The commercial print industry is changing rapidly. Customers are no longer evaluating printers based only on speed, color output, or equipment size. Today’s buyers are also asking important questions about product safety, indoor air quality, environmental standards, and long term compliance.
That shift is exactly why Mimaki ELS 170 UV ink matters.
Originally introduced alongside Mimaki’s latest UV DTF technology initiatives in Europe, ELS 170 is not simply another UV ink release. It represents a major advancement in safer UV chemistry, lower emissions, and future ready production standards for modern print environments.
For print shops, promotional product companies, industrial decorators, packaging providers, and UV DTF operators across the United States, this matters now more than ever.
What Is Mimaki ELS 170 Ink?
Mimaki ELS 170 is a next generation UV curable ink platform developed for high performance industrial printing applications. The ink was engineered to support demanding production environments while reducing many of the chemical concerns traditionally associated with UV ink systems.
Key features include:
- SVHC free formulation
- CMR free chemistry
- GREENGUARD Gold certification
- Reduced odor output
- High flexibility for transfer and industrial applications
- Excellent adhesion and durability
These improvements allow print providers to deliver professional quality output while aligning with increasingly important environmental and workplace standards.
This is especially important as UV printing continues expanding into:
- retail décor
- consumer products
- indoor signage
- healthcare graphics
- hospitality applications
- schools and educational facilities
- branded merchandise
- UV DTF customization markets
Why European Standards Matter to American Print Buyers
Many businesses assume European environmental regulations only affect companies operating overseas. That is no longer the case.
Global brands increasingly standardize their supplier requirements worldwide. When large companies adopt safer production standards in Europe, those same expectations often expand into North America shortly afterward.
This affects:
- promotional product suppliers
- commercial sign shops
- packaging manufacturers
- UV DTF businesses
- industrial print providers
- branded merchandise decorators
Customers today are becoming more aware of:
- chemical exposure
- VOC emissions
- indoor air quality
- product safety
- sustainability standards
That means the materials used during production are becoming part of the purchasing conversation.
Mimaki ELS 170 positions print providers ahead of this shift.
UV DTF Growth Is Driving Demand for Safer Ink Systems
One of the biggest reasons ELS 170 is attracting attention globally is the explosive growth of UV DTF technology.
UV DTF has opened major opportunities for custom decoration on:
- tumblers
- drinkware
- electronics
- hard goods
- promotional products
- textured surfaces
- irregular objects
The flexibility and convenience of UV DTF are driving rapid adoption across small businesses and large production facilities alike.
However, increased production volume also increases operator exposure to inks, curing systems, and enclosed work environments.
That makes safer chemistry increasingly important.
ELS 170 helps address these concerns while maintaining the flexibility, adhesion, and production durability required for commercial transfer applications.
Why Consumers Should Care About Ink Technology
Most buyers never think about the chemistry behind printed products. That is beginning to change.
Modern consumers are becoming more aware of:
- product safety
- manufacturing standards
- environmental impact
- indoor air quality
- responsible production methods
For businesses purchasing signage, décor graphics, branded merchandise, or promotional products, the type of ink used can matter more than ever.
GREENGUARD Gold certification is particularly important because it verifies lower chemical emissions for indoor environments. This is valuable for:
- schools
- hospitals
- office spaces
- retail stores
- hospitality environments
- residential décor
For brands and consumers alike, safer production standards create additional confidence in the finished product.
Professional Performance Without Sacrificing Durability
Environmental improvements only matter if the ink still performs at a professional level.
Mimaki developed ELS 170 specifically to maintain the production quality commercial printers require.
According to Mimaki, ELS 170 offers:
- strong media adhesion
- flexible application performance
- outdoor durability
- scratch resistance
- stable curing characteristics
- compatibility with demanding UV workflows
This allows print providers to maintain commercial production quality while upgrading to safer and more future focused chemistry.
For customers, that means they do not have to compromise between sustainability and performance.
Why This Matters for the Future of Printing
The print industry is moving toward a future where production standards will matter just as much as visual quality.
Businesses increasingly want partners that can provide:
- reliable production
- compliant materials
- safer manufacturing processes
- reduced environmental impact
- modern sustainability alignment
Mimaki ELS 170 represents a major step in that direction.
Rather than treating environmental responsibility as a niche feature, Mimaki is integrating it directly into mainstream industrial printing technology.
That is an important shift for the entire market.
Mimaki ELS 170 is more than just a new UV ink.
It reflects the future direction of professional printing technology.
As UV printing continues expanding into consumer products, décor, promotional customization, and industrial applications, safer chemistry and lower emissions will become increasingly important to both businesses and end users.
For print providers, adopting next generation ink systems can help future proof operations and strengthen customer confidence.
For consumers, it provides greater assurance that the products they purchase are being produced with modern standards focused on performance, safety, and long term sustainability.
The conversation around print technology is changing.
Mimaki ELS 170 shows where the industry is headed next.