The inks are made from natural ingredients, including soy, starch, sugars, dextrin, tree resin, cellulose and other polysaccharides and use natural oils to defoam in place of mineral oils.

According to Solar Inks, Earthinks are glycol and silicone-free, contain no heavy metals and have "near-zero VOC levels". They are available in standard process and Pantone colours and in any volume from 5-10kg up to 10 tonnes.

Solar Inks sales manager Sharon Brown told PrintWeek that the environmentally-friendly range was "comparable in price" to Solar Inks' standard water-based and UV screen and flexo inks.

Price varies depending on volume ordered as well as other factors, including the pigment, resin and colour fastness. "The more the ink has to do the more expensive it will be," said Brown.

Earthinks are said to have low viscosity and low foaming levels and offer stability over long runs due to their "pH-independent technology".

Solar Inks has developed the inks in response to the growing environmental concerns of both brand owners and end users, following events such as the mineral oils health scare in 2011, and to offer a sustainable alternative to standard polymer-based products.

Earthinks can be used to print corrugated and flexible packaging, labels, envelopes and a range of paper products (till rolls, paper cups and bags, gift wrap), on a variety of substrates, including recycled stocks.

Jonathan Mack, owner of the Telford-based ink manufacturer, said: "Earthinks are an important development in sustainable printing. We have worked hard to provide affordable, high-quality inks that meet today's demands for environmental care as well as matching that with environmentally-friendly packaging.

"In addition, our recycling programme ensures minimal waste and good value for customers."