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Top 4 Food & Beverage Packaging Trends: Low-VOC Inks, Lightweighting & Refillable Design

The food and beverages packaging industry is undergoing a massive transformation. Consumer demand for safer, more sustainable products, combined with stringent regulatory frameworks, is pushing brands to rethink how they package, print, and deliver. From low-VOC inks to lightweight flexible packaging and refillable design systems, the trends shaping this space are redefining not only environmental standards but also performance expectations.

In this blog, we’ll explore the latest food and beverages packaging innovations, the critical role of water-based pigment inkjet solutions, and how cutting-edge technologies like the ArrowJet Bolt and ArrowJet 800M are helping businesses meet regulatory, sustainability, and performance challenges head-on.

ArrowJet Bolt

ArrowJet Bolt

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ArrowJet Aqua 800M

ArrowJet Aqua 800M

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The New Age of Food and Beverages Packaging

The packaging industry has always evolved in response to consumer needs. Today, sustainability is the most powerful driver. Shoppers want packaging that not only protects freshness but also reflects their values: eco-consciousness, safety, and transparency.

Key trends include:

  • Low-VOC inks that minimize harmful emissions.

  • Lightweight packaging materials that reduce transportation costs and carbon footprint.

  • Refillable and reusable designs that extend packaging life cycles.

  • Paper-based pouches replacing plastics for improved recyclability.

These trends are not just voluntary—they’re backed by regulations like EU Packaging Waste Directives, U.S. FDA guidelines for indirect food contact, and Switzerland’s strict ink compliance frameworks. For converters and brands, the challenge is finding solutions that align with both market demand and legal compliance without compromising print quality or operational efficiency.

Why Low-VOC Inks Matter in Food & Beverage Packaging

Traditionally, solvent-based inks dominated packaging because of their durability. But they come with a heavy trade-off: volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions that contribute to air pollution and potential food safety concerns.

Low-VOC and water-based inks are now the preferred choice for food and beverages packaging because they:

  • Comply with global safety standards such as Swiss Ordinance and Nestlé Guidance.

     

  • Reduce harmful emissions, supporting brand sustainability goals.

     

  • Ensure safer migration levels, critical for flexible packaging in direct or indirect food contact.

Water-based pigment inks, in particular, stand out for their high color vibrancy, durability, and broad media compatibility—from flexible films to paper-based pouches.

Lightweighting: Efficiency Meets Sustainability

Another megatrend reshaping the packaging landscape is lightweighting—designing packaging with less material without sacrificing performance.

For the food and beverage sector, lightweighting offers:

  • Lower transportation costs due to reduced weight.

  • Smaller carbon footprint, aligning with corporate ESG commitments.

  • Improved shelf efficiency, as thinner films or pouches allow more units per shipment.

However, lightweight substrates can be more challenging to print on, requiring precise ink adhesion and durability. This is where water-based pigment inkjet solutions shine, delivering strong bonding and resistance while maintaining vibrant, high-resolution prints.

Refillable Design: Closing the Loop

The shift toward refillable packaging is not a fad—it’s a movement. Consumers increasingly expect brands to offer refill options for beverages, sauces, snacks, and even dry goods. Retailers and governments are also incentivizing refill stations and reusable packaging systems.

For converters, this introduces new requirements:

  • Durable packaging capable of multiple refill cycles.

     

  • Print durability that withstands handling, washing, or long shelf life.

     

  • Eco-friendly inks that won’t compromise recyclability.

Water-based inks play a crucial role here. Unlike solvent-based inks that can complicate recycling streams, water-based pigment inks enable cleaner, safer recycling while still providing long-lasting print quality.

The Regulatory Pressure: Why Brands Can’t Afford to Ignore Ink Compliance

Food and beverages packaging is one of the most tightly regulated sectors. With consumer health at stake, global bodies are constantly revising rules around inks, coatings, and substrates.

Key challenges include:

  • Migration limits: Inks must not transfer harmful substances into food.

  • Swiss Ordinance compliance: One of the strictest frameworks for packaging inks.

  • Regional differences: What’s approved in the EU may face different restrictions in the U.S. or Asia.

Failure to comply can lead to recalls, fines, and long-term reputational damage. This makes ink selection not just a technical choice but a strategic decision.

Water-Based Pigment Inkjet: The Key to Modern Food & Beverage Packaging

So, how do brands align with eco-trends, regulatory compliance, and consumer expectations—all while keeping production efficient? The answer lies in water-based pigment inkjet solutions.

Advantages include:

  • Eco-compliance: No hazardous VOC emissions, Swiss-compliant ink formulations.

     

  • Durability: Scratch, light, and water resistance suitable for flexible packaging.

     

  • High-resolution print quality: 1600 x 1600 dpi for vibrant, brand-consistent graphics.

     

  • Media versatility: Compatible with films, papers, foils, and pouches.

     

  • Operational efficiency: Reduced manual interventions and easy integration with digital workflows.

This is where ArrowJet solutions become game-changers for the industry.

Criteria

ArrowJet Water-Based Pigment Ink (ArrowJet Bolt, ArrowJet 800M)

UV Printing

Food Safety Compliance

Fully compliant with Swiss Ordinance, Nestlé Guidance, and global food packaging standards. Low-migration, safe for direct/indirect contact.

Concerns around photoinitiator migration and incomplete curing. Not universally accepted for food packaging.

VOC Emissions

Low-VOC, eco-friendly. No harmful solvent emissions.

Emits VOCs and can create environmental compliance challenges.

Print Durability

High resistance to light, water, and scratches. Excellent for flexible films and pouches.

Durable but may crack on flexible substrates; over-lamination often required.

Print Quality

1600 × 1600 dpi, vibrant colors, wide gamut. Suitable for high-resolution brand graphics.

Good quality but may have gloss inconsistency and surface curing limitations.

Substrate Compatibility

Optimized for flexible packaging films, paper-based pouches, foils. Adhesion engineered for lightweighting materials.

Works well on rigid materials, but less effective on thin, flexible substrates.

Sustainability

Enables recyclable and lightweight packaging. Supports refillable design trends.

UV-curable layers can complicate recycling processes.

Operational Efficiency

Minimal setup, reduced manual intervention, easy integration into digital workflows. Lower cost of ownership.

Requires curing lamps, higher energy consumption, more maintenance.

Consumer Safety & Brand Trust

Safe inks = higher consumer trust. Aligns with the clean-label packaging movement.

Increasing regulatory scrutiny; risk of recalls if non-compliant.

ArrowJet Solutions: Redefining Food and Beverages Packaging

ArrowJet Bolt

Designed for high-speed, high-volume digital label and flexible packaging printing, the ArrowJet Bolt is built for converters looking for maximum throughput with uncompromised quality.

  • Speed: Industry-leading throughput for short and long runs.

  • Resolution: 1600 x 1600 dpi ensures packaging pops with color vibrancy.

  • Ink: Water-based pigment inks, fully compliant with food safety standards.

  • Application: Ideal for snack packaging, beverage labels, and flexible pouches.

ArrowJet 800M

Engineered specifically for flexible packaging converters, the ArrowJet 800M combines rugged mechanics with advanced inkjet technology.

  • Media handling: Supports flexible substrates like PET, PE, and paper-based pouches.

     

  • Sustainability: Perfect for lightweight and recyclable packaging.

     

  • Compliance: Meets Swiss Ordinance and EU food packaging standards.

     

  • Use cases: From frozen food pouches to refillable beverage sachets.

Both models empower brands to move away from solvent-heavy processes toward eco-friendly digital packaging solutions without compromising efficiency or quality.

Challenges and How ArrowJet Solves Them

1. Regulatory Complexity

  • Challenge: Brands struggle to navigate regional ink regulations.

  • Solution: ArrowJet’s water-based pigment inks are developed to meet the strictest global standards, ensuring compliance across markets.

2. Substrate Compatibility

  • Challenge: Lightweight and recyclable films are difficult to print on.

  • Solution: The ArrowJet 800M is optimized for flexible packaging materials, ensuring excellent ink adhesion and durability.

3. Cost Pressure

  • Challenge: Balancing sustainability with profitability.

  • Solution: Digital inkjet reduces waste, setup time, and manual intervention—helping converters lower costs while meeting eco-goals.

4. Consumer Demand for Vibrancy

  • Challenge: Eco-friendly packaging shouldn’t mean dull prints.

  • Solution: ArrowJet’s high-resolution systems deliver rich, vibrant colors that elevate shelf presence.

The Future of Food & Beverages Packaging

Looking ahead, the intersection of sustainability and technology will continue to drive innovation in packaging. Brands that embrace water-based pigment Inkjet printing will have the edge in meeting both consumer and regulatory demands.

We can expect to see:

  • Wider adoption of paper-based flexible packaging as plastics face stricter bans.

     

  • Growth of on-demand digital printing for seasonal and localized products.

     

  • Expansion of refillable ecosystems requiring durable, eco-friendly print solutions.

Conclusion: Why Water-Based Inkjet is the Future

The global shift in food and beverages packaging is clear: low-VOC inks, lightweight designs, and refillable packaging are no longer optional—they are imperatives. At the heart of these trends lies a single enabler: water-based pigment inkjet solutions.

With innovations like the ArrowJet Bolt and ArrowJet 800M, converters and brands can:

  • Stay ahead of evolving regulations.

  • Deliver sustainable, consumer-friendly packaging.

  • Reduce costs while boosting print quality and efficiency.

For businesses ready to future-proof their packaging operations, the path is clear: embrace digital, embrace sustainability, and embrace the power of water-based inks.

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