Sustainability in surface materials is often discussed in terms of end products — recycled content, service life, disposal. But a large share of the impact sits in how the material is made.
The problem with solvent inks
Solvent-based printing releases VOCs, is flammable, requires heavy extraction and gives workers a strong odour and toxic exposure. It also makes the finished film harder to use safely indoors during installation.
What water-based printing changes
Using water as the carrier instead of organic solvent cuts VOC emissions to below 1% in testing, removes flammability and drastically lowers odour and toxicity. The printed film can be installed in occupied buildings with far less disruption.
The bigger picture
Combine clean printing with a tree-free, formaldehyde-free film and 20+ years of service life, and you get a material that supports green-building targets across its whole life — not just at the end.