Solvent-based Inks Market By Product Type (Dye-based, Pigment-based); By Printing Process (Flexographic, Gravure, Screen Printing); By Application (Packaging, Outdoor Signage, Industrial Printing, Textiles); By Resin Type (Polyamide, Polyurethane, Acrylic, Nitrocellulose); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2030

Introduction And Strategic Context

The Global Solvent-Based Inks Market will witness a moderate CAGR Of 4.8%, valued at around USD 10.7 billion in 2024 , and expected to reach approximately USD 14.1 billion by 2030 , according to Strategic Market Research.

 

Solvent-based inks have long been a workhorse in the printing industry. Built around fast-evaporating solvents instead of water, these inks offer superior adhesion on non-porous surfaces — vinyl, synthetic substrates, plastic films — making them indispensable across packaging, signage, and industrial labeling. From a strategic standpoint, their relevance between 2024 and 2030 is being shaped by multiple push-pull factors that span regulatory shifts, end-use demands, and material innovation.

 

For starters, the packaging industry is growing more fragmented. Flexible films, laminated pouches, and shrink sleeves have become the default in food and beverage, cosmetics, and even pharmaceuticals. Solvent-based inks still hold an edge here due to their durability, water resistance, and print vibrancy. Despite the environmental spotlight, demand isn’t shrinking — it’s segmenting. Many converters continue to rely on solvent inks for specific applications that demand high-speed production and surface resistance.

 

At the same time, global regulations are closing in on volatile organic compounds (VOCs), with tighter thresholds in the EU and selective enforcement in parts of Asia-Pacific and North America. So the conversation has shifted from replacement to reformulation. Chemical suppliers and ink manufacturers are investing in low-VOC or modified solvent systems that retain performance but reduce emissions.

 

Another dynamic? Emerging markets are sticking with solvent-based systems. While Europe and parts of the U.S. experiment with UV-curable and water-based alternatives, developing economies in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and parts of the Middle East continue to expand their solvent-based infrastructure. These regions are attracted by lower upfront equipment costs, easier drying processes, and higher throughput for long-run jobs.

 

Technology is also reshaping this market from within. High-speed flexographic and gravure presses demand faster drying and sharper registration — both areas where solvent-based formulations still shine. Some converters are deploying hybrid lines, using solvent inks in early layers for adhesion and durability, and switching to eco-friendlier options for overprints. It’s a quiet evolution, not a revolution.

 

The stakeholder base here is broad. Ink manufacturers are rebalancing portfolios between solvent and hybrid systems. Packaging converters want performance without regulatory headaches. OEMs are under pressure to offer press systems that support low-emission ink chemistries. And regulators are trying to balance industrial competitiveness with environmental mandates.

 

To be honest, solvent-based inks aren’t going away anytime soon. The real shift lies in how they're made, where they’re used, and which applications still justify their trade-offs.

 

Market Segmentation And Forecast Scope

The solvent-based inks market branches into several well-defined segments, each reflecting how converters, printers, and manufacturers balance print quality, environmental compliance, and production economics. These segmentation layers also offer insight into which sub-markets are poised to scale and which are becoming niche.

By Product Type

The primary breakdown is between dye-based and pigment-based solvent inks. Dye-based inks deliver brilliant colors and are typically used where high vibrancy is essential — outdoor banners, billboards, and POS displays. Pigment-based inks, on the other hand, offer better UV resistance and are preferred in industrial packaging and applications requiring weather durability.

Pigment-based inks currently account for a larger revenue share due to their wider application base in packaging and durable labeling. Dye-based products, while vibrant, are losing some share to eco-solvent and UV variants, especially in markets with tighter VOC restrictions.

 

By Printing Process

Solvent-based inks are most commonly used in flexographic , gravure , and screen printing processes. Gravure printing still dominates in regions like Asia due to its suitability for long runs and high-speed packaging lines. Flexography is catching up fast — especially in North America and parts of Europe — driven by demand for flexible packaging and digital- flexo hybrid presses.

Screen printing, though a smaller segment, retains use in textile and specialty applications like glass and ceramics. That said, the fastest growth is now seen in solvent inks tailored for flexographic printing , given the packaging industry's ongoing shift toward shorter runs and varied substrates.

 

By Application

Packaging leads all other sectors, accounting for over 45% of total demand in 2024. This includes flexible packaging, shrink sleeves, food labels, and blister packs. Outdoor signage , industrial printing , and textiles follow as significant use cases.

An interesting trend? The rise of low-VOC solvent inks in food-contact flexible packaging, especially in Asia-Pacific. Manufacturers are reengineering solvent formulations to meet indirect food compliance standards without compromising on adhesion or gloss.

 

By Resin Type

Acrylic, polyurethane, polyamide, and nitrocellulose-based solvent inks are the most commonly used. Polyamide resins offer excellent adhesion to polyethylene and polypropylene — key substrates in flexible packaging. Nitrocellulose-based inks remain widespread due to their fast- drying and film-forming capabilities but are increasingly under scrutiny due to flammability and VOC output.

Polyurethane-based inks are showing the fastest growth due to their abrasion resistance and performance on challenging substrates, including high-slip films and metallic foils.

 

By Region

North America and Europe are mature markets, where growth is relatively flat but demand for reformulated, compliant solvent-based inks is steady. Asia-Pacific — especially China, India, and Southeast Asia — represents the fastest-growing region, driven by expanding packaging demand and low regulatory enforcement. Latin America and the Middle East show consistent volume-based demand but are gradually exploring cleaner alternatives.

Scope Note : While this segmentation appears technical, it mirrors real-world purchasing decisions. For instance, a converter producing snack wrappers in Indonesia may prioritize nitrocellulose-based gravure inks, while a European label printer might opt for low-VOC polyurethane flexo inks to meet EU regulations. These layers of decision-making form the strategic foundation for market growth from 2024 to 2030.

 

Market Trends And Innovation Landscape

Solvent-based inks may be a legacy technology, but they’re evolving fast — not just to stay relevant, but to meet rising expectations around safety, performance, and compliance. From formulation tweaks to equipment integration, this market is quietly undergoing a transformation.

One of the most visible shifts is the push for low-VOC and compliant solvent inks . Ink manufacturers are under growing pressure to align with environmental norms without sacrificing adhesion, gloss, or drying speed. As a result, R&D pipelines are flooded with alternative solvent systems — modified ketones, esters, and alcohols — that evaporate cleanly but still bond well to plastic films. These reformulations are also designed to work seamlessly on high-speed gravure and flexo presses, reducing the need for costly equipment upgrades.

An ink formulator in Germany noted that they’ve replaced over 30% of their legacy solvent lines with “green solvent” variants tailored for EU export markets. This move isn't just about compliance — it’s about unlocking access to stricter, higher-margin regions.

 

Another big trend? Hybrid ink systems . These combine solvent-based durability with UV or water-based layers to balance regulatory and performance needs. For example, base layers might be printed using solvent inks for adhesion, followed by UV-cured top layers for chemical resistance and shelf appeal. These hybrid approaches are gaining ground in sectors like cosmetic packaging and pharma blister films.

There’s also momentum building around bio-based solvents . Several specialty chemical companies are piloting plant-derived solvents with comparable evaporation rates and film- forming properties. While still niche, this innovation is drawing interest from sustainable packaging converters and brands with aggressive ESG goals.

 

From an equipment standpoint, automation and solvent recovery are gaining traction. Newer printing lines feature closed-loop solvent capture systems, significantly reducing workplace exposure and emissions. These upgrades appeal not only to regulators but also to plant managers looking to improve operational safety and reduce raw material loss.

 

In terms of printing substrates, there’s a growing appetite for multifunctional inks . These go beyond color — offering anti-counterfeit properties, heat resistance, or functional layering. One area seeing increased innovation is solvent inks that can withstand retort (high-heat) processes for ready-to-eat meal packaging. These require superior adhesion and chemical stability — a space where water-based inks still struggle.

Then there’s digital compatibility . While solvent-based inks are predominantly used in analog printing, several manufacturers are developing solvent-based formulations suitable for digital platforms like piezoelectric inkjet. This opens up new use cases in short-run flexible packaging, label customization, and even textile printing.

 

Lastly, partnerships are becoming critical innovation levers . OEMs, ink developers, and substrate producers are working together to create end-to-end systems where every component — from ink chemistry to drying tunnel temperature — is optimized. These collaborations reduce trial-and-error during line conversion and accelerate regulatory approval for new ink lines.

Bottom line: this is no longer a static or sunset segment. The innovation here may not always grab headlines, but it's real, incremental, and commercially grounded. It’s about making solvent-based inks cleaner, smarter, and harder to replace — one molecule, one press upgrade, one regulation at a time.

 

Competitive Intelligence And Benchmarking

The solvent-based inks market is shaped by a mix of global multinationals and specialized regional suppliers. While the products themselves may appear commoditized, the differentiation lies in formulation expertise, compliance readiness, application support, and ability to scale. Players that understand how to balance performance with regulatory realities are pulling ahead — especially in high-volume sectors like flexible packaging and industrial labeling.

DIC Corporation DIC remains a heavyweight in the global printing inks space. The company’s strength lies in its deep formulation pipeline, wide regional footprint, and ability to localize offerings. DIC has been steadily investing in low-VOC solvent systems for gravure and flexographic printing, targeting food-safe applications in Asia and Latin America. They’ve also developed solvent blends optimized for high-speed presses, reducing downtime and drying energy costs.

 

Flint Group Flint is doubling down on performance-based solvent inks for packaging. They’re focusing on polyurethane and polyamide-based systems that can withstand heat sealing, retort processing, and long shelf-life packaging. Flint’s big differentiator? Its on-site technical support model. Many converters rely on Flint not just for ink, but for full press calibration and defect troubleshooting.

 

Sakata INX Sakata is aggressively pursuing solvent ink innovations for Asia’s growing consumer goods market. Their recent product lines prioritize fast-drying, low-odor solvent systems that meet Japan’s chemical safety regulations and are adaptable for export packaging. Sakata is also investing in digital solvent inkjet technologies — a niche but growing segment for custom packaging jobs.

 

Toyo Ink SC Holdings Toyo’s approach is centered around sustainable chemistry. They’ve rolled out several solvent systems using modified alcohols and esters with significantly lower VOC profiles, especially for use in laminated food packaging. Their R&D efforts are often tied to co-development partnerships with OEMs and flexible film producers in Southeast Asia and Europe.

 

Sun Chemical (a member of DIC Group) Sun Chemical offers an expansive solvent-based ink portfolio for gravure, flexo , and screen printing applications. They’ve made headlines with solvent systems that meet indirect food contact regulations in both the U.S. and EU. Their global reach and distribution capabilities make them a preferred partner for multinational packaging converters that need consistent ink performance across regions.

 

Hubergroup Hubergroup focuses on performance-customized inks for mid-sized converters. They’re known for offering modular solvent systems — where resins and solvents can be mixed on-site depending on substrate and press configuration. This flexibility is a major advantage for converters operating multiple lines or working with unusual substrates like metallized films.

 

Siegwerk Siegwerk is channeling resources into “future-ready” solvent systems. Their inks are designed not just for today’s regulations but for anticipated changes in emission standards across Europe and North America. Siegwerk’s edge lies in proactive compliance — often helping converters prepare documentation for audits and third-party certifications.

Here’s what’s interesting: the real competition is not just on ink quality. It’s about how well vendors support converter operations. That includes press-side troubleshooting, drying optimization, regulatory documentation, and migration testing for food packaging. In many cases, ink suppliers act as consultants — not just formulators.

It’s also worth noting the rise of regional specialists. Several Indian and Chinese companies are carving out space by offering affordable, adaptable solvent inks to meet booming domestic demand. While they may not compete globally yet, their growth could reshape pricing and product strategy in the mid-tier converter market over the next five years.

This isn’t a price war — it’s a trust war. And the vendors winning are those that stay ahead of compliance, support evolving press technologies, and help converters avoid production headaches before they happen.

 

Regional Landscape And Adoption Outlook

Adoption of solvent-based inks varies sharply across regions — not just because of regulatory policies, but also due to differences in printing infrastructure, packaging trends, and cost sensitivity. While some regions are tightening the screws on solvent emissions, others are doubling down on solvent-based systems to fuel high-speed production in growing packaging sectors.

North America The U.S. and Canada represent a mature but evolving solvent-based inks market. Regulatory oversight — especially around VOC emissions and air quality — has led many converters to transition toward low-VOC and hybrid systems. That said, solvent-based inks still dominate long-run flexographic and gravure applications in packaging and industrial labeling. The food and beverage sector remains a key demand driver, particularly in retort pouches and laminated film structures.

Most growth here isn’t volume-based — it’s value-driven. Printers are investing in compliant solvent systems with high pigment loads, faster drying times, and better adhesion to barrier films. Environmental regulations like California’s SCAQMD continue to shape formulation trends, pushing for cleaner solvents and tighter solvent recovery on press lines.

 

Europe Europe is under similar regulatory pressure, with the EU’s REACH framework and tightening VOC thresholds nudging converters toward more sustainable alternatives. However, rather than a full pivot to water-based inks, many European printers are adopting reformulated solvent systems that meet local emissions rules while maintaining high throughput.

Countries like Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands are actively deploying closed-loop systems for solvent recycling, enabling continued use of solvent-based inks with lower environmental impact. Eastern Europe remains more cost-sensitive and less regulated, keeping traditional solvent ink usage higher, especially in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) packaging.

One converter in Poland recently upgraded to a solvent- flexo system with VOC abatement — not to go green, but to win EU supermarket contracts requiring compliance.

 

Asia Pacific Asia Pacific is by far the fastest-growing region for solvent-based inks. Packaging demand is surging, driven by rising consumption in China, India, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Solvent inks are still preferred here due to their affordability, speed, and compatibility with local substrates and press technologies.

Regulatory enforcement is uneven. While Japan and South Korea push for low-odor, low-emission formulations, much of Southeast Asia and South Asia continue to operate with traditional solvent blends. That said, some converters are experimenting with hybrid gravure systems using greener solvents and dual-drying units to balance speed and compliance.

China, in particular, is investing in both domestic ink production and stricter monitoring, especially in urban industrial zones. But many small to mid-tier converters still rely on legacy presses optimized for solvent ink performance.

 

Latin America In Latin America, solvent-based inks remain the go-to choice across packaging, labeling, and outdoor advertising. Countries like Brazil and Mexico are seeing steady demand from food and beverage companies, as well as for agricultural and industrial packaging. Regulations exist but are not consistently enforced — which makes solvent systems attractive due to their flexibility and lower drying energy needs.

There’s growing interest in low-VOC solvent inks, mainly from exporters serving North American clients. Domestic demand, however, still skews toward tried-and-tested solvent blends, particularly those compatible with older flexographic presses.

 

Middle East and Africa (MEA) This region presents a split picture. Wealthier Gulf countries — like the UAE and Saudi Arabia — are investing in modern, high-output printing lines, often paired with reformulated or hybrid solvent inks. Meanwhile, in Africa and parts of the Levant, the market remains cost-focused. Here, solvent-based inks dominate due to low capital investment in water-based or UV alternatives.

What’s gaining traction in both sub-regions is mobile and modular packaging operations — where solvent inks remain the most reliable for decentralized, short-run jobs in unstable power or climate conditions.

 

Key Regional Insight Markets with stronger environmental regulations are evolving toward reformulated solvent systems or hybrid ink models. In contrast, high-growth emerging economies still depend on solvent-based technologies to meet speed, cost, and substrate flexibility needs.

This uneven regulatory landscape means global suppliers must adapt ink portfolios not just by segment, but by region — offering low-VOC systems in Europe while maintaining high-speed, cost-effective products for Southeast Asia and Latin America.

 

End-User Dynamics And Use Case

End users in the solvent-based inks market fall into distinct buckets — each driven by specific operational needs, regulatory exposure, and product performance expectations. While packaging converters lead in volume, a growing number of specialized users across textiles, industrial coatings, and signage are shaping the market’s direction, particularly in how they prioritize print quality, drying time, and compliance.

Packaging Converters This group commands the lion’s share of demand. Flexible packaging converters — especially those producing snack packs, stand-up pouches, laminated films, and shrink sleeves — continue to rely heavily on solvent-based inks for their strong adhesion and resistance properties. Solvent inks perform well across polypropylene, PET, and metalized films, where water-based alternatives still struggle to bond under high-speed production.

Food packaging converters, in particular, have complex demands: fast production, resistance to grease and heat, and compliance with indirect food contact regulations. Many are adopting low-migration solvent inks to meet those standards without compromising drying speed or color consistency.

 

Commercial Printers and Label Manufacturers While this segment is seeing growing traction for UV and water-based alternatives, solvent-based systems still serve a role in long-run labels and commercial print applications — especially in geographies where VOC compliance isn't heavily enforced. Outdoor labels, chemical drum tags, and industrial safety markings often use solvent inks for their resistance to UV exposure and chemical washdowns.

 

Signage and Display Producers Solvent-based inks remain relevant in wide-format printing for banners, billboards, transit wraps, and point-of-sale displays — especially in outdoor settings. Their color richness and water resistance offer advantages in humid or exposed environments. Even as eco-solvent variants emerge, many print shops in Asia and Latin America stick with traditional solvent inks due to their price-performance balance.

 

Industrial and Specialty Applications This category includes manufacturers printing on rigid or unusual substrates: metals, glass, films, and coated plastics. Solvent-based inks excel here thanks to their quick-drying properties and strong adhesion to non-porous surfaces. Think of electronics casing, automotive parts, or even promotional goods like reusable water bottles — solvent systems offer a low-cost way to ensure print durability.

Here’s a practical example : A mid-sized packaging converter in Malaysia servicing regional snack brands needed to improve throughput while avoiding costly press upgrades. They switched to a reformulated polyamide-based solvent ink that allowed faster drying on their legacy gravure line. The result? A 15% increase in output speed, fewer press stoppages due to smudging, and approval to supply to a new export customer in the UAE — where basic VOC documentation was required.

 

Textile and Garment Printing Although this is a shrinking segment for solvent-based inks (given the rise of water-based and sublimation methods), certain textile applications like coated fabrics, umbrellas, and leather substitutes still use solvent systems for durability and wash resistance.

 

Key Insight on End-User Behavior Most end users aren’t ideologically tied to solvent inks — they’re pragmatists. They care about speed, reliability, compliance, and cost. The decision to stick with or move away from solvent-based systems often comes down to substrate requirements, equipment compatibility, and client expectations around sustainability or regulatory alignment.

In short, the solvent-based inks market is sustained by practical trade-offs. End users who require rugged prints, rapid turnaround, and wide substrate compatibility still see solvent inks as indispensable — especially when supported by ink partners that help bridge the gap between compliance and performance.

 

Recent Developments + Opportunities & Restraints

Recent Developments (Past 2 Years)

• Flint Group launched a new line of low-VOC solvent-based inks designed specifically for high-speed flexographic printing, targeting food packaging converters across North America and Europe. These formulations aim to meet stricter VOC limits while maintaining adhesion and print density.

• Sun Chemical expanded its solvent ink production in Brazil to meet growing demand from Latin American converters. The facility upgrade includes new blending and QA labs to support export-ready, compliant solvent systems.

• DIC Corporation announced a collaboration with a major Japanese packaging converter to test bio-based solvent inks in real production environments. Early trials have shown promising results for fast drying and low migration, especially in snack and frozen food packaging.

• Siegwerk introduced a solvent ink series certified for indirect food contact under EU and FDA guidelines. These inks are specifically designed for laminated structures and high-speed gravure presses, helping converters reduce compliance overhead.

• Toyo Ink revealed investments in closed-loop solvent recovery systems in its Southeast Asian plants, enabling local supply of cleaner solvent formulations without increasing operational costs.

 

Opportunities

• Emerging markets driving volume demand Rapid expansion of the packaged food and personal care sectors in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and parts of Africa is keeping demand for affordable, fast-drying solvent inks strong — especially among converters running gravure presses.

• Growth of low-VOC and compliant ink lines There's strong opportunity in developing solvent formulations that meet EU and North American VOC regulations without compromising print performance. This unlocks higher-margin segments like pharmaceutical packaging and premium food labels.

• Hybrid press adoption opens ink diversification As converters invest in hybrid printing lines that mix analog and digital or UV-curable stations, there’s increasing need for solvent-based base layers that offer reliable adhesion, especially on complex substrates like aluminum foils or barrier films.

 

Restraints

• Regulatory uncertainty and evolving compliance Stricter VOC thresholds across the EU, select U.S. states, and parts of China are making it harder for traditional solvent ink lines to remain viable without reformulation. Some small-to-mid converters may struggle to adapt in time.

• High cost of raw material reformulation Developing low-odor, low-VOC solvent inks that still perform well on high-speed lines requires expensive R&D, new resin systems, and often facility upgrades. This is a burden for smaller suppliers and contributes to longer commercialization timelines.

 

7.1. Report Coverage Table

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2024	USD 10.7 Billion
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 14.1 Billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 4.8% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2024
Historical Data	2019 – 2023
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (2024 – 2030)
Segmentation	By Product Type, By Printing Process, By Application, By Resin Type, By Region
By Product Type	Dye-based, Pigment-based
By Printing Process	Flexographic, Gravure, Screen Printing
By Application	Packaging, Outdoor Signage, Labels, Industrial Printing, Textiles
By Resin Type	Polyamide, Polyurethane, Acrylic, Nitrocellulose
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	U.S., Canada, Germany, UK, France, China, India, Japan, Brazil, UAE, South Africa
Market Drivers	- Increasing demand from flexible packaging - Advancements in low-VOC solvent formulations - Strong growth in emerging markets
Customization Option	Available upon request