Water-based ink
Water-based ink is flexographic ink carried in water rather than solvent, printed on kraft corrugated, kraft paper bags and tissue. It has low odor and stays recyclable with the board, which makes it the natural choice for one or two color kraft mailers. It does not do photographs or gradients; for those, choose digital CMYK on a white mailer.
Water-based ink at a glance
| What it is | Flexo ink with a water base |
|---|---|
| Print method | Flexographic plates, one to three solid colors |
| Used on | Kraft mailers, shipping boxes, paper bags, printed tissue |
| Best for | Logos, line art, solid brand colors |
| Odor | Low |
| Recycling | Recyclable with the board |
| Not for | Photographs and gradients; use digital CMYK |
When to choose it, and when not to
Choose water-based ink for one color kraft mailers and shipping boxes, printed tissue, merch and shopping bags: anywhere the design is a logo or a pattern in a solid color and the pack should stay simple paper.
Skip it for photography, gradients or many colors. A full color printed mailer on a white E-flute liner prints CMYK digitally or offset, sealed with matte aqueous coating.
Read nextProducts made with water-based ink
These are the products whose pages list water-based ink as a material that suits them. Across these products, all start at 200 units, with lead times of 10 to 14 business days after proof approval. Each product page states its own.
Also offered in water-based ink: seal end carton, soap box, coffee carton, push up paper tube, kraft paper shopping bag, bakery bag, merch bag, poly mailer, compostable mailer, corrugated insert, custom tissue paper, sticker and label sheet, bakery box with window, pizza box, take out box, wine and spirits carrier.
Questions about water-based ink
Can water-based ink print full color?
It is a solid-color flexo process, best at one to three colors. Full color photography and gradients print digitally or offset on a white liner.
Does water-based ink keep a kraft box recyclable?
Yes. The ink is recyclable with the board, so a plain kraft mailer printed with water-based ink stays a paper box.
Will my brand color match on kraft?
Ink prints darker on brown kraft than on white. The digital proof shows the expected result, and a printed proof is available on request if the color is critical.
Can I claim water-based ink on the box?
Yes, it is a specific claim you can back, which is better than a vague eco claim. Keep it small and factual, on the base or a side panel.
Hold it before you choose
The Swatch Book is a free set of board, wrap and finish samples, so you can feel water-based ink next to the alternatives before you decide. Name the materials you are weighing in the request. When you are ready, send the size and quantity for a quote and a dieline, usually within one business day, with a complimentary digital proof on every order.