2019 Top International Ink Companies Report

The global ink industry can perhaps be described as being the status quo during 2018. Sales of inks remained fairly steady.

Like the previous few years, mergers within the ink industry were few and far between, while the printing industry saw its share of consolidation, including a huge move on her flexible packaging side with Amcor acquiring Bemis. In another billion-dollar move, an affiliate of private equity firm Platinum Equity acquired Multi-Color Corporation, a leading label converter.

For ink companies, packaging remains the strongest segment in terms of growth, while the publication and commercial side continued to see decreases in sales. UV and digital printing are also showing strong growth.

As in years past, raw materials also remained in the headlines. The supply of key materials such as photoinitiators and pigments from China has been interrupted for a variety of reasons, from environmental issues such as new regulations as well as industrial accidents. This, in turn, has led to higher costs and availability concerns.

Regulatory issues remain a challenge for ink suppliers, as brand owners and governments take aim at packaging requirements. This is requiring a lot of extra R&D for ink manufacturers.

With these challenges come opportunities. For ink manufacturers, the ability to partner closely with customers and suppliers alike, differentiate their products and services and diversify their portfolio can make a huge difference in the market. At a time when the market is changing rapidly, the ability for ink manufacturers to evolve with their customers is critical for their future.