Printing Ink Market

Printing Ink Market Outlook (2024 to 2034)

The global printing ink market size is estimated to be worth US$ 25.19 billion in 2024 and is forecasted to reach US$ 42.63 billion by the end of 2034, backed by increasing applications of inks in publication & commercial printing, industrial printing, etc. The market has been forecasted to expand at 5.4% CAGR from 2024 to 2034.

The growth of end-use industries and advancements in printing technologies are driving the expansion of the printing ink market size. Rising demand for packaged products, expansion in publishing, and increasing ad spending are significant printing ink market trends. Furthermore, the adoption of digital printing and the shift toward environmentally friendly inks driving market growth.

Ongoing advancements in printing ink technologies such as inkjet printing, digital printing, and UV-curable inks are helping improve production speeds and print quality which is complementing market expansion.

Key Market Growth Drivers

• Consumer interest in customized and individualized printed products, including packaging, labels, and promotional materials, is raising the need for specialty printing inks.
• To cater to this interest, manufacturers are putting resources into specialty inks with unique attributes including metallic impacts, fluorescent tones, and tactile coatings, which are supporting printing ink market growth.
• Digital printing technologies are becoming more and more popular across many industries due to features such as variable data printing capabilities, shorter print runs, and faster turnaround times. Because digital printing requires specific inks made for certain printing technologies, there is a greater need for these inks.
• Due to factors such as growth of the e-Commerce sector, rising consumer demand for packaged goods, and increased awareness of item health and labeling, the packaging industry is extensively using printing inks.

Report Attributes	Details
Printing Ink Market Size (2024E)	US$ 25.19 Billion
Forecasted Market Value (2034F)	US$ 42.63 Billion
Global Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	5.4% CAGR
North America Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	5.6% CAGR
East Asia Market Value (2024E)	US$ 9.2 Billion
Sales of Water-Based Printing Inks (2034F)	US$ 13.98 Billion
Key Companies Profiled	Sakata INX Flint Group DIC Corporation Wikoff Color Corporation Epple Druckfarben AG ALTANA AG T&K TOKA Corporation Royal Dutch Printing Ink Factories Van Son Huber Group Toyo Ink SC Holdings Co., Ltd. Siegwerk Druckfarben AG & Co. KGaA Sun Chemical Corporation

Which Applications of Printing Inks are Manufacturers Cashing in On?

“Extensive Use of Printing Inks in Food Packaging to Enhance Aesthetics”

Aesthetics is becoming a crucial part of product packaging and branding purposes. Printing inks are essential in the packaging industry to comply with strict rules and regulations mandating product information. Rising environmental concerns are driving the adoption of inks with fewer bio-based components and VOC emissions. In food packaging, printing inks are widely used on various materials like carton board, plastic, and paper.

“Growth of e-Commerce Industry Boosting Demand for Branded Packaging”

The growth of the e-commerce industry is also one primary reason behind the increasing sales of printing inks. Specifically, in the East Asia region, the e-commerce industry is booming due to the vast population and changing consumer preferences. Most of the e-commerce platforms make it compulsory for their retailers to use their branded packaging, which requires printing ink for designing purposes. Information related to the company and product is also required to be printed.

“Digital Printing Replacing Traditional Printing in Textile Industry”

Consumers desire efficient digital textile printers. This trend is gaining traction in developed countries and contributing to the expansion of the printing ink market size. Europe and Asia are key makers and exporters of digital textile printing inks, meeting the demands of digital textile printed fabric manufacturers as printer technology advances rapidly.

Which Obstacles are Impeding Market Expansion?

“Cost Challenges and Shift to Online Publications”

Production of printing inks is complicated in terms of formulation. Printing ink composition depends on the printing method, such as web-fed or sheet-fed. A major challenge faced by the printing industry is increasing costs, which include expenses for paper, printing equipment, and materials. Another crucial restraint is the increasing prevalence of online publications. Consumers prefer online sources for entertainment, books, and news, which affects sales of printing inks.

Country-wise Industry

East Asia is estimated to account for 28.6% of the global printing ink market share in 2024. Sales of printing inks are increasing in this region due to the growing adoption of flexographic inks.

Why is China a Highly Lucrative Market for Printing Ink Manufacturers?

“Rising Demand for Variety in Interior Décor Designs”

Attribute	China
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 5.23 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	6% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 9.38 Million

China is a leading player in the East Asia region due to a rise in the number of residential and commercial construction projects. Demand for interior decor is on the rise due to the growth of the construction sector. When decorating homes or offices, consumers seek variety in designs, and the increasing popularity of innovations like 3D structures is driving demand for 3D printing machinery and inks. The e-commerce industry's expanding demand for packaging and branding is a significant driver for increased sales volume of printing inks.

How are Packaging and Food Sectors Contributing to Market Growth in the United States?

“Rising Demand for Digital Textile Printing and Increasing Processed Food Production”

Attribute	United States
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 5.17 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	5.8% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 9.12 Million

In North America, the United States is estimated to hold 71.7% market share in 2024. The primary factor for the increasing sales of printing inks in the United States is the rising demand for digital printing in the textile industry. Also, changing consumer preferences and lifestyles are driving sales of digitally printed textiles. The increasing demand for processed food drives the need for customized packaging requirements, in turn necessitating the use of printing inks for branding purposes.

Category-wise Insights

Advancements and R&D in ink formulation are improving the performance and quality of printing inks, which is driving market growth. The industry heavily relies on crude oil for the production of printing inks. Crude oil price fluctuations can directly impact sales of printing inks.

Why is Adoption of Water-Based Printing Inks Gaining Traction Worldwide?

“Low VOC Content and Faster Drying Times Associated with Water-based Printing Inks”

Attribute	Water-Based
Segment Value (2024E)	US$ 7.94 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	5.6% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 13.98 Million

Water-based inks are preferred over traditional solvent-based inks for printing given that they contain lower amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). As a result, they are less harmful to human health and the environment. Water-based inks are also preferred for their superior print quality, with bright colors, good adhesion, and faster drying times.

They also emit a minimal smell, which improves the printing environment and decreases discomfort. In addition, water-based inks are versatile and can be used on various materials such as paper, cardboard, and some plastic materials.

Which Qualities of Oil-Based Printing Inks are Driving Their Sales?

“Durability and Resistance to Discoloration Driving Sales of Oil-based Inks”

Attribute	Oil-Based
Segment Value (2024E)	US$ 6.12 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	5.2% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 9.63 Million

Oil-based inks provide rich, vibrant colors and adhere well to many different materials, which makes them a suitable option for high-quality printing jobs. Oil-based inks are known for their durability and resistance to discoloration or smearing. This makes them suitable for packaging, tags, and marketing content. Despite the growing preference for water-based and eco-friendly substitutes, oil-based inks are widely used in sectors where high-quality printing outcomes and durability are prioritized.

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the printing ink market include Sakata INX, Flint Group, DIC Corporation, Wikoff Color Corporation, Epple Druckfarben AG, ALTANA AG, T&K TOKA Corporation, Royal Dutch Printing Ink Factories Van Son, Huber Group, Toyo Ink SC Holdings Co., Ltd., Siegwerk Druckfarben AG & Co. KGaA, and Sun Chemical Corporation are focusing on joint ventures, collaboration, research and development, and innovations.

• In May 2023, MS-JK Group showcased innovations in inks and digital printing equipment. MS Printing Solutions, situated in Italy, and JK Group, which is owned by Dover Corporation, are world-renowned for their unique inks and digital printers.
• The All India Printing Ink Manufacturers' Association (AIPIMA) held its 12th Asia Coat + Ink Show on November 16, 2022. The event aimed to explore next-generation ink & coating, printing technology, trends, challenges, and the way forward.

Segmentation of Printing Ink Market Research

• By Formulation :

  • Solvent-Based
  • Water-Based
  • Oil-Based

• By Product Type :

  • Lithographic
  • Flexographic
  • Gravure
  • Digital
  • Letterpress

• By Application :

  • Label & Packaging
  • Commercial Printing
  • Publication

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & Oceania
  • Middle East & Africa