About Vegetable-Based Ink.

Vegetable-based inks significantly reduce the amount of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) released into the air during printing. When the Los Angeles Times switched to soy-based ink, they reduced their VOC emissions by 200 tons per year and won an air quality award from South Coast Air Quality Management District.

While vegetable oils are a renewable resource, the pigment suspended in those oils is an often toxic ingredient for which there are few substitutes. Certain colors of ink, even vegetable-based ink, contain heavy-metal pigments like cadmium, barium, and copper, which are associated with various health hazards. If you choose colored ink, ask the printer for a color without heavy metals.

3:56 PM - November 24, 2007