DIC Corporation is introducing its ECOVART gravure ink globally, with focus on Japan, the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and Southeast Asia.
The product is designed to use less solvent than conventional gravure inks.
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ECOVART is supplied at a viscosity ready for printing, reducing the need for on-press solvent dilution and adjustment.
This can shorten printing processes, reduce operator workload, and lower the volume of solvents purchased by packaging printers.
The ink is intended to reduce the use of naphtha-derived solvents and related procurement risks.
Tests conducted by DIC found that solvent consumption fell by at least 50% when ECOVART was used.
The lower solvent requirement is expected to reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.
DIC developed the ink using its proprietary resins. It first launched ECOVART in India in 2022, where sales volumes have continued to increase.
The company plans to draw on its experience in the Indian market as it expands into other regions.
The company will display ECOVART at the Tokyo International Packaging Exhibition 2026 (TOKYO PACK 2026).
Sales in Japan will precede the planned expansion into the PRC and Southeast Asia.
As a high-solids ink, ECOVART contains less solvent. Its higher colour density allows the required colour level to be achieved with less ink than conventional gravure products, while retaining gravure printing characteristics.
