Sustainability is an increasingly important topic for ink manufacturers and their customers. Amid all the discussion about raw materials and recycling, one aspect of sustainability that is often overlooked is manufacturing efficiency. Being able to produce materials efficiently, using less energy and time, is an important goal.

Executives on the equipment side are seeing interest in more sustainable, efficient production. 

“Although there is consistently some interest in laboratory equipment used for development and pilot projects, the predominant focus we’ve noticed over the past few years has been towards large-volume production equipment,” says Dustin Thomas, process optimization & technical design manager for Hockmeyer Equipment. “This trend reflects the industry’s emphasis on efficiency and output in production environments.”

Erin Dillon, media and marketing coordinator, ROSS Mixers, says that manufacturers are rethinking their equipment strategies as materials change and sustainability goals tighten. 

“They’re looking for mixers that are versatile, built to last, and able to take on challenging formulation and faster, cleaner changeovers,” Dillon adds. “And that demand is rising across both lab and production settings.”

Dillon points out that ROSS continues to see an increase in interest from ink manufacturers, especially those exploring new/alternative materials.

“Many of these companies are creating entirely new formulations and need flexibility to understand exactly which piece of equipment will best fit their process,” Dillon notes. “Having access to our Test and Development Center as well as rental equipment is incredibly valuable to our clients. 

Dillon reports that the ROSS rental program in particular has seen an uptick over the past few years. 

“We maintain a $16 million inventory of various size mixing, blending, dispersion and drying equipment that can be rented for as long as needed,” says Dillon. “At their own pace, customers can validate their process, confirm scalability, and move into pilot production with confidence.”

Laurie Panico, marketing communications manager, XENON Corporation, says that XENON is seeing increased interest driven by a broader need for higher quality, improved performance, and competitive differentiation. 

“Pulsed Light technologies are being evaluated in both R&D and production environments as a viable alternative for curing and testing,” Panico observes. “Many ink manufacturers globally are incorporating this type of equipment into their development processes to better support formulation innovation and performance validation.”

Key Factors for Equipment

Equipment leaders note that there are a range of important factors for ink manufacturers as they look to add new lab or production equipment. Patrik Maeder, senior sales director at Bühler Group, points to automation, automated equipment data collection for analytical purposes, increased efficiency and productivity with the same or reduced foot print, and process improvement upgrade options for existing equipment. 

Panico says that ink manufacturers must consider multiple technical, operational and economic factors when evaluating new lab or production equipment.

“It’s a delicate balance of process performance, cost efficiency, quality and reliability, flexibility, sustainability and supplier support,” adds Panico. “Success is achieved by choosing technologies that solve today’s challenges but also position themselves for innovation and growth.”

Thomas says that ink manufacturers prioritize several key factors when selecting new equipment to enhance their production processes. 

“First and foremost, minimizing production time is essential; faster turnaround not only boosts efficiency but also ensures that their customer demands are met promptly,” he reports. “Additionally, advanced data collection capabilities are a non-negotiable requirement, as they empower manufacturers to monitor operations in real-time, analyze critical performance metrics, and implement necessary adjustments swiftly. 

“Lastly, ensuring comprehensive recipe programs are vital for achieving consistency and decreasing batch-to-batch variation, which directly affects product quality,” Thomas adds. “By focusing on these areas, ink manufacturers are fully committed to optimizing their production workflows and delivering high-quality products with reliability and precision.” 

“Consistency is always at the top of the list: batch after batch showing the same quality, the same temperature control, and the same results,” Dillon says. “Many specialty inks have much tighter processing windows these days, so the equipment has to keep up. This is a major reason control systems have become such a deciding factor. Features such as intuitive operator screens, recipe management, energy monitoring, and remote operation help manufacturers standardize their process across teams and facilities. Controls play a much bigger role today than they did five years ago.”

Equipment and Sustainability

Equipment plays a significant role in improving a company’s sustainability efforts. Dillon observes that sustainability begins with longevity. 

“ROSS mixers are engineered to operate reliably for decades, reducing the need for frequent replacement,” she notes. “Built for the long haul, it is not uncommon to see a 40+ year old ROSS mixer on a production floor still making product, a true testament to the robust design, which in turn minimizes waste and maximizes long-term value for the end user.

“Our buyback and refurbishment program is living proof of the longevity that ROSS equipment is known for,” adds Dillon. “These refurbished machines extend sustainability even further, keeping heavy-duty equipment in circulation.”

Ultimately, Dillon notes that sustainability comes down to more efficient production. 

“The right mixer can lower energy use, shorten cycle times, improve yields, and strengthen product consistency,” Dillon points out. “When those areas get better, waste and rework are reduced, two of the main drivers of a manufacturer’s environmental footprint.”

“New and improved technologies can produce more efficiently on smaller footprints and with higher productivity,” Maeder observes. “These technologies use less energy and utilities such as water. Through automated machine controls (smart controls), product quality is monitored and kept consistent.” 

“The right technologies can reduce environmental impact, improve resource efficiency, and support regulatory and corporate ESG goals across the product lifecycle,” Panico says. 

Zack O’Kelley, process, sales, and service support for Hockmeyer Equipment, notes that equipment is fundamental to sustainability initiatives, as it can significantly reduce manufacturing time and lower energy consumption per batch. 

“By efficiently streamlining production processes, advanced machinery not only minimizes resource use but also helps lower the carbon footprint,” O’Kelley says. “Moreover, incorporating thoughtful ergonomic design into equipment ensures that operators can work comfortably and efficiently. A safe working environment is equally vital, as it protects workers’ health and fosters productivity.”

Outlook for 2026

Equipment executives see a good year ahead for the industry.

“It’s positive, driven by strong demands in several industry sectors where wet grinding and dispersing is applied,” Maeder notes. “Sustainability, navigating labor/supply chain challenges and the need for higher technology efficiency will be key drivers.”

“As we head into 2026, XENON is optimistic about growth opportunities and continued technology leadership – driven by both market dynamics and customer demand for smarter, more sustainable, and higher-performance equipment,” Panico notes.

“We anticipate a steady and gradual increase in sales for 2026, driven primarily by advancements in automation and comprehensive data collection strategies,” Thomas says. “By leveraging cutting-edge technology and analyzing customer insights, we aim to enhance our sales processes and deliver a more personalized experience to our clients. This strategic focus on automation will streamline operations and improve efficiency, enabling us to better meet market demands and drive sustainable growth.”

Daniel Grskovic, president, WAB US Corp., says he believes the economic uncertainty and major turbulence in the global markets has passed. 

“Even though we are playing a new game with changed rules of global trade, now that everyone knows the rules we can plan better and help customers understand the economic advantages of investing in new equipment to justify ROI and meet payback requirements. Opex is just as important as Capex.”

“As we move into 2026, ongoing uncertainty around tariffs, supply chains, and shifting regulations is prompting manufacturers to look for equipment partners they can rely on long-term,” Dillon says. “One factor shaping those decisions is where the equipment is built. ROSS mixers are engineered and manufactured in the United States, giving customers shorter lead times, stable support, and far fewer risks tied to overseas sourcing.

“At the same time, our mixers are designed to handle a wide range of viscosities and shear requirements, providing the process flexibility manufacturers need when raw materials or formulations change,” Dillon concludes. “Our US-based refurbishment and buyback programs also help reduce capital risk during unpredictable periods. Overall, the outlook looks very positive.”