Tokyo:DIC Corporation is set to globally launch its ECOVART gravure ink, which uses significantly less solvent than conventional inks, with a focus on Japan, the People's Republic of China (PRC), and Southeast Asia.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the company announced that this low-solvent ink will help packaging materials printing companies reduce the volume of naphtha-derived solvents, thereby mitigating procurement risks, improving printing productivity, and lowering volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.
Packaging materials companies are under increasing pressure to cut VOC emissions and lessen their environmental impact while maintaining stable raw material supplies and managing solvent procurement costs. ECOVART is designed to address these concerns.
DIC plans to showcase ECOVART at its booth during the Tokyo International Packaging Exhibition 2026 (TOKYO PACK 2026). Following its introduction in Japan, the company aims to expand sales in the PRC, where solvent-use restrictions are tough, and in Southeast Asia, which is expected to experience continued market growth.
Initially launched in India in 2022, ECOVART has enjoyed steady sales growth. DIC intends to leverage its Indian market experience for the global expansion, beginning with Japan, and targeting the PRC and Southeast Asia.
ECOVART is supplied as a press-ready ink, preadjusted to the right viscosity for printing, which reduces the need for solvent dilution and viscosity adjustments typical of conventional gravure inks. This feature shortens processing time, eases operator workloads, reduces solvent purchases, and simplifies inventory management, limiting exposure to price fluctuations.
Testing by DIC has demonstrated that ECOVART can cut solvent use by at least 50 percent. The ink assists customers in meeting environmental targets and is suitable for solvent recovery, potentially decreasing the environmental impact of printing processes.
Additionally, ECOVART offers a higher color density than conventional gravure inks, enabling printers to achieve the required density with less ink while maintaining print quality.
Looking forward, DIC plans to continue expanding sales globally to minimize solvent use and VOC emissions, improve productivity, and support a more sustainable packaging printing industry and circular economy.