Eco-Friendly Printing: The Rise of Water-Based Inks - MapleJet Europe Skip to main content

As the printing industry evolves, there’s a growing focus on sustainable, eco-friendly solutions that reduce environmental impact without compromising on performance. Water-based inks have emerged as a leading choice for companies prioritizing both sustainability and operational efficiency. At MapleJet, we are committed to driving this innovation forward by incorporating water-based inks into our advanced thermal inkjet (TIJ) printers, such as the Hx Nitro and Hx Nitro 25w.

Why Water-Based Inks Matter in Industrial Printing

1. Sustainable Alternative to Solvent-Based Inks

In traditional industrial printing, solvent-based inks have long been the standard. However, these inks contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to air pollution and pose health risks to workers. Water-based inks, by contrast, are free from harmful VOCs, making them a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative.

At MapleJet, we have introduced two key water-based ink solutions: Aquanix and Boxtron. These inks offer exceptional print quality while being kinder to the environment. Aquanix, used in the Hx Nitro 25w with a 25mm print head, is perfect for porous materials like corrugated boxes and coated paper. Boxtron, designed for the Hx Nitro’s 12.7mm print head, offers a similarly eco-friendly solution for a range of packaging applications​.

2. Performance Across Multiple Applications

Water-based inks are not only eco-friendly but also versatile. MapleJet’s water-based solutions are ideal for printing on porous substrates such as cardboard, coated boxes, and paper. These inks are commonly used in industries such as food and beverage packaging, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods, where packaging must meet high standards for print clarity and sustainability​.

The Aquanix ink is ideal for secondary packaging applications, while Boxtron caters to primary packaging needs. This flexibility allows businesses to meet the demands of various production lines without compromising on environmental goals​.

3. Cost-Effectiveness and Operational Efficiency

Water-based inks are not only environmentally sustainable but also economical. MapleJet’s TIJ printers, such as the Hx Nitro series, feature advanced technology like Economy Mode, which reduces ink consumption by up to 50% without sacrificing print quality. This significantly reduces operational costs while maximizing the number of prints per cartridge​.

Additionally, water-based inks are easier to maintain, reducing the frequency of cleaning and preventing downtime. Both Aquanix and Boxtron inks have extended decap times, meaning they do not dry out quickly even when the printer is idle. This ensures smoother operations and less waste​.

Benefits of Water-Based Inks in Industrial Printing

1. Lower Environmental Impact

Switching to water-based inks helps reduce the carbon footprint of industrial printing processes. These inks generate fewer emissions, consume less energy during production, and eliminate the need for complex ventilation systems to handle harmful VOCs. By opting for MapleJet’s water-based solutions, businesses can align with global sustainability initiatives and meet stricter regulatory requirements​.

2. Safer for Workers and Production Environments

In addition to their environmental benefits, water-based inks promote a safer work environment. Since these inks do not contain harsh chemicals, they help reduce workers’ exposure to harmful substances. This not only contributes to a healthier workplace but also ensures compliance with workplace safety standards​.

3. Versatility in Applications

One of the most impressive features of water-based inks is their adaptability. They are ideal for porous materials such as corrugated boxes, cardboard, paper, and coated surfaces. At MapleJet, our Aquanix and Boxtron water-based ink are perfect for these substrates, ensuring excellent adhesion and sharp, clear prints. The Hx Nitro 25w with Aquanix ink and the Hx Nitro with Boxtron ink are used extensively in industries like food and beverage packaging and pharmaceuticals. These industries require precise and high-quality marking on materials that need to be safe, clean, and biodegradable or recyclable, making water-based inks an optimal choice.

Moreover, our water-based inks are also compatible with high-speed printing, ensuring that businesses can maintain productivity without compromising print quality. This ink delivers superior performance in high-production environments while supporting the shift toward more sustainable practices.

4. Ideal for Recyclable Packaging Solutions

Water-based inks allow for printing on biodegradable and recyclable substrates, a growing need in industries such as food and beverage. The combination of MapleJet’s Aquanix and Boxtron SSD inks with eco-friendly packaging materials helps businesses adhere to consumer preferences for sustainability while maintaining high-quality prints​.

MapleJet’s Commitment to Eco-Friendly Printing

MapleJet has always focused on innovation and sustainability. By integrating water-based inks into our Hx Nitro and Hx Nitro 25w printers, we offer a solution that balances environmental responsibility with high-performance printing. The Aquanix ink, with its compatibility for secondary packaging, and the Boxtron SSD ink, designed for primary packaging, ensure that businesses can meet their sustainability goals at every stage of production.

As regulations like Sunrise 2027 and GS1 barcode standards approach, businesses need to adopt future-proof technologies. MapleJet’s water-based ink solutions are designed to help our customers stay ahead of the curve, ensuring compliance while embracing eco-friendly practices​.

The Future Ahead

Water-based inks represent the future of sustainable industrial printing. MapleJet’s Aquanix and Boxtron SSD inks offer an environmentally friendly alternative that doesn’t compromise on performance or efficiency. By adopting these eco-friendly solutions, businesses can reduce their environmental impact, improve worker safety, and stay compliant with evolving regulations.

For industries aiming to lead in both performance and sustainability, water-based inks are the ideal choice. MapleJet is proud to be at the forefront of this movement, providing innovative printing solutions that help our clients meet the demands of a changing world.