We here this term thrown around in relation to the environment and inks. So what does it really mean.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are organic chemical compounds that have high enough vapor pressures under normal conditions to significantly vaporize and enter the atmosphere. When VOCs are released into the environment they can damage the soil and ground water. Vapours of VOCs escaping into the air contribute to ozone depletion and air pollution.
The inks we use in the printing and engraving processes are low-VOC varieties to help minimize the effects on the environment.