Printing Inks Market By Product Type (Solvent-Based Inks, UV-Curable Inks, Oil-Based Inks, Water-Based Inks, Others); By Printing Process (Lithographic Printing, Flexographic Printing, Gravure Printing, Digital Printing, Screen Printing); By Application (Packaging, Commercial Printing, Publications, Textiles, Others); By End User (Packaging Industry, Advertising Industry, Textile Industry, Publishing Houses, Others); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2032.

Printing Inks Market: An Insightful Introduction with Market Size Overview

The printing inks market was valued at approximately $20.6 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2024 - 2030, reaching an estimated $28.2 billion by 2030. The growth is driven by advancements in digital printing technologies, expansion of the packaging industry and the increasing demand for eco-friendly & sustainable inks, particularly in the food & beverage and e-commerce sectors.

 

The global printing inks market is a vital component of the printing & packaging industry, driven by its extensive applications in commercial printing, packaging & publishing. Key types of printing inks include solvent-based, UV-curable, water-based and oil-based inks, each catering to specific end-user requirements. Emerging trends such as bio-based inks & the rise of flexible packaging are expected to further boost the market. Asia-Pacific leads the market due to rapid industrialization and urbanization, followed by North America and Europe. The increasing focus on high-quality, versatile, and environmentally friendly printing solutions positions the market for steady growth in the coming years.

 

Printing Inks Market Drivers: Pioneering Trends Fueling Market Expansion

Growing Packaging Industry: The expanding packaging industry is driven by e-commerce, food & beverage, and consumer goods, which significantly increases the demand for printing inks, particularly for flexible & corrugated packaging. The global packaging market is projected to grow from $1 trillion in 2023 to over $1.5 trillion by 2030, boosting the demand for printing inks. Companies like Sun Chemical and Flint Group have launched specialized packaging inks tailored for flexible packaging, such as solvent-based and water-based inks.

Advancements in Digital Printing: Digital printing technologies such as inkjet & electrophotography are revolutionizing printing processes by offering faster, high-quality, and cost-effective solutions. The digital printing market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8%, driving the adoption of water-based and UV-curable inks. HP Indigo and Canon have integrated advanced ink formulations into their digital printing systems, fueling growth in commercial and industrial applications.

 

Printing Inks Market Opportunities: Emerging Horizons for Growth and Innovation

Growth in emerging markets: Rapid urbanization, industrialization, and rising consumer spending in emerging economies like India, China, and Brazil are driving demand for printing inks in packaging and commercial printing. The Asia-Pacific printing inks market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2024 - 2030, accounting for 40% of the global market share by 2030. Companies like DIC Corporation are expanding their production facilities in China & India to capitalize on regional growth.

Rise of Flexible Packaging: Flexible packaging is gaining traction due to its lightweight, durability, and ability to extend product shelf life, increasing the demand for specialized inks. Flexible packaging accounts for over 60% of all packaging applications globally. Siegwerk offers UV-flexo & solvent-based inks specifically designed for flexible packaging applications.

 

Printing Inks Market Challenges: Navigating the Roadblocks in a Competitive Landscape

Volatility in Raw Material Prices: The prices of key raw materials, such as resins, pigments, and solvents, are highly volatile, affecting the overall production cost of printing inks. Raw material costs account for 40-50% of the total manufacturing cost, and fluctuations can lead to pricing pressures. Price surges in crude oil have impacted the cost of petroleum-based solvents used in traditional inks.

Decline in Traditional Print Media: The shift toward digital media has reduced the demand for traditional publishing applications like newspapers, books, and magazines. Global newspaper circulation declined by over 20% between 2015 - 2023, directly impacting the demand for offset & gravure printing inks. Publishers like The New York Times have shifted resources toward digital platforms, reducing ink consumption for print editions.

 

Printing Inks Market Segmentation: A Detailed Breakdown of Industry Subdivisions

By Product Type

• Solvent-Based Inks

• UV-Curable Inks

• Oil-Based Inks

• Water-Based Inks

• Others

 

By Printing Process

• Lithographic Printing

• Flexographic Printing

• Gravure Printing

• Digital Printing

• Screen Printing

 

By Application

• Packaging

• Commercial Printing

• Publications

• Textiles

• Others

 

By End User

• Packaging Industry

• Advertising Industry

• Textile Industry

• Publishing Houses

• Others

 

By Region

• North America

• Europe

• Latin America

• Asia-Pacific

• Middle East & Africa

 

Printing Inks Market Segment Analysis: Spotlight on Leading Categories Driving Demand

By Product Type

Leading Segment: Solvent-based inks

Solvent-based inks are the most widely used product type due to their versatility, durability & cost-effectiveness. They are commonly employed in applications like outdoor advertising, packaging & industrial printing, where resistance to environmental factors such as UV rays and moisture is crucial. In 2023, solvent-based inks held over 35% of the market share, making them the leading product type. For example, DIC Corporation specializes in high-performance solvent-based inks for various printing applications which includes banners & flexible packaging.

Fastest Growing Segment: UV-Curable Inks

UV-curable inks are experiencing the fastest growth in the printing inks market, driven by their eco-friendly properties, fast curing times & superior print quality. These inks are increasingly used in packaging, labeling & commercial printing applications. With a CAGR of 7.8%, this segment is gaining popularity due to its minimal VOC emissions and adaptability to diverse substrates. For example, Sun Chemical & Nazdar are developing advanced UV-curable inks for high-speed printing processes which caters to the demand for sustainable & efficient printing solutions.

 

By Application

Leading Segment: Packaging Applications

Packaging is the largest application segment, driven by rising e-commerce activities, consumer goods, and the demand for flexible and sustainable packaging solutions. It accounted for over 40% of the global printing inks market in 2023, making it the dominant segment. Key drivers include growth in flexible packaging for food, beverages, and healthcare and increased use of water-based and UV-curable inks for sustainability. For example, Sun Chemical and Siegwerk offer specialized inks for flexible packaging that comply with safety regulations for food packaging. Amazon’s growing demand for corrugated box printing has driven the use of flexographic printing inks.

Fastest Growing Segment: Textiles

The textiles segment is experiencing rapid growth, fuelled by the increasing popularity of digital textile printing for fashion & interior décor. The growing demand for customized & high-quality prints has propelled the adoption of water-based and sublimation inks. This segment is growing at a CAGR of 6.5%, making it one of the fastest-growing applications in the market. For example, Kornit Digital and DuPont offer innovative textile inks for direct-to-fabric and dye-sublimation printing processes. The growth is also supported by the rising awareness of sustainable and eco-friendly printing methods in the fashion industry.

 

By Printing Process

Leading Segment: Flexographic Printing

Flexographic printing is the leading printing process segment, widely used in packaging & labeling applications. Its ability to handle a variety of substrates, including paper, plastic & metal, makes it indispensable for packaging industries. Flexographic printing accounted for approximately 30% of the market share in 2023. For example, Flint Group offers a range of flexographic inks designed to deliver high-quality prints for flexible packaging & labels. The process is favored for its efficiency & cost-effectiveness in high-volume production.

Fastest Growing Segment: Digital Printing

Digital printing is the fastest-growing segment, fuelled by technological advancements & the demand for high-quality printing. Its versatility & ability to reduce waste make it highly sought after in commercial &textile printing applications. Growing at a CAGR of 6.8%, digital printing is transforming the industry by enabling short print runs & customization. Companies like HP Indigo and Canon have pioneered digital printing solutions that use water-based and UV-curable inks to deliver excellent print quality on a variety of substrates.

 

By End User

Leading Segment: Packaging Industry

The packaging industry is the largest end-user segment for the printing inks market, driven by its vast demand across food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics & e-commerce. Printed packaging is essential for branding, labeling, and consumer communication. In 2023, this segment accounted for over 50% of the market share due to the rise in demand for sustainable & aesthetically appealing packaging solutions. Companies like Siegwerk & Sun Chemical provide eco-friendly inks tailored for food-safe packaging, supporting regulatory compliance & sustainability.

Fastest Growing Segment: Textile Industry

The textile industry is the fastest-growing end-user segment, spurred by the rising adoption of digital printing technologies for fashion and home textiles. Customization trends, coupled with consumer demand for vibrant, high-quality designs, are driving this segment's growth at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 - 2030. Companies like Kornit Digital and DuPont are leading providers of water-based inks designed for direct-to-garment and dye-sublimation printing in the textile sector.

 

By Region

Leading Region: North America

North America accounted for around 35% of the global market share in 2023. North America leads the printing inks market due to its advanced printing technologies, high adoption of sustainable inks & the presence of established players. The region is driven by demand from industries such as packaging, advertising, and publishing. The U.S. is the largest market in the region, with companies like Flint Group and Nazdar offering high-performance inks for diverse applications, including food packaging and advertising materials.

Fastest Growing Region: Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing regional segment, driven by rapid industrialization, urbanization & the increasing demand for printed materials in packaging, textiles, and publishing. Countries like China, India, and Japan are at the forefront of growth due to rising consumer spending and local manufacturing expansions. The Asia-Pacific market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8%, contributing over 40% of the global market share by 2030. China dominates in flexible packaging and industrial printing, with major investments in eco-friendly ink production.

 

Printing Inks Market Key Players: Leaders Driving Innovation in a Dynamic Market

• Sun Chemical

• Flint Group

• Siegwerk

• DIC Corporation

• Hubergroup

• Nazdar Ink Technologies

• Wikoff Color Corporation

• Toyo Ink SC Holdings

• Fujifilm Holdings Corporation

• Royal Dutch Printing Ink Factories Van Son

 

Printing Inks Market Report Coverage

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2023 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2023	USD 20.6 Billion
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 28.2 Billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 4.8%
Base Year for Estimation	2022
Historical Data	2017 – 2021
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (2023 – 2030)
Segmentation	By Product Type, By Printing Process, By Application, By End User, By Region
By Product Type	Solvent-Based Inks, UV-Curable Inks, Oil-Based Inks, Water-Based Inks, Others
By Printing Process	Lithographic Printing, Flexographic Printing, Gravure Printing, Digital Printing, Screen Printing
By Application	Packaging, Commercial Printing, Publications, Textiles, Others
By End User	Packaging Industry, Advertising Industry, Textile Industry, Publishing Houses, Others
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	US, Canada, Germany, China, India, etc.
Pricing and Purchase Options	Customized options available

 

Future Outlook

The future of the printing ink market seems very promising, with steady growth driven by advancements in digital printing technologies, increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly inks, and the expansion of the packaging industry. The packaging sector, particularly flexible packaging, will remain a key growth driver, supported by the rise of e-commerce & consumer demand for innovative packaging solutions. Additionally, the adoption of digital printing across industries such as textiles, advertising, & publishing is expected to accelerate. Meanwhile, sustainability will play a critical role as regulatory pressures &and consumer preferences push for low-VOC & bio-based inks. Emerging markets in Asia-Pacific, particularly China and India, are set to lead regional growth, driven by urbanization and expanding manufacturing sectors. With increasing investments in R&D for smart and functional inks, the market is poised for innovation and continued expansion.