Cardboard Packaging Inks — What Brands Need to Know
Great packaging tells a story at a glance but the colours, finishes and inks you choose can make or break that story. Ultimately, this can affect how your brand looks on shelf, how the pack performs in transit and whether it can be recycled or safely contact food.
This guide explains the practical ink choices brands should consider when working with your cardboard packaging supplier, how those choices affect cost and recyclability, and the simple steps you can take to test and approve print without surprises.
We will cover the main ink types, what they mean for print quality and sustainability, regulatory and food safety concerns, production tips for different substrates, and a short checklist to use before signing off a job.
Why ink choice matters
Ink is not just decoration. It influences how colours reproduce on different boards, how prints withstand scuffing and moisture, and whether packs can be recycled or used in food supply chains. On recycled or uncoated cardboard, inks absorb differently and colours can appear duller or patchy unless the right ink and proofing process is used. On the other hand, high gloss finishes and heavy varnishes can look stunning but unfortunately make recycling harder which we don’t want it you’re a brand with sustainability and CSR targets.
Choosing the wrong ink can therefore lead to reprints, delays and worst of all unhappy customers. Choose the right one though, and you get consistent branding, durable packs and fewer headaches at end of life.
The main ink types
There are a few common ink families you will encounter and each have their own trade-offs.
Water based inks
Water based inks are widely used on uncoated and recycled cardboards. They have lower Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and better environmental credentials than many solvent systems. They dry into the paper so they can look softer on very absorbent stocks, which can be desirable for a natural, matte look.
UV curable and solvent inks
These give very bright, punchy colours and cure fast. They are great for coated boards and where surface durability is needed, think high traffic retail displays. Note that some UV coatings and laminates can complicate recycling or food safety claims so check compatibility before specifying.
Soy, vegetable based and eco inks
As the name suggests, these use plant oils as a binder rather than petroleum-based resins. They can improve sustainability credentials while still delivering solid print results. They still need testing on your chosen substrate to validate for the desired result, look and colour.
Special finishes such as varnish, aqueous coatings and foils
Varnishes and aqueous coatings can protect and add sheen, while foils and laminates add impact. All increase visual appeal but can reduce recyclability or require extra compliance checks for food use – so use with caution.
Food safety and compliance and what to check
If your secondary packaging may contact food, do not make guesses as to what inks you can use. Ask suppliers for written assurance.
- Request food grade ink declarations or supplier statements and any relevant test reports
- Check local guidance, for Australian businesses Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is a key resource, and check export market rules if needed
- Ask for a Material Safety Data Sheet and any migration or compliance data if chemical migration is a risk
- Avoid inks or coatings that contain hazardous substances and get clarity on whether the supplier runs food safe processes
Pick inks that play nicely with recycling
Some inks and coatings make recycling harder by interfering with the deinking process. Deinking is the step in paper recycling where printed ink is removed from fibres so the paper can be reprocessed into new board or paper products. If inks do not detach cleanly, they can contaminate the recycled pulp and reduce the quality of the new material. If your aim is end‑of‑life recyclability, favour mono‑material packs and inks that are known to be deinkable or water based.
These choices make it easier for recyclers to recover clean fibres and increase the likelihood your packaging will be successfully recycled. Ask printers whether their inks are compatible with standard recycling processes and whether they have deinking data for your chosen finish.
If sustainability is a priority, consider the whole system: substrate choice, ink, adhesive and any films or windows. Even a small polymer window or foil strip can change recyclability.
For guidance on circular packaging design in Australia see the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation.
Matching ink to substrate and production method
Different substrates demand different approaches. Recycled, uncoated cardboards absorb more ink and may show fibre texture; coated boards produce brighter colours but require inks that adhere to coating. Colour management is crucial, use CMYK profiles tuned to the substrate and always get a physical press proof.
Short run packaging and prototyping: digital toner or latex print is fast, cost effective and ideal for proofing or personalisation.
Long runs: flexo or offset with the right ink selection delivers consistent results and better unit economics.
Before production, confirm dielines, trap and overprint settings, varnish areas and print proofs on the actual board. If you need help validating options without large minimums, Boxes To Go offers short runs.
Practical trade-offs and recommendations
There is no single best ink for the industry, but you can choose the right ink for your specific goal. If recyclability and low environmental impact are priorities, water based or vegetable inks on mono material packs are a sensible default. If shelf presence is critical, a UV or solvent system with a spot varnish might be justified, but plan for recycling and clearly communicate disposal instructions.
- Best practice checklist before sign-off:
- Complete an onsite pre-press approval or colour drawdowns
- Request supplier MSDS and compliance certificates
- Confirm food safe declarations for any pack near food
- Avoid mixed materials where recyclability is required
- Test a short run before scaling to full production
Costs, timelines and things to ask your supplier
Ink choices affect price and lead time. UV curing speeds finishing but needs compatible substrates. Water based inks may require longer drying. Metallic inks and special finishes add cost and setup time.
Ask potential suppliers:
- Which inks do you recommend for this board and finish?
- Can you provide physical press proofs on the actual stock?
- Do you have food safety and VOC documentation?
- How will this finish affect recycling?
For tailored advice, get a print and packaging consultation with Boxes To Go.
Final thoughts
Ink selection is a small decision with big consequences so pick inks that match your substrate, brand goals and end of life ambitions. Test on real boards, request supplier certifications and if sustainability and food safety matter, prioritise water based or approved eco inks and mono material constructions. If you would like expert help with ink selection, proofing and short run testing, get a print and packaging consultation. Boxes To Go can help you balance look, performance and sustainability.