Resins are an important part of the production process as they determine many main attributes of the final product, such as gloss, adherence, the ability to distribute pigment, and runnability on the press. 

Nikhil Pampatwar, vice president of research & consulting for Verified Market Research, said, “when selecting resins for inks, it is necessary to evaluate a wide range of aspects related to printing performance and substrate compatibility. Adhesion, environmental resistance, drying speed, and final print visual qualities, such as gloss and look, are all important considerations.”

“Resins also act as the main ink binder, providing dried film properties including gloss, adhesion, and resistance,” said Jennifer Sinsigalli, head of sales – Resins North America for BASF. “Increasingly, they also want materials that integrate seamlessly with a variety of modern additive packages and deliver dependable reliability and performance across a wide range of printing conditions.” 

Companies must consider their desired final result when choosing between resins for water-based, solvent-based, and energy-curable inks.

“Resin chemistry differs greatly between solvent-based, water-based, and energy-curable ink systems because each uses a distinct method for film production and curing,”
Pampatwar added. 

To this, Sinsigalli explained, “each technology brings advantages and disadvantages. Solvent-based resins have fast dry characteristics and good wetting and adhesion on a wide variety of substrates. We continue to see interest and growth in lower VOC alternatives, driven by various regulatory factors. Water‑based resins continue to advance in capability, enabling low‑VOC and high‑performance inks. Energy‑curable resins, including BASF’s Laromer oligomers and reactive diluents, offer rapid cure, excellent durability, and efficient production.”

“Water-based resins, commonly polyurethane or acrylic, are emulsified in water, causing them to form a continuous layer as the water evaporates,” Pampatwar said. “Water-based resins use water as a binder or carrier for resin particles. Polymers dispersed in water, such as acrylic, PVA, or water-based polyurethane, are among the primary components. These resins have low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which reduces air pollution. This makes water-based resins eco-friendly.

“Solvent-based resins rely on organic solvents as carriers. Toluene, xylene, and mineral spirits are examples of commonly used solvents. These resins are composed of polymers such as polyurethane, alkyd, or epoxy,” continued Pampatwar. “They form tough, abrasion-resistant coatings. However, if high VOC levels are not managed effectively, they might lead to
air pollution.

“Energy-curable resins are binder systems found in printing inks that polymerize and bond together when exposed to external energy sources like ultraviolet (UV) radiation or electron-beam (EB) irradiation,” Pampatwar explained. “Unlike traditional inks, which dry by solvent evaporation or absorption, energy-curable inks solidify via a fast chemical reaction that generates a long-lasting polymer network on the substrate.” 

“Water‑based resin technologies such as Joncryl FLX and Joncryl BRC continue gaining adoption as converters update their portfolios,” said Sinsigalli. “Digital printing is also seeing continued expansion. Technologies like Joncryl DPS support improved color strength, jetting stability, and productivity, making digital printing increasingly viable in packaging and labels.”

Functional coatings are also important and are showing growth, Sinsigalli mentioned, as paper and flexible packaging requires solutions enabling enhanced barrier, sealability, and heat‑resistance performance.

The Rise of Ink and Graphic Arts Markets

Sinsigalli stated that, “growth in 2026 is strongest in packaging, especially food and e‑commerce applications, where sustainability, regulatory compliance, and high‑purity systems are top priorities. 

“Packaging applications, particularly flexible labels and packaging, are driving the fastest growth in the ink and graphic arts markets right now. The growth of the food, beverage, and consumer goods industries is boosting demand for packaging items,” Pampatwar said. 

“Printing ink is used in a variety of packaging applications, including flexible packaging, corrugated boxes, labeling, and cartons. With the rapid rise of e-commerce and increased customer awareness of product branding, the need for high-quality packaging has skyrocketed. This growth in demand has resulted in an increasing demand for printing ink supplies capable of producing long-lasting durability and great print quality,” added Pampatwar.

Sustainability and Resins

With the rise of sustainable ink regulations, formulators are looking for eco-friendly solutions that will decrease their environmental footprint. 

“Ink can help towards sustainability in printing and packaging,” Pampatwar stated, “Conventional solvent-based inks, while efficient, can come with environmental issues, hidden costs, complicated disposal methods, and VOC emissions. One of the most significant sustainability benefits of water-based inks is their low VOC (volatile organic compound) content. Water-based inks emit few to no VOCs, but solvent-based inks emit harmful gases during printing and drying.”

“There is heightened demand for technologies that support sustainable packaging and comply with rapidly evolving global regulations,” Sinsigalli said. “Resin platforms such as BASF’s Joncryl water‑based technologies – including grades designed for flexible packaging, paper, and general‑purpose inks – are valued for offering both performance and formulation flexibility while meeting today’s increasing expectations for
regulatory compliance.”

“Furthermore, improvements in resin chemistry are enabling the creation of more environmentally friendly materials, such as bio-based and renewable resins made from plant-based feedstocks,” Pampatwar added. “These resins are intended to have the same benefits as traditional resins, such as flexibility, durability, and adhesive characteristics, while also being recyclable, biodegradable, or made from renewable materials.”