Ink coverage is directly related to material consumption, as well as waste generation and disposal. Therefore ink reduction can have a positive impact on resources, energy and pollution.

For the purpose of this criterion, ink is a material that contains pigments or dyes, used to mark a surface with color, text and/or image. Ink is typically ‘printed’ on paper, or other paper-like material using letterpress, offset lithography or silk-screening. Ink may also used to print on hard surfaces such as glass bottles, cans, and board.