Imaging Chemicals Market Share & Trends Analysis, By Application (Imaging Chemicals for Printing & Packaging, Imaging Chemicals for Medical Diagnostics, Others), By Product (Imaging Chemical Printing Inks, Imaging Chemical Developers, Others) & By Region Forecast, 2021-2031

Market Snapshot

Newly released data from the imaging chemicals market analysis shows that global demand for overall imaging chemicals enjoyed a CAGR of nearly 4% from 2016 to 2020. In 2020, the imaging chemicals industry survey revealed a valuation of nearly US$ 24 Bn, which is expected to surpass US$ 34 Bn by 2031. Demand for printing inks is expected to remain especially high, surging at around 6% CAGR through 2031.

Key Points Covered in Imaging Chemicals Market Report:

• Market Estimates and Forecasts (2016-2031)
• Key Drivers and Restraints Shaping Market Growth
• Segment-wise, Country-wise, and Region-wise Analysis
• Competition Mapping and Benchmarking
• Brand Share and Market Share Analysis
• Key Product Innovations and Regulatory Climate
• COVID-19 Impact on Imaging Chemicals and How to Navigate
• Recommendation on Key Winning Strategies

Imaging Chemicals Industry Historical Analysis of 2016-2020 Vs Market Outlook for 2021 to 2031

From 2016 to 2020, imaging chemical demand rose at a CAGR of nearly 4% as demand for advanced imaging and printing solutions acquired precedence, most notably across the packaging industry. Furthermore, uptake has also surged in the diagnostic imaging segment, amid high need for precision based imaging.

Adjusting for the COVID-19 pandemic related downturns, the imaging chemicals demand outlook was revised to be valued at over US$ 24 Bn in 2020, as mandatory factory shutdowns to curb the virus’s spread led to a cessation of production activities.

Future expansion prospects appear bright as a return to film based photography is taking precedence. From 2021 to 2031, imaging chemicals sales forecast have been projected to increase by a CAGR exceeding 5%.

How is Transition towards Digital Printing Broadening Imaging Chemical Demand Outlook?

Fast-paced technological advancements are penetrating the printing & packaging technology on a broad scale. Demand for faster turn-around time, high print ink quality and reduced costs are significantly enhancing uptake of imaging chemicals manufactured from various raw materials.

As per Fact.MR’s insights into the imaging chemicals market, stringent labeling and packaging regulations imposed by government authorities and regulatory agencies is spurring the need for clear printing solutions, paving the way for future adoption of high quality imaging chemicals.

Will Resurgence of Film-based Photography Reinforce Elevated Position of Imaging Chemicals?

Although digital photography is swiftly grabbing major eyeballs, owing to faster turnaround time, reduced image development time and enhanced color contrast, a return to film-based photography is being experienced across major countries, especially by professional photographers. This is mostly due to high preference for printed photographs by photo enthusiasts over digital ones.

Furthermore, film based photography offers greater accuracy, especially when it comes to focus. Photographic film sales in leading photographic film manufacturing companies such as Kodak, Fujifilm, and Harman Technology has increased over the past few years.

This return to growth of film-based photography is expected to drive the demand for developers, stop bath solutions, fixers, and other chemicals used for photographic film development.

Country-wise Analysis

What Does the Imaging Chemicals Industry Analysis Conclude about the U.S. Market?

As per Fact.MR’s study, the market for imaging chemicals in the U.S exceeded US$ 6 Bn in FY 2020. Growth is ascribed to a mushrooming diagnostic imaging industry, amid an increase in chronic and infectious diseases amongst all population age groups.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that at least 60% of adults in the U.S suffer from one chronic disease, while 4 in 10 adults have two or more diseases. These include chronic lung disease, heart disease and cancer.

Hence, an increasing number of patients are undergoing X-ray scans, CT scans, MRI scans and ultrasound, which require high-grade imaging equipment. This is spurring demand for imaging chemicals in the healthcare sector.

What is the Imaging Chemicals Sales Forecast for China?

Analysis of imaging chemicals demand across China reveals an optimistic outlook, with sales forecast to expand at over 8% CAGR by 2031. Market for imaging chemicals in China is poised to top US$ 7 Bn by the end of the forecast period. Prospects are especially strong in the packaging industry.

According to Packaging World Insights, total revenue of China’s packaging industry will surpass US$ 308 Bn by 2023. This is mostly attributed to elevated production levels across various industries, which is augmenting demand for advanced printing & packaging solutions.

Consequently, packaging companies are incorporating highly advanced solutions with respect to printing and labelling, which is providing massive impetus to the sales of imaging chemicals across the Chinese landscape.

Category-wise Insights

Why are Imaging Chemical Printing Inks Acquiring Popularity?

By product, sales of printing inks are expected to surpass US$ 16 Bn by 2031, expanding at a record 6% CAGR. Printing inks are widely used across multiple industries, including mainstream media and technical domains such as industrial printing.

As the demand for proper labelling acquires precedence, key manufacturers are seeking out advanced printing solutions. This trend is anticipated to bolster growth prospects for the imaging chemicals domain, as per the imaging chemicals industry survey.

How is Medical Diagnostics Opening Growth Frontiers for Imaging Chemical Manufacturers?

By application, imaging chemicals for medical diagnostics is likely to account for over 40% revenue in the upcoming forecast period. Demand from the medical sector is witnessing favorable growth owing to an increasing geriatric population and rising incidences of cancer & other cardiac diseases, which require advanced imaging for future treatment.

Moreover, rising health awareness among individuals, increasing investments by governments in the development of diagnostic centers and an increase in spending capabilities has supplemented demand for imaging chemicals in the medical sector.

Competitive Landscape

Key imaging chemical suppliers are investing in R&D activities to design new product lines, customized as per industry specifications. Additionally, they also invest in mergers & acquisitions, strategic collaborations and securing regulatory approvals for key products. Some notable developments are as follows:

• In June 2021, ALTANA AG secured a new revolving credit facility from a consortium of eight major banks to further its sustainability agenda. The company availed € 250 million for the next 5 to 7 years in exchange for adhering to stringent ESG processes for key business areas, including imaging chemicals.
• Also, in June 2021, Eastman Kodak Company and West World Paper (WWP) have announced a reseller agreement wherein the latter will become a key supplier of Kodak Commercial Print Solutions throughout Western Canada in forthcoming years.

Report Scope

Key Market Segments Covered in Study

• Application

  • Imaging Chemicals for Printing & Packaging
  • Imaging Chemicals for Medical Diagnostics
  • Imaging Chemicals for Textile Processing
  • Imaging Chemicals for Other Applications

• Product

  • Imaging Chemical Printing Inks
  • Imaging Chemical Developers
  • Other Imaging Chemical Products