Circular economy and sustainability
R&D OF SUSTAINABLE INKS FROM AGRICULTURAL WASTE AND RAW MATERIALS FOR THEIR IMPLEMENTATION IN THE PRINTING SECTOR
BIO-PRINT
Motivation
In recent years, there has been an increase in the demand for printed products using natural inks, driven by growing environmental awareness and concerns about health and safety. Many companies are seeking more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives for their printing operations, which has led to greater interest in developing environmentally friendly inks. In addition to market drivers, recent years have seen the emergence of regulations and standards, both at the European and international levels, that encourage the adoption of bio-based inks. Among them are, for example, the REACH Regulation and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. With regard to flexographic inks, it is currently possible to find water-based inks on the market that incorporate naturally sourced ingredients, such as resins or vegetable oils, and that are also free from aggressive and hazardous chemical components, both for the environment and for human health.
Objectives
To develop 100% sustainable and naturally sourced inks, formulated from agricultural waste and marine raw materials, to replace traditional fossil-based solutions. The innovation lies in integrating two strategic sources: by-products from the Valencian agricultural sector (such as citrus residues, agricultural biomass, or pomace) and compounds derived from algae, which will provide pigments, resins, and essential additives to create eco-friendly inks intended for flexographic and inkjet printing processes.
Value and competitive advantage
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Reduced reliance on fossil-based raw materials through renewable biobased alternatives.
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Valorization of agricultural and algal by-products, supporting circular economy models.
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Sustainable inks compatible with existing flexographic printing technologies.
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Advanced know-how in biobased ink formulation and industrial validation.
Obtained results
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Development of sustainable inks based on biobased and renewable raw materials.
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Extraction and validation of natural pigments, biobased resins, and functional compounds.
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Formulation of biobased inks compatible with flexographic printing processes.
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Validation of ink performance under industrially relevant printing conditions.
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Technical characterization of formulations to ensure stability and print quality.
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Generation of technical knowledge to support future sustainable and circular ink developments.
Grant number: IMDEEA/2025/25
Programme: Grants aimed at technological centers in the Comunitat Valenciana for R&D projects in cooperation with companies
Period of execution: April 2025 – June 2026
Status: Finished
More information: Import – 197.826,00 €
Entity: IVACE
This project has the support of the Conselleria of Innovación, Industria, Comercio y Turismo of the Generalitat Valenciana, through IVACE, and is co-financed by the FEDER (European Regional Development Fund) of the European Union, within the FEDER Operational Programme of the Comunidad Valenciana 2021-2027.
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R&D AREAS
New high-performance functionalised materials
Circular economy and sustainability
Advanced manufacturing, smart textiles and digitalisation
High value-added solutions for strategic markets
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NEWS
AITEX is present at the Babykid FIMI fair at Feria Valencia from January 26 to 28, presenting tests and certifications for children’s products.
AITEX has attended the Cosmetorium fair in Barcelona once again on October to present its new products for the cosmetic sector.
AITEX has hosted the LIFE POLITEX workshop entitled “Closing the textile polyester cycle: challenges and opportunities”, based on promoting sustainable solutions for the management and recycling of textile materials.