Pushing the boundaries with wide-format ink

As the ongoing evolution of wide-format print technology shows no signs of slowing down, Rob Fletcher takes a closer look at inks and examines some of the latest advancements within this area of what is an exciting market.

Much is said and written about the latest hardware releases in the wide-format print sector, with a host of new solutions having come to market this year. While of course hardware is a key consideration, so is the “blood” that runs through these incredible pieces of kit: the ink.

To complement the constant advancements in printing hardware, manufacturers are also continuing to develop their ink offerings to ensure users get the very best out of new machinery and offer their own customers an advanced range of services.

Here, we take a look at some of the latest developments with wide-format ink, looking at how the latest solutions – some of which were showcased at the FESPA Global Print Expo 2025 – can be used in combination with new printing hardware to help printing companies produce stunning results in wide-format production.

Planet friendly printing

Mimaki Europe was one of the manufacturers to showcase new ink solutions at the FESPA Global Print Expo 2025 in May. Visitors to the company’s stand were able to gain insight into the new Mimaki ELH and ELS UV ink range, which have been developed in response to rising demand for more planet friendly consumables.

The new inks have been formulated to be free of both SVHC, substances of concern that may have significant impact on human health or the planet, and CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reproductive) toxicants.

“In recent years, demand for CMR-free products has been growing rapidly against the backdrop of increasing awareness for safety, the environment, and health,” said Arjen Evertse, director of sales at Mimaki Europe. “Being the first to develop inks that meet these concerns head-on demonstrates Mimaki’s commitment to developing products that are safe, highly functional and environmentally friendly.

“In addition, many of the brands our customers supply now promote CMR-free compliance as part of efforts to strengthen corporate sustainability strategies and ESG investment.”

Going into more detail on the inks, Mimaki Europe said the odour emitted when using ELH and ELS inks is reduced by approximately 30% compared to conventional UV inks, which in turn provides a more comfortable working environment for print professionals.

It also noted how the new ELH inks maintain the same high scratch resistance as the conventional LH-100, while ELS inks provide the same flexibility as conventional LUS-120 products. The inks were made available to the global market from the middle of 2025.

“These new inks will therefore give our customers a strong competitive edge to further support brands with their own sustainability strategy and goals,” Evertse added. “Through SVHC- and CMR-free UV inks, we will continue to support our customers in their efforts to create more safe and more environmentally friendly products.”

Superior solutions

Also showcased at the FESPA Global Print Expo 2025 was AQUAFUZE, a new ink technology from Fujifilm that has come to market after over a decade of research and development. This ink produces thin-film, low-pile prints with sharp detail and a smooth, scratch-resistant finish, which the manufacturer said eliminates the need for a topcoat and allows for the production of highly durable print across both indoor and outdoor applications.

“AQUAFUZE technology combines the benefits of UV LED and water-based inkjet printing, offering strong adhesion to various media without requiring a pre-coat primer or optimiser, Fujifilm said. “It operates with lower energy consumption and reduced temperature drying compared to conventional water-based systems.

“Additionally, it benefits from low-odour output, meets safety compliance standards, and enhances jetting stability by minimising nozzle blockages. This makes AQUAFUZE a more sustainable and user-friendly alternative to traditional water-based ink technologies.”

Fujifilm launched AQUAFUZE at the exhibition with the debut of its new Acuity Triton an advanced printer, which, manufactured in Japan by Mutoh, has been specifically designed to utilise AQUAFUZE. Fujifilm said this combination offers a “cost-effective and energy-efficient alternative” to traditional water-based printing systems.

Featuring a maximum print width of 1.6m, the Acuity Triton can print at speeds of 15sq m/hr while also ensuring instant drying for immediate finishing, cutting or laminating. The low-temperature drying of the AQUAFUZE ink also helps to minimise nozzle blockages, improves jetting stability, and significantly reduces energy consumption.

“We’ve listened carefully to industry needs and designed these solutions to meet real market demands, backed by Fujifilm’s unrivalled service and support,” said David Burton, director for Fujifilm WFIJ Systems. “At Fujifilm, our philosophy is clear: rather than rushing to market, we evaluate industry trends, identify competitor weaknesses, and deliver superior solutions tailored to evolving customer needs.”

Outstanding results

While Fujifilm has marketed its new solution as an alternative to conventional water-based systems, the more traditional offerings in this sector continue to experience success. HP is a leading advocate of such products, with its HP Latex machine making use of water-based HP Latex inks.

“Not only do HP Latex printers deliver outstanding results on a wide range of media, original water-based HP Latex inks can add value to differentiate your business and help your customers meet their sustainability goals,” HP said. “With reliable performance, you can minimise waste and downtime.”

Being water-based, HP said this makes the inks a more planet friendly solution than other ink types such as solvent, eco-solvent and UV inks. HP Latex inks are UL ECOLOGO certified and comply with toy safety requirements, while they are also approved to GREENGUARD GOLD standard. In addition, the manufacturer said HP Eco-Carton ink cartridges reduce plastic by 80% and carbon dioxide equivalent by 66%.

Incidentally, HP rolled out a new HP Latex solution at the FESPA Global Print Expo 2025 in the form of the HP Latex R530. Billed as a “compact, all-in-one” rigid and flexible printer, the printer offers users print speeds of up to 24sq m/hr when printing in indoor mode. It can print on boards as wide as 1.6m and up to 5cm thick, while it can print in both colour and white.

Also new from HP at the exhibition was the HP Latex 730 and HP Latex 830 Printer Series. The range comprises four printers, with both standard models also available with white ink options. All these machines, including the HP Latex R530, run with the water-based HP Latex inks.

Clearly, manufacturers are working hard to ensure their customers have a full range of tools at their disposal when it comes to wide-format ink. Developing a new machine is one thing but to get the most out of new hardware, print companies need quality inks to accompany, and there is seemingly no shortage of new, innovative options in this area.