The printing industry has experienced remarkable evolvement in recent years; this has been reflected in the trends witnessed within the Flexo-Ink market. Flexography printing, which is cost-effective and highly versatile, has largely steered these developments. One major trend observed is increased demand for water-based flexographic ink systems. Increasingly, manufacturers and printers are substituting traditional solvent-based formulations for water-based ones as the significance of environmental consciousness grows among concerned individuals. The other important thing about the Flexo-Ink Market Trend is that it focuses on high-performance and specialty ink needs. Brand owners need more than just beautiful colors when it comes to label or print durability, adhesion strength as well as resistance properties. In fact, this phenomenon has been recently noticed mainly around the packaging sector, where aesthetic appeal & long-lastingness of labels (in the form of attractive tags), flexible packing materials & carton boxes have become highly desired aspects. Such specialty inks like UV curable or LED curable formulas are preferred due to their superior print quality plus quick curing time, thus raising productivity levels within the printer's shop floor.
Furthermore, there is an increased demand for low-migration flexo-inks within the marketplace today. With the increasing popularity of food packaging and labeling, the focus has shifted toward the safety of printed materials that come into direct contact with consumables. Low migration inks are designed to ensure that no harmful substances from the printed surface reach the packed product as required by law to safeguard its quality, integrity, and compliance with any environmental regulations. The food packaging and pharmaceutical sector largely drives this.
Additionally, technological developments within the Flexo-ink market have resulted from the integration of digital technologies. In this regard, digital flexographic printing is also an emerging trend that comes with benefits like shorter set-up times, variable data printing capabilities, and cost-effective means of meeting small-quantity production requirements. Lastly, there has been a shift in geographical demand patterns. Emerging economies such as Asia-Pacific have become significant consumers of Flexo-Ink due to rising middle-class numbers, increasing consumer spending power coupled with growing packaging and labeling needs for Asia's expanding food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, retail segments, etc.
Flexo-Ink Market Size was valued at USD 3.70 Billion in 2023. The flexo-ink industry is projected to grow from USD 3.91 Billion in 2024 to USD 5.77 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.98% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032).The rise in demand for flexographic inks for printing in the packaging sector and used for printing on foils, flexible films, and tissues are the key market drivers enhancing the market growth.Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Market CAGR for the flexo-ink market is driven by their low viscosity and simplicity of printing; flexographic inks are widely used in the packaging sector and are predicted to expand quickly over the coming years. Water-based inks use water-soluble compounds as the binder to reduce the emission of volatile organic compounds. They prevent contamination and eliminate the risk of some toxic substances coming into contact with the packed food. Printing with water-based ink is inexpensive and doesn't require special viscosity control tools. Only extremely intense ultraviolet light can cure UV-curable inks. They can be left on the press, saving money on cleaning costs and leaving the print station ready. They can be printed at the same viscosity level and do not require any modifications before going to the press.
Flexographic printers can now compete on quality with other printing methods thanks to the development of polymer printing plates and plate processing. They are used for printing on foils, flexible films, tissues, and wrapping papers in food packaging and on paper and plastic bags in flexible packaging. Additionally, they make colors appear vibrant and stop rub-off in corrugated packaging. During the forecast period, the market is anticipated to be driven by the demand for flexographic inks for printing in the packaging sector. Flexographic inks, or flexo printing inks, are frequently used to print packaging materials such as cardboard boxes, packaged foods, corrugated cardboard, catalogs, paper bags, plastic bags, and newspapers. Flexographic printing is widely used because of its effectiveness, affordability, and environmental friendliness. Water-based, UV-curable, and solvent-based flexographic inks are the three main varieties. Flexographic inks are used to print on coated and uncoated paper goods, non-porous substrates like metalized and paper foils, and plastic films. However, the use of inorganic substances and risky metals, such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium, in printing inks has a detrimental effect on the environment and limits industry growth. Thus, driving the flexo-ink market revenue.
Comexi, in partnership with Asahi, will hold the 'Effortless plate creation and timeless production' event on November 8, 2023, at the Comexi Technological Center, CTec, in Girona, Spain, to debut the Comexi F2 Origin advanced flexo press. The 'Effortless plate making and timeless production' event welcomes industry professionals to learn about the full production process, from in-house plate creation to printing, laminating, and slitting, which is made possible by Comexi and Asahi's turnkey project.
Toyo Ink introduced a new series of UV flexo process inks and coatings in 2022, claiming that they provide high adhesion at high-speed printing. The Instaflex series and coatings are highlighted on the Toyo exhibit at PrintPack.
The flexo-ink market segmentation, based on type, includes water-based, solvent-based, and UV-based flexo. The water-based segment dominated the market; water-based flexo is frequently used for printing on packaging materials like corrugated cardboard, folding cartons, labels, and flexible packaging. Because it is non-toxic and environmentally friendly, it can be used for food packaging applications and offers high-quality, vibrant printing on various substrates. Food and beverage, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and retail industries use labels, tags, and stickers printed using water-based flexo. It enables precise and fine printing on a range of label stocks, including paper and film.
Based on resin type, the flexo-ink market segmentation includes acrylic resin, polyurethane resins, polyamide resins, cellulosic resins, vinyl resins, and others. The acrylic resin category generated the most income. High transparency and clarity are just a few of the excellent optical qualities of acrylic resin. It is the perfect material for uses that require visibility or light transmissions, such as windows, skylights, display cases, and signage, because it allows light to pass through without noticeably distorting it. Glass is a riskier option in many applications because the acrylic resin has better impact resistance. Injury risk is decreased because it is less likely to break or shatter. This characteristic makes it appropriate for child safety gates, barrier shields, and toys.
Based on end-user, the flexo-ink market segmentation includes the packaging industry, label industry, paper industry. The paper industry category generated the most income. For printing newspapers, flexographic printing is frequently used. Flexo inks are ideal for high-speed newspaper production because they have quick drying times, strong adhesion to newsprint paper, and effective printing capabilities. On packaging materials made of paper and corrugated board, flexo ink is frequently used for printing. It is used to make cardboard boxes, folding cartons, and other types of packaging. On substrates made of paper, flexo inks offer outstanding color vibrancy, print quality, and adhesion.
Figure 1: Flexo-Ink Market by End-User, 2022 & 2032 (USD Billion)Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
By region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Rest of the World. The Asia Pacific flexo-ink market will dominate this market; flexographic inks are frequently used in the packaging industry. Quality, meticulousness, and aesthetics are crucial in the packaging industry because they draw customers. Flexographic ink sales are anticipated to grow during the forecast period due to rising e-commerce demand in China and India. Alibaba holds a 59 percent market share in China's e-commerce industry. The company's annual revenue increased by 51% year over year in FY 2024, and the packaging-dependent e-commerce market is anticipated to lead the market during the forecast period.
Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The US, Canada, German, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.
Figure 2: FLEXO-INK MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (USD Billion) Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Europe's flexo-ink market accounts for the second-largest market share because labor is cheap and highly skilled. The flexographic inks market will likely grow due to the countries' rising demand for food packaging, processed food, and delivery services. In this area, the demand for flexographic ink is expected to rise over the forecast period due to the elements above and government support. Further, the German flexo-ink market held the largest market share, and the UK flexo-ink market was the fastest-growing market in the European region.
The North America Flexo-Ink Market is expected to grow fastest from 2023 to 2032. rising demand from various end-use industries, expansion of R&D activities, rising demand for personal care products, government investment policies to support industrial growth, strong economic growth in emerging nations, a plentiful supply of raw materials, and rising investments by various public and private manufacturers. Moreover, US flexo-ink market held the largest market share, and the CANADA flexo-ink market was the fastest-growing market in the North American region.
Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development to expand their product lines, which will help the flexo-ink market grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking various strategic activities to expand their footprint, with important market developments including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, flexo-ink industry must offer cost-effective items.
Manufacturing locally to minimize operational costs is one of the key business tactics used by manufacturers in the flexo-ink industry to benefit clients and increase the market sector. In recent years, the flexo-ink industry has offered some of the most significant advantages to medicine. Major players in the flexo-ink market, including DIC Corporation, Siegwerk Druckfarben AG and Co. KGaA , Toyo Ink SC Holdings Co., Ltd., Sakata Inx Corporation, Flint Group, T&K Toka Co. Ltd., The Braden Sutphin Ink Company, Alden and Ott Printing Inks Company, Nazdar Company Inc., Color Resolutions International and others, are attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations.
DIC Corporation, Color and Comfort: DIC is a fine chemicals company that dominates the market for printing inks, organic pigments, and PPS compounds. DIC was founded in 1908 to produce printing inks, but since then, it has expanded to serve a variety of industries, including automotive, electronics, food, and housing, by leveraging its expertise in organic pigments and synthetic resins. Today, DIC has operations in more than 60 nations and territories. Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Oceania comprise the Asia Pacific region, a crucial market for DIC Group and its divisions. The company is successful across all of its business lines. 15% of DIC's revenues currently come from the area with the fastest growth. DIC has a significant presence in the Asia Pacific region, with 25 facilities and offices spread across 12 nations (Australia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam), offering high-quality goods and close-by services.
Flint Group, Serving the international printing, converting, and colorant industries has long been a priority for Flint Group. This is made possible by our ongoing commitment to enhancing our offerings. Almost all of your printing requirements can be met by us. It can satisfy almost any requirement thanks to an unmatched and distinctive product portfolio. Its sales and technical experts provide customers with effective solutions to help them reach their objectives worldwide. You can count on us to provide the same level of exceptional value, dependable quality, and ongoing innovation that you expect from Flint Group and have come to expect from them throughout our history. Customers look to Flint Group for top-notch, high-impact products and solutions that will set their companies apart, including packaging converters, commercial printers, publishers, and more.
DIC Corporation
Siegwerk Druckfarben AG and Co. KGaA
Toyo Ink SC Holdings Co., Ltd.
Flint Group
T&K Toka Co. Ltd.
The Braden Sutphin Ink Company
Alden and Ott Printing Inks Company
Color Resolutions International
April 2023: Flint Group announced the launch of its new flexographic ink line, EcoFlex. EcoFlex is a water-based ink that is designed to be environmentally friendly and meet the needs of today's sustainability-conscious consumers.
May 2023: Sun Chemical Corporation launched its new flexographic ink line, FlexoSolve. FlexoSolve is a solvent-based ink that is designed to provide high quality printing and performance on a variety of substrates.
June 2023: Siegwerk Druckfarben AG announced the acquisition of the flexographic ink business of Huber Group. The acquisition is expected to strengthen Siegwerk's position in the global flexographic ink market.
Flexo-Ink Type Outlook
Water Based Flexo
Solvent Based Flexo
UV Based Flexo
Flexo-Ink Resin Type Outlook
Acrylic Resin
Polyurethane Resins
Polyamide Resins
Cellulosic Resins
Vinyl Resins
Others
Flexo-Ink End-User Outlook
Packaging Industry
Label Industry
Paper Industry
Flexo-Ink Regional Outlook
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