A new independent study conducted by Professor Lixin Mo of the Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication (BIGC), in collaboration with Yuji Suzuki of Asahi Kasei, reveals that flexographic printing using water-based inks produces significantly lower carbon emissions than traditional gravure printing in China’s packaging sector. The research, which included data from 28 companies across major regions of China, supports the alignment of flexographic processes with China’s national “dual carbon” goals, to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2060.
The study found that gravure printing, which remains dominant in flexible food packaging, relies heavily on solvent-based inks and dry composite processes, both of which are significant sources of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. In contrast, flexographic printers are increasingly adopting water-based inks and sustainable alternatives, such as solvent-free composites, while also demonstrating higher rates of environmental certification. The findings suggest a strategic opportunity for China’s packaging industry to shift its focus toward flexography, meeting regulatory and sustainability demands without compromising print quality. The report advocates for the accelerated adoption of flexographic technology to avoid regulatory penalties and capitalize on competitive advantages as environmental expectations rise across the market.
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