Walk down any supermarket aisle today and you’ll notice something subtle yet significant -packaging that looks fresher, cleaner, more natural.

What you may not notice is the quiet revolution powering this change - the inks behind those packages.

For decades, inks were judged by one measure: how they looked on paper or film.

Today, they’re being evaluated on something deeper - how they impact the planet.

Why Sustainability in Packaging Matters More Than Ever

Packaging has evolved from being a functional wrapper to a brand’s most visible ambassador. It tells a story - not just of the product inside, but of the company’s values and conscience.

In an era where consumers check labels as closely as they check prices, every detail counts. Governments are tightening regulations. Brands are pledging carbon neutrality. And every layer of packaging, including the ink - must now carry the weight of responsibility.

This is where sustainable inks are changing the game.

What Makes an Ink ‘Sustainable’?

At its core, sustainable ink is designed to do more and harm less.

Unlike conventional inks made with petroleum-based solvents, sustainable inks are formulated to minimize environmental impact across their entire lifecycle.

They use renewable materials, emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and are engineered to be compatible with recycling and composting systems. In other words, they don’t just color the surface, they contribute to a circular future.

Some of the leading types include:

• Water-based inks: Lower VOC emissions, safer for workers, and ideal for flexible packaging.
• Bio-based or soy inks: Derived from renewable sources, offering rich colors and improved recyclability.
• Low-migration inks: Designed for food and pharma packaging, ensuring product safety and compliance.
• Solvent-free or energy-cured inks: UV or EB-curable technologies that remove solvents entirely.

The DIC India Approach: Innovation with Intention

At DIC India, sustainability isn’t an afterthought, it’s a design principle.

For over seven decades, we’ve been driving innovation that balances performance with responsibility.

Our sustainable ink solutions focus on:

• Reducing environmental impact through cleaner chemistries and greener production.
• Enhancing recyclability and circularity across packaging formats.
• Delivering uncompromised print performance - vivid color, strong adhesion, and durability.
• Helping brands stay ahead of regulations through compliance-ready formulations. Every innovation is guided by one purpose: to create inks that print beautifully and live responsibly.

Sustainability as a Strategic Advantage

The shift toward sustainable inks isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for the business as well. Forward-thinking brands are realizing that green choices build stronger consumer trust and long-term profitability.

• Compliance today, leadership tomorrow: Stay ahead of evolving environmental norms.
• Cost efficiency: Energy savings and waste reduction deliver tangible ROI.
• Brand trust: Conscious consumers prefer brands that align with their values.
• Future readiness: Sustainable inks future-proof supply chains in a circular economy.

A Greener Future, One Print at a Time

Sustainability isn’t a single product, policy, or pledge. It’s a collective journey, one that calls for innovation, collaboration, and courage.

At DIC India, we’re proud to partner with converters, printers, and brand owners to shape a future where packaging is not just functional, but truly responsible.

Because when color meets conscience, the result is more than packaging. It’s progress.