what exactly is organic ink?
Organic inks are derived from natural materials like vegetable dyes or soy bases. At Cardboard Mill, we champion water-based organic inks — simple, clean, and chemical-free.
These inks absorb directly into the cardboard, inheriting its natural tone and texture. They’re backyard compostable and fully recyclable, making them the most sustainable choice for almost every project we deliver.
Benefits of water-based organic ink:
- 🌿 5-star environmentally sustainable
- 🌱 Fully compostable and recyclable
- 🎨 Natural, beautiful finishes
- 💚 Lowest lifecycle impact
- 🖐️ Perfect for most furniture, activations, and general signage
Organic ink does have its quirks — it can’t produce pure white (since white usually comes from bleaching cardboard) and it may not always achieve strict Pantone colour matching. But for most uses, it's the guilt-free champion of sustainable printing.
What about UV-hardened (water-based latex) inks?
For projects that need precision branding — sharp Pantone colours, bold logos, or bright whites — we acknowledge the use of UV-hardened, water-based latex inks.
These inks contain natural compounds but include a UV-reactive hardening agent. This bonds the ink to the surface of the cardboard rather than soaking into it, giving a slightly glossier appearance and even more vivid colours.
Benefits of UV-hardened latex inks:
- 🎯 Sharp Pantone colour matching
- 🎨 White ink capabilities for strong contrast
- 🔒 Enhanced durability
- 📈 Ideal for branded signage, logos, and corporate events
Latex inks are still recyclable and compostable, although they take a little longer to break down due to the surface bonding. We believe in using them thoughtfully — when brand representation truly demands it.
And what about solvent-based inks?
Solvent-based inks are another story. Traditional solvent inks are made with chemical carriers that allow for fast drying and waterproofing, but they come at a serious environmental cost.
While they can produce seamless, vibrant prints, solvent-based inks are not compostable, harder to recycle, and introduce non-biodegradable compounds into the waste stream. They also often require higher energy inputs during printing.
Downsides of solvent-based inks:
- ❌ Not compostable
- ❌ Adds chemical contamination to recycling streams
- ❌ Higher environmental footprint
In short: we do not recommend solvent-based inks. If sustainability matters — and for us, it always does, solvent-based printing should be a last resort, if used at all.
In a nutshell: what can be composted or recycled?
| Ink Type | Compostable | Recyclable |
|---|---|---|
| Organic water-based | ✅ | ✅ |
| UV-hardened latex | ✅ (slower) | ✅ |
| Solvent-based | ❌ | ❌ |
Which option do we recommend?
Our clear recommendation:
Use water-based organic inks whenever possible for the lightest environmental impact.
When brand or audience outcomes require ultra-specific colours, UV-hardened water-based latex inks are an acceptable, responsible alternative.
Solvent-based inks? We avoid them — and encourage our clients to do the same — because true sustainability means no compromise.
Blending Artistry, Functionality, and Sustainability
At Cardboard Mill, every design choice is a decision for the future. We believe that by blending creativity with environmental responsibility, we can make temporary experiences that leave lasting impressions — not lasting waste.
Choosing the right ink is just one part of the bigger picture.
Ready to create something extraordinary and planet-friendly?
Let’s build a more sustainable world, one brilliant project at a time.