2016 Top International Ink Companies Report

As drupa 2016 clearly showed, the printing industry is changing, and the ink industry is evolving along with it. We are seeing the continued growth of digital printing, and ink companies are doing what they can to supply their customers accordingly.

Many leading ink manufacturers already have inkjet capabilities, but the past year saw two of the five largest international ink companies make significant moves into the digital arena. Siegwerk announced that it has opened its own inkjet ink development center in France, and is already supplying OEMs. Flint Group acquired Xeikon, the second-largest digital press manufacturer, forming Flint Group Digital Printing Solutions.

The Flint Group-Xeikon acquisition was not the only major acquisition we saw during the past year. Flint Group also picked up the web offset business of Siegwerk, as well as American Inks & Coatings, the eighth-largest North American ink manufacturer and a packaging ink specialist. Toyo Ink acquired DYO Printing Inks, last year’s 22nd-largest global ink company. These acquisitions were driven by product line and geographic opportunities.

Currency fluctuations are again playing a role in the overall numbers. On Jan. 1, 2015, the euro was worth $1.21. On Jan 1, 2016, the euro had fallen to $1.09, a drop of 10%. The printing industry faces plenty of challenges in the coming years, and ink suppliers are working to meet their needs by moving into new product lines, formulating innovative inks, and strengthening their positions globally. These moves will help to ensure their future success.