DEERS i Solfree is Korea’s First USDA-Certified Ink Product

Solfree, DEERS i (DAIHAN INK)’s flagship solvent-free ink, has become the first ink product in Korea to obtain USDA BioPreferred certification. Solfree is now officially recognized internationally for achieving the highest level of eco-friendly printing technology and ESG performance in the domestic printing industry.

This certification requires meeting strict standards, including a minimum of 67% bio-based content. By passing these requirements, Solfree has not only scientifically proven its eco-friendliness and carbon reduction effect but also introduced a new benchmark of safety in eco-friendly printing technology.

This achievement represents the culmination of DEERS i’s continuous investment in developing sustainable technologies and implementing ESG management. It marks a significant milestone that accelerates the eco-friendly transition of the domestic printing industry. It further solidifies DEERS i’s position as a leading environmentally responsible company in the field.

The Significance of USDA Certification

The USDA Certified Biobased Product label is a program that scientifically verifies the biomass content in a product and officially certifies it. Its significance lies in the fact that, rather than relying on a company’s self-claim of being “eco-friendly,” it provides objective proof through scientific testing.

The certification process begins with a precise analysis of the carbon content in the product, conducted according to ASTM D6866. By measuring the ratio of radioactive carbon isotopes, it can determine whether the carbon originates from petroleum-based fossil fuels or from renewable biological resources such as plants, animals, or microorganisms.

The results are expressed as a percentage, showing the product’s environmental contribution in numerical terms. Products that fail to meet the required biomass content threshold cannot obtain the certification, underscoring the rigorous evaluation process involved.

Eco-Friendliness and Safety Combined

Solfree uses vegetable oils and bio-based resins as its main raw materials, contributing to carbon emission reduction throughout the entire lifecycle—from raw material extraction to production, use, and disposal.

During the printing process, Solfree significantly reduces emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), improving workplace air quality and protecting the health of workers. This helps lower workplace safety management costs while creating positive impacts on the community and the environment as a whole.

In addition, Solfree is fully compliant with the increasingly stringent global regulations on MOSH and MOAH (mineral oil hydrocarbons), as well as perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Backed by official test reports, it provides the packaging and printing industry with a highly reliable alternative for proactively responding to evolving international environmental regulations.

Furthermore, following the internationally recognized ECO MARK certification, the recent USDA Certified Biobased Product label reaffirms Solfree as an eco-friendly ink whose environmental credentials are verified by third parties. As a result, Solfree has further strengthened its competitiveness as a sustainable ink. It can be safely used in high-hygiene and high-safety applications such as food packaging, pharmaceutical packaging, and children’s printed materials.

Leading the Global Transition to Sustainability

With the recent USDA certification, Solfree has established itself not just as an eco-friendly ink but as a flagship product representing the sustainable transition of Korea’s ink industry. This milestone is expected to provide a strong foundation for enhancing the competitiveness of Korea’s printing sector in the global market for eco-friendly products.

DEERS i is not content to rest on this achievement. It plans to continuously expand its lineup of eco-friendly inks, starting with Solfree. The company is focusing its R&D capabilities on proactively responding to tightening international environmental regulations and the demands of the global supply chain.

Moving forward, DEERS i is committed to driving technological innovation that satisfies both environmental responsibility and quality. This further solidifies its vision as a leader in building a sustainable future for the printing industry.