The Impact of GBL Restrictions and the Rise of Eco-Solvent Inks

Highlight

• Uses and Risks of GBL
• International Regulations and Background of the Ban
• Alternatives to GBL and Emerging Technologies
• The Printing Industry’s Green Transition and Future Trends

GBL (γ-Butyrolactone) is a widely used chemical solvent long applied in the production of printing inks, coatings, and cleaning agents. Its excellent solubility and stability once made it an indispensable component in ink formulations. However, as research continues to uncover the potential health and environmental risks associated with GBL, many countries have begun listing it as a controlled or prohibited chemical. This shift has reshaped its usage across the chemical industry and has pushed the printing industry to re-evaluate ink safety and sustainability.

Uses and Risks of GBL　

In the printing industry, GBL is mainly used as a solvent to enhance ink fluidity and adhesion, ensuring stable and vibrant print quality. However, behind these technical advantages lie notable concerns:

• Health Risks: Long-term exposure to GBL may cause dizziness, skin irritation, and respiratory discomfort. Under high temperatures, it may release harmful vapors, increasing health risks for operators.
• Environmental Issues: Although GBL has some degree of biodegradability, improper disposal of waste liquid can still contaminate water sources and soil, posing long-term threats to ecosystems.
  (Note: “Biodegradability” refers to a substance’s ability to be broken down by microorganisms into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass without leaving harmful pollutants.)

Long-term exposure to GBL may cause physical discomfort, and improper handling of GBL can also contaminate water sources and soil.

International Regulations and Background of the Ban　

As global awareness of chemical safety grows, the use of GBL is increasingly subject to strict regulation:

• European Union: Under REACH regulations, GBL is classified as a restricted chemical. Companies must submit complete risk assessments and register before use.
• United States: The DEA classifies GBL as a regulated precursor chemical, placing strict controls on its importation and distribution.
• Asia: Countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea have also strengthened management and inspection of GBL-containing products.

For printing and coating manufacturers, this means gradually phasing out GBL-containing formulations and adopting safer, regulation-compliant eco-friendly solvents and curing technologies.

Alternatives to GBL and Emerging Technologies　

Low-toxicity Solvents & Eco-Solvent Inks: To reduce dependence on high-risk chemical solvents, researchers and ink manufacturers are actively developing next-generation eco-friendly inks based on low-toxicity organic solvents. Among these, eco-solvent inks have become one of the most representative solutions. These inks commonly use solvents such as ethyl lactate and propylene glycol monomethyl ether (PM), maintaining print quality while significantly reducing emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

     Key features include:

• Environmentally Friendly: Free of GBL and other high-risk solvents; reduces harmful emissions; compliant with REACH, RoHS, and other environmental regulations.
• High Compatibility: Suitable for a wide range of printing substrates, including PVC, PET, films, and synthetic textiles.
• Stable Performance: Offers strong adhesion, weather resistance, and color performance—supporting outdoor signage and long-term display needs.

UV / LED-UV Curing  Technology: Another major direction is ultraviolet curing technology. UV and LED-UV inks cure instantly under ultraviolet light without solvent evaporation, resulting in near-zero VOC emissions. These inks deliver excellent adhesion, abrasion resistance, and waterproof performance, and can be used on non-absorbent materials such as glass, metal, and plastics. UV curing is widely regarded as one of the most promising sustainable technologies for the future of printing.

Although each technology has its specific application scope, they share a common goal: reducing environmental and health burdens while enhancing sustainability in production.

(Inkpedia: – What Is Eco-Solvent Ink? Understanding Its Benefits and Applications )

The Printing Industry’s Green Transition and Future Trends　

With GBL bans and increasingly stringent environmental regulations, the printing industry is undergoing a structural transformation. Businesses must reassess material safety while balancing cost, quality, and sustainability. In the short term, eco-solvent inks will continue to be the mainstream choice for environmentally friendly printing with reliable performance. In the mid-to-long term, LED-UV curing technologies are expected to become the industry’s core development direction.

The trend toward eliminating GBL is not just a regulatory push—it is an important opportunity for the printing industry to transition toward sustainability. From phasing out GBL to the rise of eco-solvent, water-based, and UV technologies, printing inks are evolving toward low-pollution, high-performance, and safer solutions. For the industry, this signifies not only a materials upgrade but also the beginning of a new era in green manufacturing.