Eco Solvent vs Sublimation Ink: Think Green, Print Green

In today’s world, as we strive to make more eco-friendly choices, even the ink we use for printing matters. You might have come across the terms ‘eco solvent’ and ‘sublimation ink’, but what do these mean, and how do they affect our environment? This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of eco solvent vs sublimation ink, discussing their key features, similarities, and differences. Whether you’re a printing enthusiast, a business owner, or just someone interested in reducing your carbon footprint, understanding these two types of inks can guide you towards greener printing solutions.

What is eco solvent ink and what is sublimation ink?

Let’s start with eco solvent ink. This type of ink is known for its minimal environmental impact. Eco solvent inks are not based on any toxic solvents. Instead, they use bio-degradable solvent produced from ether extracts taken from refined mineral oil. In a nutshell, these inks are kinder to our environment. They are low-odor and don’t release any harmful volatile organic compounds into the air. Plus, their colors are bright, and they adhere well to various print materials, making them a versatile choice!

On the other hand, sublimation ink is a unique type of ink used for dye-sublimation printing. What’s that, you ask? It’s a process that uses heat to transfer dye onto materials like plastic, card, paper, or even fabric. The key feature of sublimation ink is its ability to convert from a solid to a gas without passing through the liquid stage. When heat is applied, the ink transforms into a gas and fuses with the material, creating a bright, durable, and wear-resistant finish.

Key differences between eco solvent and sublimation ink

1. Method of Application: Eco solvent inks are generally applied through a traditional printing process, directly onto the surface of the print media. Sublimation inks, on the other hand, are heat-activated and require a transfer process to apply the design onto a substrate.
2. Print Material Compatibility: While both inks can be used on a variety of materials, eco solvent inks are best for vinyl and other similar materials. Sublimation inks, however, work best with polyester and poly-coated substrates.
3. Durability: Designs printed with eco solvent ink are water-resistant and highly durable, whereas sublimation prints, due to their process, are even more robust and resist cracking and peeling.
4. Environmental Impact: Eco solvent inks are known for their eco-friendliness due to the use of bio-degradable solvents. Sublimation inks, while not harmful, don’t carry the same environmentally friendly title.
5. Color Vibrancy: Sublimation inks often result in brighter, more vibrant colors because the ink fuses with the material. Eco solvent inks, while still producing high-quality prints, may not offer the same level of vibrancy.
6. Cost: Eco solvent inks are generally less expensive than sublimation inks, which could be a deciding factor for many businesses and individuals.

Key similarities between eco solvent and sublimation ink

1. Wide Range of Uses: Both eco solvent and sublimation inks are suitable for a variety of applications, from printing banners and signs to apparel and promotional items.
2. Quality of Prints: Both types of inks deliver high-quality, vivid, and long-lasting prints.
3. Specialized Printers: Both eco solvent and sublimation inks require specific types of printers for their application process.
4. Care Requirements: Prints made with either type of ink require proper care, such as gentle washing for fabrics, to maintain their quality and vibrancy.
5. Indoor and Outdoor Applications: Both inks are suitable for indoor and outdoor use, making them versatile for different types of printing jobs.
6. Long Shelf Life: Both types of ink typically have a long shelf life if stored properly, ensuring less wastage and more efficiency.

Pros of eco solvent over sublimation ink

1. Eco-friendliness: One of the most significant advantages of eco solvent inks is their environmentally friendly nature. They use bio-degradable solvents and emit less harmful volatile organic compounds, making them a greener choice.
2. Versatile Applications: Eco solvent inks can be used on a wide range of surfaces, including vinyl, PVC, and various coated and uncoated materials. This makes them a versatile option for many different types of printing projects.
3. Durability: Prints made with eco solvent ink are water-resistant and have excellent outdoor durability, even in harsh weather conditions.
4. Low Odor: Due to the nature of the solvents used, eco solvent inks are low-odor, making the printing process more comfortable for workers and reducing the need for extensive ventilation systems in the printing area.
5. Affordability: Generally, eco solvent inks are less expensive than sublimation inks. This cost-effectiveness can be crucial for businesses working on a tight budget or individuals looking to reduce their printing expenses.
6. Quality of Prints: Eco solvent inks can produce high-quality, vivid prints that are perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.

Cons of eco solvent compared to sublimation ink

1. Color Vibrancy: While eco solvent inks do provide vibrant colors, the level of color vibrancy may not be as high as with sublimation inks. This is because sublimation ink fuses with the material, creating an exceptionally bright, vivid result.
2. Direct Printing: Eco solvent inks are typically printed directly onto the material. While this isn’t necessarily a con, it can limit their use to certain types of materials, unlike sublimation inks that can be transferred onto a wider range of materials using heat transfer.
3. Drying Time: Eco solvent inks generally have a longer drying time than sublimation inks. This could slow down the overall printing process, especially for larger, more complex print jobs.
4. Wear and Tear: Although prints made with eco solvent inks are durable and water-resistant, they may not withstand heavy wear and tear as well as sublimation prints.
5. Heat Sensitivity: Eco solvent inks can be sensitive to heat. This means that they might not be the best choice for items that will be exposed to high temperatures or direct sunlight for extended periods.
6. Specialized Maintenance: Printers using eco solvent inks require regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent clogs and ensure a high-quality print.

Pros of sublimation ink over eco solvent

1. Color Vibrancy: Sublimation inks create impressively bright, vibrant colors. When the ink transforms into a gas and fuses with the material, it delivers a dynamic and vivid result that’s hard to match.
2. Excellent Durability: Prints made with sublimation ink are incredibly durable. They resist cracking, peeling, and fading, which makes them great for items that will be washed or exposed to sunlight frequently.
3. Wide Range of Material Compatibility: Sublimation inks work wonderfully with polyester and poly-coated substrates, but they can also be used on a variety of other materials. This makes them versatile for different types of print projects.
4. Smooth Finishes: Because the ink infuses directly into the substrate, prints made with sublimation inks have a smooth, seamless feel. This is a big advantage for items like clothing, where a rough print could be uncomfortable.
5. Fast Drying Time: Sublimation inks dry quickly, which can speed up the printing process. This can be a significant advantage for businesses working on tight deadlines.
6. Versatile Applications: From fabrics to ceramics and metals, sublimation inks are perfect for a range of unique applications. They are a popular choice for promotional products, custom clothing, and more.

Cons of sublimation ink compared to eco solvent

1. Specialized Equipment Required: Sublimation inks require specific printers and heat presses for their application. This can represent a higher initial investment compared to other printing techniques.
2. Limited to Light-Colored Materials: Sublimation inks work best on white or light-colored materials. If you’re looking to print on darker surfaces, sublimation might not be the best choice.
3. Less Eco-Friendly: While sublimation inks are not harmful, they don’t have the same eco-friendly attributes as eco solvent inks.
4. Cost: Generally, sublimation inks are more expensive than eco solvent inks. This could be a deciding factor for some businesses or individuals.
5. Requires Poly-Coated Substrates: For best results, sublimation inks require polyester or poly-coated substrates. This might limit their usage in certain applications.
6. Less Suitable for Outdoor Use: Sublimation prints, while durable and resistant to many forms of wear and tear, might not perform as well outdoors compared to eco solvent prints.

Situations when eco solvent is better than sublimation ink

1. Printing on Vinyl: Eco solvent inks are the go-to choice for printing on vinyl materials. Whether it’s for banners, signs, or vehicle wraps, eco solvent inks provide superior adhesion and durability.
2. Outdoor Applications: If you’re printing something that will be exposed to the elements, eco solvent inks offer excellent resistance to weather conditions, making them perfect for outdoor signage and displays.
3. Budget Constraints: When working with a tight budget, eco solvent inks are generally less expensive than sublimation inks, making them a more cost-effective choice.
4. Direct Printing: For projects that require direct printing on the material, eco solvent inks are the better option. They can be applied directly onto a variety of print media without the need for heat transfer.
5. Eco-friendly Projects: If your goal is to make environmentally friendly choices, eco solvent inks are the way to go. They use bio-degradable solvents and emit fewer harmful volatile organic compounds.
6. Printing on Dark Surfaces: Unlike sublimation ink, which works best on light-colored surfaces, eco solvent ink can be used effectively on a wider range of colors, including dark surfaces.

Situations when sublimation ink is better than eco solvent

1. Printing on Fabric: If you’re printing on polyester or other suitable fabrics, sublimation ink is your best bet. The ink fuses with the fabric, resulting in vibrant, durable prints that resist washing and wear.
2. Creating Promotional Items: For printing on mugs, mouse pads, or other promotional items, sublimation ink is often the preferred choice. It can adhere to a variety of surfaces, leaving a smooth, vibrant print that won’t scratch off.
3. Fast Production Times: If you’re working under tight deadlines, the quick-drying nature of sublimation ink can be a big advantage, speeding up the overall production process.
4. Bright, Vibrant Colors: When color vibrancy is a top priority, sublimation inks outshine others. They provide exceptionally bright, dynamic colors that really pop.
5. Transfer Printing: Sublimation ink is perfect for heat transfer printing. It’s ideal when you want to print a design onto a material using a heat press.
6. Durable Printing on Metals: When you’re aiming for a durable print on metal surfaces, like aluminum or steel, sublimation inks can deliver the desired results. The prints are not only vibrant but also resist chipping and fading.

Eco Solvent vs Sublimation Ink: Wrapping it up

As we’ve explored, both eco solvent and sublimation inks have their strengths and weaknesses, with each excelling in different situations. While eco solvent inks stand out for their environmental benefits and versatility, sublimation inks impress with their vibrant colors and wide range of applications. Remember, the right choice between eco solvent vs sublimation ink ultimately depends on your specific printing requirements and your commitment to environmental sustainability. By understanding the implications of our choices, we can make strides towards more eco-friendly printing practices, aligning our actions with our mission to protect and preserve our planet.