When thinking of sustainable flexible packaging and green development, we immediately think of single-use recyclable materials. We address the question of the destructive effect of film products on marine life and terrestrial ecosystems.
Zhongjia Packaging is a water-based ink printing flexible packaging manufacturer, committed to pushing eco-friendly and sustainable printing technologies. In the domain of flexible packaging, most debates focus on recyclable materials and ecological impacts, while neglecting another hidden “killer” – air pollution.
In the traditional production process of flexible packaging, large amounts of VOCs are emitted because of the use of solvent-based inks and adhesives, of which ethyl acetate is one of the main pollutants. Today, we will delve into several key questions: “What is ethyl acetate? What role does it play in production? What are its properties? Why does it pollute the environment? What are the effects of ingestion?”
1. Ethyl Acetate
Ethyl acetate is an artificial, colorless liquid characterized by a sweet smell. It is flammable, very volatile, and considered both a hazardous chemical and a VOC. Although relatively low in toxicity, long exposure does pose serious risks to human health and the environment.
2. Production: The Role of Ethyl Acetate
Due to its high volatility and strong solubility, ethyl acetate finds wide application in traditional printing, namely, ink and adhesive formulation. It regulates viscosity, improves adhesion, and speeds up the drying rate.
With all this convenience, there are significant air pollution issues that can’t be hidden.
3. Properties of Ethyl Acetate
Extremely fast rate of evaporation, 1 kg of ethyl acetate evaporates almost completely into air in 1.5 hours;
Highly flammable—ignites with only an electrostatic spark; burns at a rate equal to that of gasoline;
Strongly pungent odor: deteriorates air quality in the workplace, bringing health consequences for workers.
These properties make ethyl acetate an invisible source of air pollution in the printing industry.
4. How Does Ethyl Acetate Pollute the Environment?
After volatilization, ethyl acetate rises into the atmosphere. When combined with water vapor, it forms acid rain, thereby polluting soil and water bodies. Colorless and transparent, it cannot be distinguished by the naked eye; rather, it can only be identified with instruments. It can be called an “invisible killer” that lies in wait in the atmosphere.
5. Effects of Ethyl Acetate on the Human Body
Small amounts of ethyl acetate only cause mild irritation and are naturally excreted by the body after ingestion. However, high concentrations of ethyl acetate have anesthetic and corrosive effects on the human body, and continuous ingestion can lead to respiratory paralysis. Furthermore, accidental ingestion at high concentrations can cause burns to the digestive organs and lead to death.
Therefore, reducing the use of such organic solvents has become an important responsibility for flexible packaging printing manufacturers.
6. Zhongjia Packaging’s Solution: Water-Based Ink Printing Technology
So how can the latest technology avoid generating these “killers” during the production process?
Zhongjia Packaging is a water-based ink printing flexible packaging manufacturer. We use water-based ink printing technology, achieving truly green production.
Throughout the entire printing process, the only diluent we use is edible ethanol.
As is well known, edible ethanol is also widely used in food production, and small amounts of edible ethanol are harmless to the human body. This method completely avoids pollution of the atmospheric environment and harm to the human body, representing a cutting-edge technology.
Compared to traditional solvent-based printing, water-based ink printing on flexible packaging offers the following significant advantages:
- Zero VOC emissions, protecting the atmospheric environment
- Safe and non-toxic, ensuring employee health
- Vibrant colors and stable printing results
- Compliant with international environmental standards, contributing to sustainable brand development
7. Our Mission and Commitment
Although environmental technologies require significant investment and have long payback periods, Zhongjia Packaging remains committed to its mission of “staying true to our original aspirations and continuously innovating.”
Our water-based ink printing project is a letter of gratitude to the Earth and humanity.
We believe that every advancement in environmental technology is a crucial step in protecting our planet.
Conclusion
Zhongjia Packaging is a manufacturer of water-based ink printing on flexible packaging. Through independent research and development and technological innovation, we are reducing air pollution through green printing.
Let us join hands to protect our planet and contribute to a sustainable future.