Packaging remains the strongest sector for printing, and demand for inks remains strong. Leading packaging ink manufacturers report that they are seeing growth, and note that interest in sustainable solutions is on the mind of their customers. 

Siegwerk CEO Dr. Nicolas Wiedmann says that overall, the demand for packaging inks and coatings continued to stabilize globally in 2025 compared to previous years. 

“At the same time, the industry saw a further acceleration of sustainability driven developments,” Dr. Wiedmann adds. “Regulatory changes, such as evolving packaging waste rules and design for recycling expectations, encouraged brand owners and converters to rethink packaging structures and invest in recyclable, mono-material, and fiber-based solutions. This ongoing transformation continued to drive demand for technologies that support packaging circularity, barrier coatings, and inks and coatings that are optimized for recyclability while maintaining packaging and process performance. 

“Although the industry continued to face economic uncertainty and rising costs in the value chain, e.g., for energy and wages, in 2025, we at Siegwerk were still able to continue our profitable growth trajectory and are optimistic that this upward trend will also continue in 2026,” Dr. Wiedmann notes.

Doug Aldred, chief commercial officer and CEO and president of Packaging Inks North America for Flint Group, says that although variations exist across sectors and regions, packaging continues to be a growth market worldwide.

“Sustainability continues as a key priority for package printers, converters and brand owners, with regulatory compliance and supply security increasingly top of mind,” Aldred adds. “Global trade and geopolitical conditions are causing uneasiness among consumer groups, leading them to prioritize security of supply.”

Patrick Hübel, director product and color management, Division Offset, hubergroup, says that hubergroup is seeing a stable to slightly positive market development in the offset packaging segment. 

“This trend is closely linked to the continued growth in folding carton applications, driven in part by regulatory pressure on plastics as well as the sustainability commitments of brand owners,” Hübel says. 

“We are also observing significant growth in UV LED printing, fueled by the industry’s focus on sustainability and reduced energy consumption,” adds Hübel. “In addition, metal applications are gaining momentum, as metal provides a strong alternative to plastic, aligns closely with PPWR requirements, and offers substantially higher recycling rates.”

Renee Schouten, VP of marketing for INX International Ink Co., notes that the packaging and packaging ink markets remained comparatively resilient in 2025. 

“Packaging continues to be one of the healthiest segments in print because demand is tied to everyday consumer goods: food, beverage, household products, and e-commerce,” Schouten says. 

“While market conditions varied by region and end use, overall activity was supported by continued demand with labels, flexible packaging, corrugated, and metal packaging,” Schouten observes. “Smithers reported the global printed labels and packaging market at $517.9 billion in 2024, and flexographic printing – still heavily tied to packaging – was projected to reach $181.1 billion in 2025. This underscores packaging’s role as the industry’s core growth engine.

“From an ink supplier perspective, 2025 felt like a year of disciplined growth rather than breakout expansion,” adds Schouten. “Customers remained focused on cost control, operational efficiency, supply security, and reformulation readiness. The market continued to move forward, but with a sharper emphasis on value, compliance, and performance.”

“In Japan, demand for liquid inks for packed rice, frozen food, and refill packaging materials, among other applications, remained firm,” says Hideki Ohba, GM, Marketing Department, International Division at Toyo Ink Co., Ltd. “Among inks for cardboard boxes, those related to beverages performed strongly partly due to the effects of the intense heat in summer. In addition, net sales increased due in part to progress with the sales promotion for environmentally friendly products and the effect of price revisions. 

“Overseas sales were affected by weak consumption in China and the slowdown of the housing market in North America, but remained firm in Southeast Asia and India, underpinned by market conditions,” Ohba adds. “In Turkey, sales promotion targeting new customers and surrounding countries made robust progress due to the start of operation of a new plant, while the depreciation expenses increased. As a result, the artience Group’s Packaging Materials Business saw a slight rise in both net sales and operating profit.” 

Key Trends in Packaging

It is a unique time for the packaging industry. Over the years, packaging companies and printers have always sought new technologies, but now, they are emphasizing more environmentally friendly alternatives. This can be seen in the increasing interest in recyclability, such as the development of mono-material systems or movement to paper-based products where applicable.

Schouten says that INX is seeing several packaging trends moving at the same time. 

“Flexible packaging continues to be very important because of its efficiency, lightweighting benefits, and strong fit for food and consumer packaged goods,” says Schouten. “At the same time, there is significant momentum behind recyclable mono-material structures and what many in the market describe as ‘paperization’ – the push to replace certain plastic formats with fiber-based alternatives where performance requirements allow.

“That said, the market is not moving in a simple ‘paper replaces plastic’ direction,” adds Schouten. “It is becoming more application specific. Brand owners are evaluating the total package: product protection, barrier properties, line performance, recyclability, and regulatory fit. We are also seeing continued strength in metal packaging, especially where circularity, shelf appeal, and durability matter, along with ongoing innovation in rigid plastic packaging that is designed to better support recyclability and recovered material quality.”

Dr. Wiedmann observes that there are several major trends that are shaping packaging formats today, adding that one of the strongest shifts is the move from complex multi-material structures toward recyclable mono-material packaging. 

“Brand owners are redesigning their packaging to meet recyclability targets while maintaining performance, which increases the demand for new barrier, sealing, and heat resistant coating technologies that make mono-materials viable at scale,” Dr. Wiedmann says. “At the same time, paper-based and fiber-based packaging continues to grow, driven by consumer perception, regulatory momentum, and the desire to reduce plastic where technically feasible. 

“This ‘paperization’ trend requires high performing water-based and PFAS-free barrier coatings to ensure that fiber-based structures can deliver the necessary protection for food and non-food goods,” Dr. Wiedmann adds. “Another key trend is the focus on recyclability performance. With the aim of closing material loops and achieving circularity targets, converters and brand owners are increasingly demanding packaging that supports high quality mechanical recycling, with particular emphasis on deinking, delamination, and the production of clean, high value recyclates.” 

Dr. Wiedmann says that above all other trends, however, is the drive for cost competitiveness.

“Faced with ongoing pressure on raw material costs and tighter margins across the entire value chain, brand owners and converters are looking for solutions that not only meet sustainability and regulatory requirements, but are also efficient to process, reduce material complexity, minimize waste, and avoid costly reformulations. Here, mono-material packaging, recyclable paper-based structures, and highly efficient coatings and adhesives play a role in helping customers balance performance, sustainability, and economic viability. Overall, the most significant trends point toward packaging that is recyclable, cost effective, and compliant, whether flexible or fiber-based – with design for recycling and circularity at the center of decision making.”

Ohba reports that Toyo Ink continues to see strong momentum in flexible packaging, particularly in food and consumer goods, because of its efficiency in terms of material use, transportation weight and overall environmental footprint.

“At the same time, the industry is undergoing a significant redesign of flexible packaging structures to improve recyclability, especially through mono-material solutions and simplified laminate structures,” says Ohba. 

“In parallel, there is increasing interest in fiber-based packaging, especially for applications where brand owners are seeking alternatives to plastic or looking to enhance the recyclability perception of their packaging,” says Ohba. “From an ink and coating perspective, this means we must support a wider range of substrates and functionalities. At Toyo Ink, for example, we are investing in functional coatings and printing technologies that enable recyclable packaging structures while maintaining the performance requirements of modern packaging, particularly in barrier performance, print quality and food safety.

“One of the most important changes in our industry is the shift toward designing packaging solutions with the entire lifecycle in mind,” Ohba says. “Inks and coatings are no longer evaluated solely on print performance, but also on how they interact with recycling systems, regulatory requirements, and overall environmental impact. This means the industry must increasingly work together across the value chain.”

“In the offset sector, we are seeing a clear rise in both carton and metal packaging, driven largely by increasing sustainability expectations and tightening regulatory frameworks,” Hübel says. “Brand owners and converters are shifting toward these substrates as they offer long-term solutions that align with circular economy goals. This momentum underscores the industry’s commitment to reducing environmental impact while meeting evolving
regulatory standards.”

Aldred notes that sustainability remains a primary driver of packaging and label design, adding that the fundamental role of packaging remains unchanged. 

“It must protect food, beverages and essential goods throughout the supply chain,” Aldred notes. “Pressure to lower costs and reduce carbon is accelerating material reduction (light-weighting and down-gauging) across all formats.

“We see a growing interest in fiber-based packaging, driven by perceptions of recyclability and a structural shift towards recyclable, resource-efficient packaging across all substrates,” he adds. “At the same time, flexible plastic remains highly efficient and supports formats that enhance convenience and consumer appeal. When designed for recyclability and supported by appropriate waste infrastructure, flexible packaging can deliver environmental performance.

Aldred points out that regulatory requirements for food safety, chemical compliance and recyclability continue to evolve and vary by region.

“Strong technical and compliance expertise is essential to help brands navigate this complexity,” says Aldred. “Overall, the market is shifting towards smarter, more sustainable design across multiple substrates rather than towards a single-material solution.”

Sustainability and Regulatory Concerns

This brings us back to sustainability, circularity and the importance of regulatory compliance. Hübel notes that more than ever, sustainability has become a decisive factor in ink selection. 

“Customers are increasingly asking for solutions that prioritize recyclability and circularity and proactively comply with tightening legislation,” Hübel says. “For hubergroup, these customer expectations are an important driver for our research and development activities. For example, we have spent the past year intensively preparing for the implementation of the German Ink Ordinance (GIO). As a result, all our products for food packaging are already fully compliant with the new ordinance – one year ahead of it coming into force.”

Schouten reports that customers are asking not only whether a solution performs, but if it aligns with recyclability goals, food contact expectations, chemical restrictions, and the evolving
policy landscape.

“In Europe especially, packaging stakeholders are watching regulatory developments very closely. In the United States, there is increasing attention on EPR laws, PFAS-related scrutiny, emissions, and broader chemical compliance expectations,” says Schouten. 

“What has changed is that sustainability is no longer treated as a marketing add-on,” Schouten points out. “It is now a design parameter. Customers want inks and coatings that help them meet performance requirements while also supporting circularity objectives, safer chemistry, and a clearer path through regulatory complexity.”

Ohba says that sustainability and regulatory compliance have become central themes in almost every conversation with brand owners and converters. 

“Customers are looking for solutions that reduce environmental impact while maintaining high performance and safety standards,” says Ohba. “This includes topics such as VOC reduction, low-migration technologies for food packaging, mineral oil-free systems, and energy efficient curing technologies such as LED-UV. In many regions, regulatory developments are accelerating this transition and requiring greater transparency across the supply chain.

“As a result, our industry is increasingly focusing on technologies such as water-based systems, UV/LED curing inks, and coatings designed to support recyclability and material recovery,” adds Ohba. “At Toyo Ink, our approach is to develop solutions that balance sustainability with print performance, recognizing that both are essential for the long-term evolution of packaging.

“One of the most important changes in our industry is the shift toward designing packaging solutions with the entire lifecycle in mind,” Ohba observes. “Inks and coatings are no longer evaluated solely on print performance, but also on how they interact with recycling systems, regulatory requirements, and overall environmental impact. This means the industry must increasingly work together across the value chain.”

Aldred says that sustainability and regulatory compliance are central to nearly every customer discussion. 

“Printers and brand owners face sustained pressure to demonstrate measurable environmental progress while meeting increasingly complex legislative requirements,” says Aldred. “Sustainability expectations extend beyond individual operations. Companies are scrutinizing the full value chain with increased emphasis on supplier performance. Support for reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions remains important. However, Scope 3 emissions are often the largest contributor to overall carbon impact. Therefore, transparent data, lower-impact formulations and supply chain collaboration can be decisive factors in supplier selection.

“At the same time, regulatory frameworks continue to evolve across regions – such as the introduction of the German Printing Ink Ordinance (GIO) (now extended to Dec. 31, 2026), which has set a clear benchmark for raw material transparency and compositional requirements across Europe,” Aldred adds. “Customers are seeking partners who actively monitor these changes, anticipate future requirements, and provide compliant solutions without compromising performance. In this environment, technical expertise, transparency and proactive engagement are critical.”

“Sustainability and regulatory compliance have become key issues in almost every customer interaction,” says Dr. Wiedmann. “Customers are increasingly requesting data on the product carbon footprint, greenhouse gas reports, sustainability documentation, raw material transparency, and detailed information on regulatory compliance to better understand how responsibly we manage our environmental impact. 

“We also see a growing emphasis on regulatory readiness, driven by evolving frameworks such as the German Printing Ink Ordinance (GIO), the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and other national packaging regulations,” adds Dr. Wiedmann. “Customers often want to be assured that Siegwerk’s inks and coatings meet current and upcoming compliance requirements. 

“With our readiness for GIO-compliant solutions and our robust safety governance, we are continuing to build customer confidence in this context,” says Dr. Wiedmann. “At the same time, customers are increasingly evaluating packaging materials from a ‘design for recycling’ perspective. 

“At Siegwerk, we therefore support our customers with inks and coatings that enable recyclability while still meeting the most important performance criteria of the packaging,” says Dr. Wiedmann. “This includes switching to mono-material structures by using functional coatings, switching to ink systems that are compatible with recycling – in other words moving away from PVC- and NC-based inks – as well as rethinking packaging formats and substrates, and driving innovative approaches such as the de-inking of packaging. 

“To support these requirements, we for example offer technologies that comply with the Association of Plastic Recyclers’ (APR) standards and conduct certified Preliminary Design Review (PDR) tests in the North American region – a capability that has become an important differentiator in our discussions with brands and converters,” Dr. Wiedmann notes. “Moreover, we at Siegwerk are actively engaged in key industry alliances that drive progress in circular packaging. This includes participation in RecyClass, CEN standardization committees, the 4evergreen alliance, and the CEFLEX consortium. Through these collaborations, we contribute to shaping industry guidelines, advancing recyclability standards, and accelerating the transition toward a fully circular packaging value chain. 

“Overall, sustainability and regulatory compliance are no longer secondary considerations – they are decisive factors in customer purchasing decisions, partnership expectations, and long-term packaging strategies,” Dr. Wiedmann concludes.

Consolidation Among Printers

In the last few years, there has been a series of sizable mergers among billion-dollar packaging printers. These include Amcor and Berry Global, International Paper acquiring D.S. Smith, and Smurfit Westrock formed by the merger of Smurfit Kappa and Westrock. More recently, ProAmpac added Transcontinental Packaging in March 2026. These acquisitions have an impact on the entire packaging chain, including the ink industry.

“Consolidation is continuing to reshape the market,” Schouten says. “Larger converter groups and packaging companies are gaining broader geographic reach, more purchasing leverage, and greater standardization across plants and platforms.

“For suppliers, it changes the conversation,” adds Schouten. “Customers increasingly want strategic partners who can support multi-site operations, harmonize specifications, ensure consistent quality, and help simplify complexity across an expanded footprint. It also means technical service, supply reliability, and innovation support become even more important because the stakes of standardization are much higher in a consolidated market.”

Hübel points out that consolidation continues to shape the competitive landscape. 

“Larger, integrated packaging companies are increasingly standardizing materials, printing inks, and processes within their networks,” Hübel says. “This is leading to greater demand for global supply stability, compliance with global regulations, consistent, high-quality color results around the world and international service.”

Dr. Wiedmann observes that the ongoing consolidation among packaging printers, both regionally and globally, is reshaping the market. 

“For us, as one of the leading suppliers of printing inks and coatings with a strong global footprint, this trend is changing not only the dynamics of partnerships, but also the expectations in terms of innovation and service,” Dr. Wiedmann points out. “Larger, consolidated printer groups operate with greater purchasing discipline and look for suppliers who can support them consistently across multiple regions. At the same time, the bar raises on technical performance, sustainability compliance, and supply reliability – areas where our scale and global R&D capabilities at Siegwerk become real differentiators. 

“We face a dual challenge: supporting professional regional leaders while remaining flexible for smaller converters and printers, which account for a significant portion of our business,” he adds. “Ultimately, consolidation is accelerating the shift toward deeper, integrated partnerships while increasing the pressure on price competitiveness. For us at Siegwerk, it is both a challenge and an opportunity to demonstrate the value of innovation, leadership in sustainability, as well as, of course, our high performing products and deep technical know-how on a large scale.”

Ohba points out that consolidation among converters is clearly reshaping the market. 

“Large multinational packaging groups are expanding their global footprint and increasingly standardizing their production platforms and procurement processes,” Ohba observes. “For ink suppliers, this means that global technical support, consistent product performance, and regulatory expertise have become more important than ever. Converters expect partners who can support them across multiple regions while delivering reliable products and innovation. At the same time, larger organizations are often able to invest more in joint development projects with brand owners, particularly in areas such as recyclable packaging and sustainability-driven packaging design. In that sense, consolidation can also accelerate innovation across the value chain.”

Aldred says that consolidation among packaging printers continues, although its pace and impact vary by region and segment. Private equity remains active, while valuations for some listed converters sit below long-term averages.

“Overall, market dynamics are shifting,” Aldred says. “Larger groups are strengthening their position through strategic acquisitions that expand capabilities and service offerings. This increases pressure on smaller players and raises expectations of key suppliers. For ink and coating partners, this means delivering technical excellence, sustainability performance and regulatory compliance at scale. At the same time, greater consolidation enables best practice sharing and cross-regional synergies, supporting resilience in a more complex and increasingly regional
market landscape.”