Squid-based ink industry has bright potential – study

An ink industry with the black liquid sourced from squid as raw material has a bright potential, particularly in the Central Philippines.

This is attested by the results of a study done by researchers of the Cebu State College of Science and Technology (CSCST) in Cebu City.

For one, squid is one of the most abundant fishery species in the country, according to Dr. Cecilio Baga (project leader), Dr. Corazon Macachor, Prof. Anjou Tosiorna (researchers), and Dr. Rodolfo Burgos (coordinator).

Moreover, the producers of frozen marine products, such as squid, are found in Mandaue City and these industries are handy sources of supply for squid ink.

The study, titled “Development of Squid Thysanoteuthis rhombus Ink,” was funded by the CSCST-College of Industrial Technology and Engineering, CSCST-College of Advanced Studies, and Tabok National High School.

It was among the researchers whose results were presented at the 2008 Aquatic Technology Commercialization and Marketplace (ATCOM) organized by the Los Baños-based Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development (DOST-PCAMRD).

ATCOM and a workshop on the impact of climate change on the country’s aquatic and marine resources were among the main highlights of the observance of PCAMRD’s 20th anniversary.

The CSCST study was a follow-up research of another done earlier by the school’s students in drafting technology which tested different concentrations of squid ink used.

The Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology (BSIT) students used three squid ink concentrations — five percent, 10 percent and 15 percent blended with chemicals used in making ink. Results showed that the highest concentration (15 percent) turned out a “very light color with very thin consistency ink.”

The follow-up study was conducted because of the high cost of commercial ink product, which was felt by CSCST students.

The faculty-researchers’ study used concentrations of 20 percent, 25 percent and 30 percent squid ink blended with glycerine, emulsified with synthetic solvent, and mixed with varnish. Other diluents (diluting agents) such as water and calamansi juice were also used.

Used as control treatment was a commercial ink.

The researchers noted that the 25 percent squid ink concentration was comparable with the commercial ink. “However,” they suggested, “closer concentration of 25 percent squid ink should be further investigated with an ordor enhancement.”

They noted that “the newly developed product with 25 percent squid ink and 50 percent acid concentrations has a moderately black color, slightly desirable solvent-like odor, ink dryness with a sharp irregular line, thick and dry ink consistency which is comparable with the control or commercial ink as to its color, dryness, and consistency.”