{"id":6369,"date":"2025-08-04T17:40:30","date_gmt":"2025-08-04T15:40:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.sicer.it\/?p=4375"},"modified":"2026-06-30T17:03:39","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T15:03:39","slug":"how-low-emission-inks-work-in-ceramic-production","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sicer.it\/en\/how-low-emission-inks-work-in-ceramic-production\/","title":{"rendered":"How low-emission inks work in ceramic production: technologies and advantages for the industry"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Table of contents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
  1. Introduction<\/a><\/li>
  2. What are low-emission inks?<\/a><\/li>
  3. The technical functioning of low-emission inks<\/a><\/li>
  4. Environmental and production advantages<\/a><\/li>
  5. Sicer innovation in low-emission inks<\/a><\/li>
  6. Applications and technical performance<\/a><\/li>
  7. Integration into industrial production processes<\/a><\/li>
  8. Regulatory compliance and certifications<\/a><\/li>
  9. Future trends and technological developments<\/a><\/li>
  10. Conclusions<\/a><\/li>
  11. FAQ<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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    Introduction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The ceramic industry<\/strong> is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the urgent need to reduce environmental impact and improve production efficiency. In this scenario, low-emission technologies<\/strong> represent a decisive step towards sustainable ceramic production<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Among these, low-emission digital inks<\/strong> play a key role, allowing high aesthetic and performance standards to be maintained while significantly reducing the harmful substances released during firing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This article explores how low-emission inks work<\/strong>, the technological innovations that make them possible, the advantages for industrial plants and the contribution of the .LE series by Sicer<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, one of the most advanced solutions in the sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    What are low-emission inks?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Low-emission ceramic inks<\/strong> are formulations specially developed to release very low levels of VOCs<\/strong>, aldehydes<\/strong> and other volatile organic compounds during the preheating and firing stages in ceramic kilns. They use eco-friendly<\/strong> organic vehicles, designed to evaporate only at high temperatures and ensure cleaner combustion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Compared to traditional inks<\/strong>, which can generate intense odours and carbon deposits, these advanced inks allow for more efficient management of the production process<\/strong>. The composition<\/strong> is based on ultra-refined solvents<\/strong>, micronised ceramic pigments<\/strong> and functional additives<\/strong> free of glycols and ethers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The adoption of low emission inks<\/strong> is often driven by regulatory requirements: directives such as IPPC<\/span><\/strong><\/a>, AIA authorisations<\/span><\/strong><\/a> and tests according to UNI EN ISO 11890<\/strong> ensure that the production cycle complies with environmental sustainability<\/strong> and safety standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    The technical functioning of low-emission inks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    During application in digital ceramic printing<\/strong>, low-emission inks behave in a manner that is fully compatible with existing ceramic inkjet<\/strong> systems. They are deposited on the ceramic surface and begin their thermal process without premature evaporation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The real difference emerges during the baking<\/strong> phase. Here, thanks to the specific composition, the degradation of organic components occurs in a controlled and delayed manner, in an area of the oven with temperatures above 500 \u00b0C. This shift allows for more complete pyrolysis<\/strong> and the transformation of substances into CO\u2082 and H\u2082O, reducing the formation of VOCs<\/strong>, aldehydes<\/strong> and other harmful by-products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In this way, the oven acts as a real post-combustion<\/strong> chamber, improving process efficiency and reducing the accumulation of residues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Environmental and production benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \"Representation<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    The benefits of using low-emission inks<\/strong> are numerous. First of all, from an environmental point of view, there is a significant reduction in ceramic emissions<\/strong>: up to 70% less odour, 60% less formaldehyde and 50% less VOC<\/strong>. These results are confirmed by tests conducted on the .LE series by Sicer<\/span><\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To further clarify the extent of the environmental benefits, here is a comparative table that compares the VOC emissions<\/strong> between a traditional ceramic ink and an ink from the .LE series by Sicer<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n\n
    Type of ink<\/strong><\/td>VOC emissions (relative value)<\/strong><\/td>Reduction compared to traditional methods<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
    Traditional ink<\/td>100%<\/td>\u2013<\/td><\/tr>
    .LE ink by Sicer<\/td>50%<\/td>-50%<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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    These data, certified by laboratory tests and under real production conditions, highlight how the use of the .LE line allows for a significant reduction in ceramic emissions<\/strong>, contributing in a concrete way to the sustainability of the entire production cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    But the advantages do not end with the environment. The reduced formation of residues and the absence of intense odours significantly improve the air quality in the factory<\/strong>, making the working environment healthier and safer. From an energy point of view, the greater stability of the thermal cycle<\/strong> and the reduction in machine downtime contribute to more efficient resource management and greater energy efficiency in the tiles<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Sicer innovation in low-emission inks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Sicer’s commitment to ink research and development<\/strong> has led to the creation of the .LE<\/span><\/strong><\/a> series, an advanced project based on eco-friendly ceramic technologies<\/strong>. The .LE line uses an optimised eco-solvent<\/strong> base to ensure high performance and minimal environmental impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Tests conducted by independent bodies have certified a reduction in emissions<\/strong> without compromising print quality. The performance of Sicer inks<\/strong> remains high even under intense working conditions and prolonged thermal cycles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The range includes customisable primary inks<\/strong>, digital effects for textured surfaces and a digital glue<\/strong> available in high temperature (HT) and low temperature (LT) versions, all solutions designed to adapt to the production needs of leading industrial ceramic plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Applications and technical performance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The technical performance<\/strong> of .LE inks is confirmed by established industrial applications. The colours maintain a stable and uniform chromatic quality<\/strong>, resist thermal variations and ensure repeatable results over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    These inks are effective on various types of substrates: porcelain stoneware, glazed tiles and textured surfaces. Their ability to maintain high ceramic colour fastness<\/strong> helps to reduce waste and improve process efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"digital<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    dida: Over the years, research into ceramic inks has led to the selection of solvents with high evaporation temperatures, achieving excellent performance with formulations based on fatty acid esters.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Furthermore, the absence of carbon residues reduces surface defects and simplifies cleaning operations at the end of the cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Integration into industrial production processes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \"Pouring<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    The introduction of .LE<\/span><\/a> inks into ceramic industrial processes<\/strong> does not require any changes to production lines. This allows for simple, quick and sustainable integration without additional costs for technical adjustments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Once installed, operators can count on optimised ceramic production<\/strong>: less machine downtime, reduced waste and improved overall performance. The technical support provided by Sicer also includes on-site training and assistance with the correct setting of digital ceramic printing<\/strong> parameters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Regulatory compliance and certifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    In an increasingly demanding regulatory environment, the adoption of .LE<\/span><\/a> inks allows companies to comply with the main ceramic emissions regulations<\/strong>. The formulations comply with the limits on VOC<\/strong>, TOC<\/strong>, aldehydes and odour units imposed by AIA, IPPC and European regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sicer provides technical documentation and safety data sheets<\/strong>, which are useful for environmental audits and for obtaining environmental certifications<\/strong>. In addition, the use of cleaner inks improves internal safety standards and helps to create healthier environments in accordance with industrial safety standards<\/strong> guidelines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Future trends and technological developments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The path traced by solutions such as .LE points clearly towards environmental sustainability<\/strong> and continuous innovation. The next generations of inks will be increasingly integrated with Industry 4.0 ceramic<\/strong> systems, enabling real-time monitoring and traceability of emissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Ink research and development<\/strong> is also focusing on new features: resistance to bacteria, self-cleaning surfaces and synergies with advanced glazes. At the same time, product life cycle analysis (LCA) and carbon footprint will become key parameters in the choice of formulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Conclusions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Low-emission inks<\/strong> are now a strategic lever for ceramic companies that want to combine production quality, regulatory compliance and a sustainable vision. The .LE series by Sicer<\/span><\/strong><\/a> is a concrete example of Italian ceramic innovation<\/strong>, capable of combining industrial efficiency and environmental responsibility. Choosing solutions such as .LE means investing in quality ceramic inks<\/strong>, technical reliability and the future of the sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    FAQ<\/h3> \n
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