If you’re thinking of taking your veganism off the plate and into the rest of your life, you might wonder if everyday items are cruelty-free. Things can get complicated when you start to take a look through your closet or self-care products, but what about something as mundane as ink? Is ink vegan?
Unfortunately, ink is not always vegan. Historically, ink has been made from a variety of sources, including plant-based dyes and minerals. But it’s also been made – and still occasionally is – from some decidedly non-vegan sources. From pen ink to tattoo ink, some companies still make ink with animal products.
Below, we’ll take a closer look at the origins of different types of inks – pen, printer, and tattoo – as well as explore what to look for and what kinds of questions to ask to find out whether the ink you’re using is vegan.
In What Ways Is Ink Not Vegan?
Historically, ink has been made from a variety of sources. Take traditional Indian ink, for example. The ancient Greeks used animal glue as a binding element. And later, it was made using a type of soot called lampblack, which was produced by burning oils, wood, or even bones. It is still used by artists today.
Today, our inks come with more answers, but they can be a challenge to find since not many companies appear to feel the need to label their ink products “vegan-friendly.”
Luckily that’s changing as more people inquire about the origins of their products.
The truth is that today’s ink ingredients can vary widely from one brand to another. This is equally applicable to printer ink, pen ink, and tattoo ink.
Unfortunately, some brands still use animal-derived ingredients. For example, some black inks are still made using bone char, which is may exactly how it sounds – by charring the bones of animals in fire, typically cows and pigs.
The other animal products to look out for in ink include shellac (a resin secreted by the female lac bug), gelatin (derived from animal collagen), and glycerin used as a stabilizer in inks and can also be animal-derived.
Are There Vegan Tattoo Inks?
For those who follow a strict vegan lifestyle, the possible presence of animal-derived ingredients in something as common as ink can be disappointing.
The good news is that with the growing demand for vegan-friendly products, there are now alternatives available.
For example, in the world of tattooing, artists and studios are increasingly offering vegan-friendly alternatives.
Vegan tattoo inks exclude all animal-derived ingredients as the glycerin used in the ink is plant-based. Brands widely recognized for offering vegan-friendly tattoo inks include:
– Alla Prima Ink
– Fusion Tattoo
– Southeast Tattoo Supplies
– Stable Color
– Dynamic
– Intenze Tattoo Ink
– StarBrite
– Electric Ink USA
– Kuro Sumi
– Skin Candy Bloodline
– World Famous Tattoo
There are more, so be sure to ask your artist what they know about the ink-making process of the product they use.
Are Printer, Pen, and Art Inks Vegan?
Manufacturers are beginning to take note of the demand for vegan-friendly ink options.
Several brands now advertise their inks as being free from animal-derived ingredients, while others offer specific vegan-friendly ranges.
In many cases, these vegan inks perform just as well as their non-vegan counterparts, meaning you won’t have to compromise on quality when you choose to go cruelty-free. You need only look for a label that says “vegan” or “cruelty-free.”
Not ready to go searching? Papermate, Parker, Uni-Ball, Sakura Micron, and Zebra make vegan ink pens, while Blackstone, Royal Talens, and Faber-Castell make vegan-friendly fountain pen ink.
Is Printer Ink Vegan?
More companies are making vegan printer ink. However, modern mass-market inks are generally petroleum oil-based or contain glycerin, bone chars, gelatin from animal hooves, or beetle shellac (crushed beetles) for coloring.
Vegetable and soy-based inks are available, but these also come with their own sustainability issues, like packaging and transport, and they can sometimes take longer to dry. But they may also have more vibrant colors and an overall smaller eco-footprint.
It’s Vegan, But Is It Really Responsible?’
Even in cases where the ink itself is vegan, other parts of the product or process might not be.
For instance, with tattoos, aftercare products contain non-vegan ingredients like beeswax or lanolin. If your concern for reducing harm to animals goes beyond diet, you can ask your tattoo artist about alternatives.
Similarly, while printer ink may be vegan, it’s worth considering the overall environmental impact of the product.
Many printer inks are packaged in single-use plastic cartridges, which contributes to plastic waste. However, some brands are taking steps to mitigate this by offering refillable cartridges or recycling programs.
The bottom line? Ink can be vegan, but you may have to do a little research to find the right brands and products that align with your values.
The good news is that as the demand for vegan products continues to grow, more manufacturers are starting to offer vegan-friendly options.
The growing popularity of veganism in our society is encouraging manufacturers to consider more ethical and sustainable practices.
But it’s essential to remember that just because something is labeled as ‘vegan’ doesn’t always mean it’s ‘green’ or ‘eco-friendly.’
Being an informed consumer is crucial, and as a rule of thumb, it’s always good to read product labels and do a bit of background research.
Summary
Ink is not always vegan ink, so you’ll need to look around for a cruelty-free alternative.
Search out vegan ink companies for pens, tattoos, and printers, and stick to brands that share your ethics.
Knowing that your choice helps to reduce animal suffering and contributes to a more sustainable world makes it all worth it.
After all, every vegan choice we make adds up to create a significant impact.
