Based on their primary components, inkjet inks can be broadly categorized into water-based inks, solvent-based inks, and the more recently developed UV-curable inkjet inks.
Compared to traditional solvent-based inks, the primary advantage of eco-solvent (or "mild-solvent") inks is their environmental friendliness. This is reflected in a reduction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the elimination of many toxic organic solvents, meaning that specialized ventilation systems are no longer required in production facilities using eco-solvent printers. While retaining the high print precision characteristic of water-based inks, eco-solvent inks also overcome the limitations of water-based inks-namely, their strict requirements regarding substrates and the unsuitability of their output for outdoor use. Consequently, eco-solvent inks occupy a middle ground between water-based and solvent-based inks, combining the strengths of both.
