DIC Expands Low-Solvent ECOVART Ink Rollout To Asia

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 (Bernama) -- DIC Corporation will begin the global rollout of its ECOVART gravure ink, which requires significantly less solvent than conventional gravure inks, focusing on Japan, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Southeast Asia.

In a statement, DIC said the low-solvent ink reduces the volume of naphtha-derived solvents used by packaging materials printing companies, helping mitigate procurement risks while improving printing productivity and lowering volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.

Packaging materials printing companies face growing pressure to reduce VOC emissions and environmental impact while securing stable supplies of raw materials and managing solvent procurement costs.

ECOVART will be showcased at DIC’s booth at the Tokyo International Packaging Exhibition 2026 (TOKYO PACK 2026). Following its introduction in Japan, the company plans to expand sales in the PRC, where solvent-use restrictions are stringent, and Southeast Asia, which is expected to see continued market growth.

Launched in India in 2022, ECOVART has recorded steady sales growth. DIC plans to draw on its experience in the Indian market to support the global rollout, beginning with Japan and targeting the PRC and Southeast Asia.

Supplied as a press-ready ink, ECOVART is preadjusted to the appropriate viscosity for printing, reducing the need for solvent dilution and viscosity adjustments required with conventional gravure inks. This shortens processing time, eases operator workloads and reduces solvent purchases, while simplifying inventory management and limiting exposure to price fluctuations.

DIC testing has confirmed that ECOVART can reduce solvent use by at least 50 per cent. The ink helps customers meet environmental targets and is suitable for solvent recovery, potentially further reducing the environmental impact of printing processes.

ECOVART also has a higher colour density than conventional gravure inks, allowing printers to achieve the required density with less ink while maintaining print quality.

Looking ahead, DIC said it would continue expanding sales globally to reduce solvent use and VOC emissions, improve productivity and support a more sustainable packaging printing industry and circular economy.

-- BERNAMA