Top 10 Water-Based Ink Manufacturers in China

Water-based ink is increasingly used in textile printing, paper packaging, flexographic printing, gravure printing, leather decoration and industrial digital printing.

Unlike conventional solvent-based ink, water-based ink uses water as its primary carrier. Depending on the formulation, it can offer a soft hand feel, low odor, flexible ink films and easier equipment cleaning.

However, not every water-based ink is suitable for every printing process.

Textile screen printing ink requires different viscosity, curing and elasticity properties from water-based flexographic ink used on corrugated cartons. Similarly, digital water-based ink must be specifically formulated for the printer, printhead and substrate.

This guide introduces 10 water-based ink manufacturers in China and compares their main products, application areas and supplier strengths.

Editorial note: This article is a supplier guide rather than an official ranking based on revenue, production capacity or market share. Buyers should request samples, verify certifications and conduct production testing before placing a bulk order.

Overview of the Top 10 Water-Based Ink Manufacturers in China

1. XG Silicone

Company Profile

XG Silicone is the international brand associated with Ganzhou Xinguang Silicone Co., Ltd. and Huizhou Yirun Silicone Co., Ltd.

Ganzhou Xinguang Silicone Co., Ltd. developed the company's manufacturing experience in textile printing materials. Huizhou Yirun Silicone Co., Ltd. was subsequently established to support overseas sales, export operations and international customer service.

The two company entities work together within the XG Silicone product and service system. Their main product categories include silicone ink, solvent ink, water-based ink, pigments, catalysts, thinners and printing additives. (Huizhou Yirun Silicone Co., Ltd.)

Main Water-Based Ink Products

XG Silicone supplies water-based printing ink for textiles and other flexible materials.

Its water-based products are suitable for applications including:

T-shirts and fashion garments

Cotton and blended fabrics

Polyester fabrics

Shoe uppers

Bags and textile accessories

Elastic webbing

Ribbons and straps

Rope and shoelace dipping

Custom logos and decorative patterns

The company's water-based ink category emphasizes a soft hand feel, bright colors, washability, flexibility and simple viscosity adjustment using water. (Huizhou Yirun Silicone Co., Ltd.)

Water-Based Ink for Rope Dipping

XG Silicone also offers specialized water-based ink for rope and shoelace dipping.

The product system includes soft, very soft and hard dipping bases, as well as matte and glossy top coatings. It can be used for manual or machine dipping according to the selected curing agent and production process. (Huizhou Yirun Silicone Co., Ltd.)

Why Choose XG Silicone?

XG Silicone is particularly relevant to buyers that require water-based ink for garment and footwear production rather than general paper-packaging applications.

Its main advantages include:

Specialized textile-printing experience

Products for garments, shoes and webbing

Soft and flexible printed surfaces

Water-based ink for rope dipping

Color and application customization

Sample testing

Printing-process recommendations

Technical and after-sales support

Company Name Explanation

Customers may see the following names on quotations, product documents, export records or technical information:

Ganzhou Xinguang Silicone Co., Ltd.

Huizhou Yirun Silicone Co., Ltd.

XG Silicone

These names are part of the same overall brand, manufacturing and international-service system. They should not be presented as two separate manufacturers in this list.

Best for: Textile screen printing, T-shirts, fashion garments, footwear, shoe uppers, elastic webbing, ropes and customized fabric printing.

Explore XG Water-Based Ink Products

2. Zhongyi Ink

Company Profile

Zhongyi Ink and Paint Co., Ltd. is a printing ink manufacturer located in Zhongshan, Guangdong Province.

The company was established in 1990 and produces water-based, solvent-based, UV-curable, LED-curable and glass-printing inks. Its products are used in screen printing, offset printing, flexographic printing, rotary printing and roller-coating applications.

Zhongyi states that its products are exported to more than 40 countries and regions. 

Main Water-Based Ink Products

Zhongyi's water-based product range includes:

Manual-print water paste

Water-based nylon ink

Water-based PET ink

Water-based glitter varnish

Water-based heat-transfer ink

Water-based screen printing ink

Supporting additives and auxiliaries

The company presents its water-based screen inks for porous surfaces such as textiles and paper, as well as selected packaging, nylon and promotional-product applications. 

Why Consider Zhongyi Ink?

Zhongyi Ink may be suitable for industrial screen-printing customers that need several ink technologies and supporting materials from one supplier.

Best for: Textile screen printing, nylon, PET, heat transfers, packaging and multi-substrate industrial printing.

3. DAS Waterbased Ink

Company Profile

Dongguan Di Ao Shun Water-Based Ink Co., Ltd., commonly presented as DAS Waterbased Ink, specializes in the research, development and production of water-based printing inks.

The company states that its water-based ink factory was founded in Dongguan in 2009 and focuses on customized product development and application support. (水源墨水)

Main Water-Based Ink Categories

DAS organizes its products into several application-oriented categories:

Textile fabric water-based ink

Heat-transfer water-based ink

Shoe-material water-based ink

Paper-printing water-based ink

Specialty water-based ink

Screen-printing additives and accessories

This makes DAS particularly relevant to buyers working with fabrics, footwear, transfers and specialty screen-printing effects. 

Why Consider DAS Waterbased Ink?

DAS concentrates on water-based technology rather than offering it as a small category within a broader solvent-ink portfolio.

Its application-focused product organization may help buyers identify solutions for specific materials and printing effects.

Best for: Textile factories, footwear manufacturers, heat-transfer printers and specialty screen-printing businesses.

4. Harvest Ink

Company Profile

Harvest Ink is operated by Zhongshan Huaye Ink Coatings Co., Ltd., a printing ink manufacturer located in Zhongshan, Guangdong.

The company states that it has more than 20 years of printing-ink experience and produces water-based, UV-curable and solvent-based ink products. It also offers OEM and ODM manufacturing services. (Harvest Ink)

Main Water-Based Ink Applications

Harvest Ink's water-based products are mainly relevant to:

Corrugated cartons

Paper packaging

Paper bags

Labels

PE-laminated substrates

Flexible packaging

Flexographic printing

Gravure printing

Water-based varnishing

The company publishes water-based formulations for corrugated-board printing and PE-laminated materials, including products designed for gloss, abrasion resistance and waterproof performance. (Harvest Ink)

Why Consider Harvest Ink?

Harvest Ink is more packaging-oriented than textile-oriented.

It may therefore be suitable for corrugated packaging plants, paper-product manufacturers and flexographic printers that require customized water-based inks.

Best for: Corrugated cartons, paper bags, labels, laminated paper and flexible packaging.

5. Hangzhou Toka Ink

Company Profile

Hangzhou Toka Ink Co., Ltd. is a Chinese printing ink company associated with the T&K Toka group.

Its liquid-ink product operations include environmentally oriented printing inks supplied through Hanghua-related manufacturing operations.

The company's published product information includes water-based liquid ink series for industrial printing applications. (哼哼客)

Main Water-Based Ink Applications

Hangzhou Toka's water-based liquid inks are relevant to:

Corrugated packaging

Paper bags

Paper products

Flexographic printing

Gravure printing

Industrial packaging

Water-based varnishing

Why Consider Hangzhou Toka Ink?

The company may be considered by packaging printers looking for established ink-production experience and water-based liquid inks for high-volume industrial printing.

Best for: Paper packaging, corrugated products and high-volume flexographic printing.

6. Guangdong Tloong Ink

Company Profile

Guangdong Tloong Ink Co., Ltd. is a Chinese ink and resin manufacturer founded in 1993.

The company specializes in the research, development, production and sale of water-based ink, solvent-based ink and acrylic-resin products. (Drupa)

Main Product Areas

Tloong's water-based products and related acrylic materials are used in applications such as:

Flexographic packaging

Gravure printing

Paper products

Corrugated packaging

Water-based varnish

Ink blending

Packaging films

The company also supplies acrylic resins and emulsions used in water-based colorants, inks and varnishes. (DKSH Discover)

Why Consider Tloong Ink?

Tloong's integration of printing inks and water-based resin materials may be useful for large packaging printers, ink distributors and customers requiring customized formulations.

Best for: Packaging converters, flexographic printers, gravure printers and industrial ink buyers.

7. StarColor Ink

Company Profile

StarColor is the international brand of a Huizhou-based printing ink manufacturer specializing in water-based, UV-curable and specialty printing inks.

The company focuses on environmentally oriented products for packaging, labels, paper products, films and non-woven substrates. Its product portfolio includes water-based flexographic ink and water-based gravure ink. (StarColor)

Main Water-Based Ink Applications

StarColor supplies water-based ink for:

Corrugated board

Paper bags

Paper cups and bowls

Napkins

Food packaging

BOPP, PET and PE films

Non-woven shopping bags

Flexible packaging

Decorative paper

Why Consider StarColor?

StarColor focuses strongly on packaging-related water-based ink.

The company also highlights customized formulations based on substrate, press conditions, drying requirements and compliance standards.

Best for: Food packaging, paper products, flexographic printing, gravure printing and non-woven bags.

8. Letong Ink

Company Profile

Letong Chemical Co., Ltd. is a Chinese manufacturer of printing inks and related coating products.

Its ink portfolio includes water-based, gravure, flexographic, UV and specialty inks. The company's printing products are mainly used for paper and plastic packaging, beverage labels, food packaging and consumer-goods packaging. 

Main Water-Based Ink Applications

Letong's relevant application areas include:

Paper packaging

Plastic films

Beverage labels

Food packaging

Consumer-product packaging

Flexographic printing

Gravure printing

Why Consider Letong Ink?

Letong may be suitable for established packaging converters that require several ink technologies from one manufacturer.

Best for: Labels, paper packaging, plastic-film printing and consumer packaging.

9. INKBANK

Company Profile

INKBANK is a Chinese manufacturer specializing in digital printing inks and industrial inkjet solutions.

The company states that it has more than 20 years of experience in the digital-printing ink sector. Its portfolio covers textile printing, signage, leather, packaging and industrial digital applications. (INKBANK Group Inc.)

Main Water-Based Ink Applications

INKBANK's water-based digital products include solutions for:

Textile inkjet printing

Leather printing

Water-based latex printing

Industrial digital printing

Decorative materials

Customized inkjet systems

The company has published technical information about water-based latex ink for leather, including elasticity, opacity and wet-rub performance testing. (INKBANK Group Inc.)

Why Consider INKBANK?

INKBANK differs from conventional screen, flexographic and gravure ink manufacturers because its main focus is digital inkjet technology.

Digital printing companies must match the ink with the printhead, printer, waveform, curing system and substrate.

Best for: Industrial digital printing, textiles, leather and equipment-specific water-based inkjet applications.

10. Zhejiang New East Ink

Company Profile

Zhejiang New East Ink Co., Ltd. is a Chinese printing-material manufacturer with experience in packaging inks, adhesives and electronic materials.

The company's development history in printing materials dates back to the 1980s, and the Zhejiang New East Ink name was adopted in 2010. (东兴公司)

Main Water-Based Ink Products

New East has researched water-based ink suitable for BOPP-film printing.

The company describes the product as a water-based system intended for flexible food-packaging applications. 

Why Consider Zhejiang New East Ink?

New East may be appropriate for packaging companies looking for water-based printing materials for plastic films and flexible food packaging.

Best for: BOPP film, flexible packaging and food-packaging development projects.

How to Choose a Water-Based Ink Manufacturer in China

A water-based ink supplier should be selected according to the complete printing application-not price alone.

1. Confirm the Printing Process

First identify which printing process your factory uses:

Screen printing

Flexographic printing

Gravure printing

Digital inkjet printing

Heat-transfer printing

Dipping or coating

Roller printing

A textile screen printing ink should not be used in a digital inkjet printer unless it has been specifically formulated for that equipment.

2. Identify the Substrate

Provide the manufacturer with exact information about the printed material.

Possible substrates include:

Cotton

Polyester

Nylon

Blended fabric

Elastic webbing

Shoe-upper materials

Paper

Corrugated board

Kraft paper

Non-woven fabric

PE, PET or BOPP film

Leather

Coated packaging material

The same ink may perform differently on untreated, coated and laminated surfaces.

3. Define the Required Printing Effect

Water-based inks can be formulated for different visual and functional requirements.

Tell the supplier whether you require:

Soft hand feel

High opacity

Matte finish

Glossy finish

High elasticity

Strong adhesion

Water resistance

Wash resistance

Scratch resistance

High color strength

Fast drying

Heat-transfer compatibility

Anti-migration performance

4. Request a Sample

Always request an ink sample before placing a production order.

Test the sample using the actual:

Printing machine

Screen mesh or printing plate

Substrate

Dryer

Curing temperature

Printing speed

Workshop conditions

Washing or abrasion standard

A laboratory test performed on a different substrate may not accurately predict the results in your factory.

5. Evaluate Drying and Curing Requirements

Water-based ink dries through water evaporation and film formation.

The drying result can be affected by:

Temperature

Humidity

Air circulation

Ink thickness

Printing speed

Substrate absorbency

Dryer capacity

Textile water-based ink must normally be cured correctly to achieve the required wash resistance and durability.

6. Check Screen Stability

For textile screen printing, water-based ink can begin drying inside the screen if production stops for too long.

Ask the supplier about:

Recommended mesh count

Open time

Retarder use

Screen-cleaning procedure

Workshop humidity

Printing speed

Storage conditions

Good screen stability can reduce blocked mesh and production interruptions.

7. Review Technical and Safety Documents

Request the latest available documentation before placing an order.

Documents may include:

Technical Data Sheet

Safety Data Sheet

Product specification

Test reports

Restricted-substance declaration

Storage instructions

Curing recommendations

Compliance documents

Do not assume that every product marketed as "eco-friendly" automatically meets the requirements of your country, customer or clothing brand.

8. Evaluate Customization Capability

Water-based ink may need adjustment according to:

Substrate surface

Printing speed

Color standard

Viscosity

Drying speed

Weather conditions

Opacity

Flexibility

Wash resistance

Final application

A manufacturer with formulation and testing support may be more suitable for long-term production than a supplier offering only standard stock products.

9. Compare the Total Production Cost

Ink price per kilogram is only one part of the total printing cost.

Also consider:

Ink coverage

Reject rate

Drying energy

Printing speed

Cleaning time

Screen blocking

Color consistency

Reprinting

Labor requirements

Shelf life

A stable ink can reduce production losses even when its purchase price is higher.

Why Choose XG Silicone for Textile Water-Based Ink?

China has many water-based ink manufacturers, but their application areas vary considerably.

Some manufacturers focus on corrugated cartons or food packaging. Others concentrate on industrial digital printing.

XG Silicone is particularly focused on garment, footwear and flexible-textile applications.

Specialized Textile Applications

XG water-based ink is developed for applications including:

T-shirts

Hoodies

Fashion garments

Shoe uppers

Bags

Webbing

Elastic straps

Ribbons

Ropes and shoelaces

This application focus distinguishes XG Silicone from manufacturers that primarily produce water-based packaging ink.

Soft Hand Feel

Water-based ink can penetrate textile fibers rather than forming an excessively heavy layer on top of the material.

This makes it suitable for garments that require a soft, breathable and comfortable printed surface.

Flexibility and Washability

Textile prints are repeatedly stretched, folded and washed.

XG Silicone's water-based product category emphasizes flexibility, adhesion and color retention for garment and textile production. (Huizhou Yirun Silicone Co., Ltd.)

Shoe and Webbing Applications

XG Silicone also supplies water-based ink for shoe uppers, elastic webbing, straps and related flexible materials.

These applications may require a different balance of opacity, adhesion, elasticity and scratch resistance from standard cotton T-shirt printing.

Rope-Dipping Solutions

The company provides water-based dipping systems with different hardness levels and matte or glossy top coatings.

This makes the product relevant to shoelaces, garment ropes, drawstrings and accessory manufacturers.

Multiple Printing Ink Technologies

XG Silicone supplies:

Water-based ink

Silicone ink

Solvent ink

Pigments

Catalysts

Curing agents

Thinners

Printing additives

Customers can select different printing technologies according to the substrate, effect and durability requirements.

Sample Testing and Technical Support

Before purchasing a large quantity, customers can provide:

Fabric composition

Material samples

Color requirements

Printing method

Curing equipment

Washing standard

Stretch requirement

Order quantity

The technical team can then recommend a suitable water-based ink and printing process.

Request a Water-Based Ink Sample

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Water-Based Ink?

Water-based ink is a printing ink that uses water as its primary liquid carrier.

The formulation normally includes pigments or dyes, water-compatible resins and functional additives. After printing, the water evaporates and the binder forms an ink film on or inside the substrate.

Is Water-Based Ink Completely Solvent-Free?

Not necessarily.

Water is the primary carrier, but some formulations may contain small quantities of co-solvents or additives to control drying, wetting and printability.

Buyers should review the Safety Data Sheet instead of relying only on terms such as "green," "eco" or "environmentally friendly."

Is Water-Based Ink Suitable for Textile Screen Printing?

Yes.

Water-based screen printing ink is commonly used on cotton, blended fabrics and other textile materials. Specialized formulations are also available for polyester, shoe uppers, webbing and elastic materials.

The correct product depends on the fabric, color, opacity, curing conditions and wash requirements.

What Is the Difference Between Water-Based Ink and Plastisol Ink?

Water-based ink uses water as its main carrier and can produce a softer, more breathable print.

Plastisol ink is PVC-based and generally creates a thicker ink layer on the surface of the fabric. It is often selected for opacity and production convenience.

The better choice depends on the fabric, required effect, curing equipment and customer standards.

Can Water-Based Ink Print on Dark Fabric?

Yes, but dark garments usually require a high-opacity formulation or an underbase.

The printer must also control screen mesh, ink deposit, flash drying and final curing to achieve sufficient coverage.

Can Water-Based Ink Be Used on Polyester?

Yes, when the ink is formulated for polyester.

Polyester fabrics may experience dye migration during heating. A suitable barrier layer, lower curing temperature or anti-migration product may therefore be required.

How Do I Stop Water-Based Ink Drying in the Screen?

Printers should control:

Workshop temperature

Humidity

Air movement

Printing speed

Production stops

Ink viscosity

Screen-cleaning frequency

Keep the screen flooded during short pauses and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for retarders or viscosity adjustment.

How Should Water-Based Ink Be Cured?

The required curing temperature and time depend on the formulation, substrate and ink-layer thickness.

Always follow the manufacturer's technical instructions and verify curing through wash, adhesion, stretching or abrasion testing.

Is Water-Based Ink Waterproof?

Some water-based inks provide strong water and wash resistance after complete curing.

However, uncured or incorrectly cured ink may have poor durability. Waterproof performance must be tested under the actual end-use conditions.

Which Chinese Manufacturer Is Suitable for Textile Water-Based Ink?

For garment screen printing, shoe uppers, webbing, ropes and flexible textile materials, XG Silicone is one of the most application-focused manufacturers in this guide.

For corrugated cartons, food packaging and flexible film printing, a packaging-focused supplier such as Harvest Ink, Tloong or StarColor may be more appropriate.

Conclusion

China has water-based ink manufacturers serving several distinct printing industries.

Some companies specialize in textile screen printing, while others focus on corrugated packaging, flexible film, digital inkjet or industrial applications.

The best manufacturer depends on:

Printing process

Substrate

Printing equipment

Required finish

Drying conditions

Durability standards

Compliance requirements

Technical-support needs

For textile printers, garment factories, footwear manufacturers and webbing producers, XG Silicone provides a specialized water-based ink product range under the combined manufacturing and service system of:

Ganzhou Xinguang Silicone Co., Ltd.

Huizhou Yirun Silicone Co., Ltd.

Customers can contact XG Silicone with their material, printing process, color and performance requirements to receive a product recommendation, quotation or sample.

Contact XG Silicone