water based ink is any ink which uses water as a solvent base to carry the pigment. water-based inks are able to produce longer lasting prints with impeccable detail, with much more defined, sharper edges. This includes half-tones and more, making them the perfect choice for printing really intricate, detailed designs. it is probably water-based inks greatest edge. In today’s world where protecting the environment has become a top priority, water-based inks allow printers to do their part. While most plastisol inks are now pthalate-free, that still doesn’t make them the most eco-friendly option out there. Being made from a mixture of PVC resin and plasticiser, they’re still far from being environmentally friendly at all. Water-based inks on the other hand, are completely free of PVC resin or plasticiser are also completely free of harmful ozone depleting chemicals and aromatic hydrocarbons. Now that’s what you call eco-friendly.