Date：2025-09-27 16:33:31 from：StarColor Ink
In Southeast Asia, the rapid rise of tourism and the middle class is transforming the food and hospitality industry. Hotels, restaurants, and global fast-food chains are demanding higher standards for disposable items like napkins—not only functionality, but also food safety, eco-friendly printing, and premium visual appeal.
For one well-known Indonesian printing company, solvent-based inks had become a major obstacle to meeting these new demands. To stay competitive, they switched to StarColor food-grade water-based inks, achieving not just compliance but also a strategic brand upgrade.
When a global fast-food chain audited their factory, it required FDA-compliant napkin printing. Solvent-based inks could not meet the standard, leading to the loss of a lucrative contract. Without food-safe inks, the company was locked out of high-value opportunities.
Stricter VOC regulations in Indonesia made solvent-based inks increasingly costly. High emissions meant extra environmental taxes and a poor brand reputation at a time when clients favored green supply chains.
The print shop was filled with strong odors, causing high staff turnover despite ventilation systems. On premium embossed napkins, traditional inks smeared easily, lowering customer satisfaction.
After testing multiple suppliers, the company selected StarColor inks due to three clear advantages:
Certified Food Safety
StarColor food-grade inks are FDA-compliant, ensuring printed napkins are safe for direct food contact. This became the “passport” to enter premium F&B packaging markets.
Eco-Friendly Printing, Competitive Advantage
With water as the main solvent, VOC emissions are below 5%. This not only made compliance effortless but also allowed the printer to market itself as a sustainable printing company, attracting CSR-driven clients.
Superior Printing Performance
Bright, vivid colors that enhance brand logos
Fast drying and strong adhesion on porous napkin paper
Excellent rub resistance during transport
Reduced screen clogging, cutting cleaning frequency by 50%
These benefits improved both print quality and operational efficiency.
Within six months of adopting StarColor water-based napkin printing inks, the company achieved:
Market Expansion: Regained the fast-food chain order and secured contracts with two hotel groups. Premium napkin orders grew by 35% year-on-year.
Efficiency Gains: Printing efficiency increased by 15%, while defect rates dropped from 5% to 3.5%, saving significant annual costs.
Environmental Recognition: VOC emissions reduced by 90%, leading to a healthier workplace and recognition as an “Environmental Demonstration Unit.”
“When we chose StarColor, our priority was food safety. But it also helped us win new clients, improve productivity, and build a green brand image. StarColor is truly one of our most valuable partners.”
— Bambang Sutrisno, Production Manager
This case demonstrates that switching to food-grade water-based ink is more than compliance—it’s a profitable business strategy. By prioritizing safety, sustainability, and print quality, StarColor inks enabled the Indonesian printer to:
Enter international food packaging markets
Enhance efficiency and reduce costs
Improve workplace conditions and brand reputation
For printers across Southeast Asia and beyond, this success story is a clear example of how eco-friendly printing solutions can unlock long-term growth.
If your business faces challenges in food-safe ink compliance, VOC reduction, or sustainable napkin printing, the StarColor team is ready to provide customized solutions and free sample testing.
Contact us today to explore how StarColor food-grade water-based inks can help you upgrade your printing business.