The Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication (BIGC) has published an independent study revealing substantial carbon footprint reductions when flexographic printing is used instead of gravure. Conducted from October 1 to December 4, 2023, under Professor Lixin Mo’s supervision, the research offers critical insights into sustainable practices within the packaging printing industry.
“Flexographic printing provides numerous advantages,” said Dr. Mo, a professor at BIGC. “It’s a more environmentally friendly approach, compatible with various substrates, and enables high-speed mass production. Despite its popularity in Europe and the United States—where flexography dominates over 70% and 50% of the packaging market, respectively—gravure printing still accounts for over 90% of the market in China.”
BIGC’s investigation included a survey and on-site research to analyze the advantages and shortcomings of flexography compared to gravure. The study’s objective was to evaluate the sustainability potential of transitioning to flexographic technology in China’s packaging sector.
The findings emphasize the significant environmental benefits of adopting flexography. “The most striking sustainability gain,” Dr. Mo noted, “came from using water-wash plates and water-based inks in flexography. Emissions were less than 4 kg CO2eq/m², compared to 140 kg CO2eq/m² for gravure with solvent inks—a reduction of 136 kg CO2eq/m², or 35 times fewer emissions. Even in the best-case scenario for gravure, emissions were still as high as 34 kg CO2eq/m².”
Yuji Suzuki, Technical Support Professional at Asahi Photoproducts, emphasized the study’s industry impact. “People in the industry have awaited a game changer. This neutral study demonstrates that flexography could be that change. With expected government regulations on CO2 emissions, brand owners and converters should consider investing in flexography despite initial costs, as the risk of non-compliance is substantial,” Suzuki stated.
The full report will be released in January 2025.