Major Products: Sheetfed, heatset, waterless and UV offset, gravure and specialty inks; security and banknote inks; and overprint varnishes.

Number of Employees: 3,600 worldwide (Ink World estimate).

Comments: Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Mfg. Co., Ltd. is a specialist in pigments, colorants and inks, primarily offset and gravure inks. Headquartered in Tokyo, the company has 13 domestic and 15 manufacturing and sales subsidiaries globally; inks are produced at six domestic plants as well as in the US and Indonesia.

Dainichiseika’s overall revenue was up 4.1% at ¥124.76 billion ($860 million) in 2024, and its operating income was ¥7,004 million ($48.4 million), an increase of 53.9%.

Dainichiseika’s ink business is part of the company’s Graphic and Printing Materials segment. Sales were ¥32 billion ($220 million), up 5.6%, during 2024. Operating profit improved to ¥700 million ($5 million).

“Sales of label inks grew due partly to the heat wave and increased consumption from inbound tourists, and sales of water-based flexographic inks for labels were also firm,” the company reported. “Profit increased due to the optimization of sales prices and cost reductions through rationalization measures. In the domestic market, operational efficiency is being enhanced, along with strategic emphasis placed on core product strengths and growth segments. In overseas markets, sales expansion initiatives are being actively pursued to accelerate global growth.”

Major Products: Sheetfed, heatset, waterless and UV offset, gravure and specialty inks; security and banknote inks; and overprint varnishes.

Number of Employees: 4,000 worldwide (Ink World estimate)

Comments: Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Mfg. Co., Ltd. specializes in pigments, colorants and inks, particularly offset and gravure inks. The company has 13 domestic and 23 manufacturing and sales subsidiaries worldwide; with inks being produced at six domestic plants as well as in the US and Indonesia.

Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Mfg. Co., Ltd.’s overall revenue basically held flat at ¥119.824 billion ($770 million) in 2022, but its operating income was ¥4,550 million ($29 million), an increase of 72.7%.

Dainichiseika’s ink business is part of the company’s Graphic and Printing Materials segment, which saw slightly decreasing sales but improving profitability. Net sales for the Printing Inks business sales were down 2.4% to ¥30,326 million ($195 million). However, operating profit did improve, with an operating loss of -¥561 million (-$3.6 million).

“Sales of gravure printing ink for the packaging materials industry were sluggish for flexible packaging applications for food products due to the high price of goods,” the company reported. “Overseas, the Indonesian subsidiary recorded an increase in revenue due to progress in the revision of sales prices. Sales of offset printing ink were weak due to a decrease in demand.

“As a result, net sales in the segment decreased to ¥30,326 million, down by 2.4% compared with the same period of the previous fiscal year, but the operating loss narrowed to ¥561 million (compared with the operating loss of ¥1,362 million for the same period of the previous fiscal year) due to the new plant relocation expenses recorded in the previous fiscal year and improvement in profit and loss at overseas subsidiaries,” the company concluded.

Major Products: Sheetfed, heatset, waterless and UV offset, gravure and specialty inks; security and banknote inks; and overprint varnishes.

Number of Employees: 4,000 worldwide (Ink World estimate)

Comments: Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Mfg. Co., Ltd. is a leader in offset and gravure inks, pigments and colorants. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, the company has 13 domestic and 23 manufacturing and sales subsidiaries worldwide.

Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Mfg. Co., Ltd.’s overall sales slightly by 0.1% to ¥122,005 million ($909 million) in 2022, but its operating profit dropped by 64.6% to ¥2,635 million ($18.5 million).

Dainichiseika’s ink business is part of the company’s Graphic and Printing Materials segment, which saw improved sales but declining profitability. Net sales for the Printing Inks business sales were up approximately 10.9% to ¥31,071 million ($219 million).

However, operating profit declined, with an operating loss of ¥1,362 million ($9.6 million).

“Sales of gravure printing ink for the packaging materials industry were solid in Japan mainly for beverage label applications,” the company reported. “Overseas, with COVID-19 having been brought under control, the Indonesian subsidiary recorded a significant increase in revenue.

“Sales of offset printing ink were weak due to a decrease in demand, the report continued. “As a result, net sales in the segment stood at ¥31,071 million, up by 10.9% compared with the same period of the previous fiscal year, and operating loss was ¥1,362 million (compared with operating loss of ¥825 million for the same period of the previous fiscal year) due to raw material prices remaining high and recording relocation expenses for new plants.”

Major Products: Sheetfed, heatset, waterless and UV offset, gravure and specialty inks; security and banknote inks; and overprint varnishes.

No. of Employees: 4,000 worldwide (Ink World estimate)

Comments: Tokyo-based Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Mfg. Co., Ltd. is a leader in offset and gravure inks, pigments and colorants. The company has 13 domestic and 23 manufacturing and sales subsidiaries worldwide.

Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Mfg. Co., Ltd. continued to be impacted by the economy, as the company’s 2021 sales dropped 10.7% to ¥121,933 million ($909 million). However, operating profit soared, rising 51.3% to ¥7,446 million ($55 million).

The Graphic and Printing Materials segment, which includes Dainichiseika’s ink business, had a mixed year in 2021. Net sales for the Printing Inks business sales were up approximately 5% to ¥28,016 million ($209 million). However, operating profit fell, with an operating loss of ¥825 million ($6.1 million).

“Net sales of gravure printing ink for the packaging materials industry were solid in Japan, while sales overseas were weak due to the effects of the spread of COVID-19 on the subsidiary in Indonesia. Sales of offset printing ink for the advertising and publishing industry were weak due to the impact of the state of emergency declaration in summer,” the company reported in its annual report.

Major Products: Sheetfed, heatset, waterless and UV offset, gravure and specialty inks; security and banknote inks; and overprint varnishes.

No. of Employees: 4,000 worldwide (Ink World estimate).

Comments: Headquartered in Tokyo, Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Mfg. Co., Ltd. is in a wide range of businesses, including inks. Dainichiseika is a leader in offset and gravure inks, pigments and colorants, and has 13 domestic and 23 manufacturing and sales subsidiaries worldwide.

COVID-19 impacted Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Mfg. Co., Ltd., as the company’s sales declined 10.7% to ¥138,491 million ($1.3 billion). Ordinary profit rose 1.4% to ¥4,920 million ($44 million), which the company attributed to reduced fixed costs in its annual report.

In 2020, net sales for the Printing Inks business sales were down 5% to ¥26,686 ($241 million). However, operating profit rose 8% to ¥2,200 million ($19.9 million).

“As for gravure printing ink, sales were strong for packaging products for general packaging materials in Japan. In addition, business results of the base in Indonesia were solid. Meanwhile, the declining demand trend for offset printing ink continued,” the company noted.

Major Products: Sheetfed, heatset, waterless and UV offset, gravure and specialty inks; security and banknote inks; and overprint varnishes.

Number of Employees: 4,000 worldwide (Ink World estimate)

Comments: A leader in offset and gravure inks, pigments and colorants, Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Mfg. Co., Ltd., Tokyo, has 13 domestic and 23 manufacturing and sales subsidiaries worldwide.

Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Mfg. Co., Ltd. reported full year net sales of ¥155,108 million ($1.438 billion), a decrease of 9% compared with the previous year. Ordinary profit fell sharply by 44% to ¥4,850 million ($45 million), due to “largely due to weak sales of products for the automobile industry in the Prepared colors and Chemicals business and Polymers business, and pigments, etc. for the information-electronics industry in the Pigments business,” the company reported in its annual report.

In 2019, the Printing Inks business sales were down slightly to ¥28,105 ($270 million), a drop of 5.9% from 2018, and operating profit fell 6.1% to ¥2,036 million ($18.9 million).

“Sales of packaging products for general packaging materials in Japan were sluggish,” the company noted. “However, among overseas consolidated subsidiaries, business results of the base in Indonesia were solid. Meanwhile, demand for offset printing ink continued to decline.”

Dainichiseika manufactures offset inks in three Japanese facilities: Kumamoto, Tokai and Tokyo, and produces gravure inks in two facilities in Japan: Kawaguchi and Shiga. Dainichiseika also manufactures inks at P.T. Hi-Tech Ink Indonesia, and gravure inks at Hi-Tech Color, Inc. in the US.

On Sept. 17, 2019, Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals’ US subsidiary, Hi-Tech Color, held a grand opening ceremony for its new factory. The new $28 million facility, which produces gravure inks and urethane coatings for automotive interiors, added resin synthesis and improved dispersion processing equipment. This allows for a strengthened integrated production system.

Major Products: Sheetfed, heatset, waterless and UV offset, gravure and specialty inks; security and banknote inks; and overprint varnishes.

Number of Employees: 4,000 worldwide (Ink World estimate)

Comments: Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Mfg. Co., Ltd. is a leader in offset and gravure inks, pigments and colorants. Headquartered in Tokyo, Dainichiseika has 13 domestic and 23 manufacturing and sales subsidiaries worldwide. Dainichiseika manufactures offset inks in Kumamoto, Tokai and Tokyo, Japan, and gravure inks in Kawaguchi and Shiga, Japan. Dainichiseika also manufactures inks at P.T. Hi-Tech Ink Indonesia, and gravure inks at Hi-Tech Color, Inc. in the US.

Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Mfg. Co., Ltd. reported full year net sales of ¥170,394 million ($1.537 billion), an increase of 1.8% compared with the previous year. Ordinary profit declined 33.3% to ¥8,718 million ($78.6 million), which was caused by “ the rise in raw material prices due to the higher price of naphtha and the impact of environment protection regulations in China, the delays in the revision of product prices, costs related to system introduction and the increase in logistics-related costs,” the company noted in its annual report.

In 2018, the Printing Inks business sales were ¥29,878 ($270 million), up 3.3% over the previous year, while operating profit declined 25.2% to ¥2,168 million ($19.6 million), down by 25.2%, driven by higher raw material costs. The company reported that gravure packaging ink sales were solid, while demand for offset inks continued to decline. Dainichiseika also reported that the company continues to do well in the Indonesia ink market.

Major Products: Sheetfed, heatset, waterless and UV offset, gravure and specialty inks; security and banknote inks; and overprint varnishes.

Number of Employees: 3,888 worldwide

Comments: A leader in offset and gravure inks, pigments and colorants, Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Mfg. Co., Ltd. enjoyed a sizable sales increase in terms of yen, with revenue rising 6.5% to ¥167,446 million ($1.58 billion). Operating income also was on the rise, gaining 9.2% to ¥13,079 million ($123 million).

Printing Inks Division sales were up 2.8% in 2017, at ¥28,924 million ($272 million). Gravure packaging inks sales were solid once again but offset inks were on the decline. The company reported that gravure ink sales in Indonesia were particularly noteworthy. Operating profit was ¥2,900 million ($27.3 million), a drop of 2% compared to 2016.

Dainichiseika has 13 domestic and 23 manufacturing and sales subsidiaries worldwide. Dainichiseika manufactures offset inks in Kumamoto, Tokai and Tokyo, Japan, and gravure inks in Kawaguchi and Shiga, Japan. Dainichiseika also manufactures inks at P.T. Hi-Tech Ink Indonesia, and gravure inks at Hi-Tech Color, Inc. in the US.

Major Products: Sheetfed, heatset, waterless and UV offset, gravure and specialty inks; security and banknote inks; and overprint varnishes.

Number of Employees: 3,698 worldwide

Comments: Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Mfg. Co., Ltd., a specialist in offset and gravure inks, pigments and colorants, is headquartered in Tokyo. Its sales were essentially the same as the previous fiscal year, down 2.2% to ¥157,185 million. Operating income rose significantly, though, by 20.4% to ¥11,982 million.

Printing Inks Division sales were mixed in 2016. The company reported that sales were generally strong for its gravure printing ink for the packaging industry, but the offset ink sales faced declining demand. As a result, ink sales were ¥28,123 million ($251 million), down by 5.0% compared with the previous fiscal year, while operating profit was ¥2,958 million ($26 million) declined 2.5% compared to 2015.

Dainichiseika has 15 domestic and 23 manufacturing and sales subsidiaries worldwide. In terms of ink manufacturing, Dainichiseika produces offset inks in Kumamoto, Tokai and Tokyo, Japan; and gravure inks in Hokkaido, Kawaguchi and Shiga, Japan.

Dainichiseika also manufactures a full range of inks at its P.T. Hi-Tech Ink Indonesia subsidiary, and gravure inks at Hi-Tech Color, Inc. in the US.

Major Products: Sheetfed, heatset, waterless and UV offset, gravure and specialty inks; security and banknote inks; and overprint varnishes.

Number of Employees: 2,500 (colorants and printing inks; 3,500 (worldwide) (Ink World estimate)

Comments: Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Mfg. Co., Ltd. produces inks, pigments and colorants. In 2015, the company’s sales remained essentially flat, declining 1.4% to ¥160,770 million. Operating income rose 7.4% to ¥9,954 million.

Printing ink sales remained on par with 2014, with revenue of ¥29,608 million, up 0.4%. Operating income was up 23.1% to ¥3,035 million. The company reported that its packaging gravure ink sales remained strong for food- and beverage-related printing, and the Southeast Asia market was a bright spot for the company.

Major Products: Sheetfed, heatset, waterless and UV offset, gravure and specialty inks; security and banknote inks; and overprint varnishes.

Number of Employees: 2,500 (colorants and printing inks; 3,500 (worldwide) (Ink World estimate)

Comments: Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Mfg. Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, manufactures inks, pigments and colorants. In 2014, the company enjoyed slight growth overall, with sales increasing 1.9% to ¥162,999 million ($1.36 billion), but the Japanese yen’s decline compared to the U.S. dollar heavily impacted the conversion to the dollar. Net income declined 5.9% to 5,662 million, or 5.6% to ¥6,045 million ($47.3 million).

The Printing Inks business suffered a slight decline in terms of yen of 1.7% in fiscal year 2014, with net sales of ¥29,492 million ($246 million). Meanwhile, operating income rose operating i3.3% to ¥2,465 million, up by 3.3% compared to fiscal year 2013.

Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals reported that gravure ink for packaging remained robust for food-related use, although sales for beverage-related use was decreased due to the bad summer weather in summer. In Southeast Asia market, sales for lifestyle-related and food-related packaging were brisk. Sales of offset inks declined, particularly for book publishing.

Dainichiseika has a sizable position in China, with three ink manufacturing facilities: offset inks at Dainichiseika Ink (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd.; gravure inks at Hi-Tech Color (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.; and a full portfolio of inks at Dainichiseika (H.K.) Ltd. & Dainichiseika (H.K.) Colouring Co. Ltd. in Hong Kong. Dainichiseika also makes gravure inks at Hi-Tech Color, Inc. in the U.S. and a full range of inks at P.T. Hi-Tech Ink Indonesia.

Major Products: Sheetfed, heatset, waterless and UV offset, gravure and specialty inks; security and banknote inks; and overprint varnishes.

Number of Employees: 2,600 (colorants and printing inks; 3,600 (worldwide) (Ink World estimate)

Comments: Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Mfg. Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, specializes in inks, pigments and colorants. The company had an excellent year in 2012, with consolidated sales decreasing 6.6% to ¥162,078 million ($1.58 billion). Its net income increased 5.6% to 6,045 million yen ($58.8 million).

The Printing Inks business also enjoyed growth, with sales increasing 3.5% to 29,782 million yen ($290 million). According to the company, domestic sales of gravure packaging inks were solid for beverage-related use,. In addition, sales were also strong in Southeast Asia market, primarily for lifestyle- and food-related products. Shipments of web offset rotary ink grew, especially for commercial printing, such as advertising inserts.

Major Products: Sheetfed, heatset, waterless and UV offset, gravure and specialty inks; security and banknote inks; and overprint varnishes.

Number of Employees: 2,600 (colorants and printing inks; 3,600 (worldwide) (Ink World estimate).

Comments: A specialist in manufacturing inks, pigments and colorants, Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Mfg. Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, had a challenging year overall in 2012, with consolidated sales decreasing 2.6% to ¥151,994 million ($1.61 billion).

The Printing Inks business also suffered a slight decline, to ¥28,783 million ($305 million), down by 4.3% from 2011. Sales of gravure inks were strong in the first half due to the beverage-related packaging industry before slowing down. Offset ink sales stagnated for commercial inserts. However, operating income increased 25% due to improvements in the cost of sales and revisions of sales prices.

Dainichiseika has three ink facilities in China, manufacturing offset inks at Dainichiseika Ink (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd., gravure inks at Hi-Tech Color (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and a full range of inks at Dainichiseika (H.K.) Ltd. & Dainichiseika (H.K.) Colouring Co. Ltd. in Hong Kong. Dainichiseika also produces a full range of inks at P.T. Hi-Tech Ink Indonesia, and gravure inks at Hi-Tech Color, Inc. in the U.S.

Major Products: Sheetfed, heatset, waterless and UV offset, gravure and specialty inks; security and banknote inks; and overprint varnishes.

Number of Employees: 2,600 (colorants and printing inks; 3,600 (worldwide) (Ink World estimate)

Comments: Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Mfg. Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, suffered a difficult 2011, with sales declining 2% to ¥156,025 million. Net income also declined, down 7.5% to ¥4,314 million.

A specialist in manufacturing inks, pigments and colorants, Dainichiseika did enjoy success in the printing inks business. Printing ink sales rose 1.2% to ¥30,084 million, with packaging gravure inks for foods and everyday items a highlight, as they remained strong throughout the year as a result of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

The offset ink market was not as successful this year. The company reported that sales of offset printing inks, particularly for commercial printed matters, were flat, reflecting the decrease in advertising demand after the Great East Japan Earthquake. Operating income was ¥1,829 million, down by 12.1% compared with the previous fiscal year, as raw material prices continued to rise.

Outside of Japan, Dainichiseika has set up three ink facilities in China, manufacturing offset inks at Dainichiseika Ink (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd., gravure inks at Hi-Tech Color (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and a full range of inks at Dainichiseika (H.K.) Ltd. & Dainichiseika (H.K.) Colouring Co. Ltd. in Hong Kong. Dainichiseika also produces a full range of inks at P.T. Hi-Tech Ink Indonesia, and gravure inks at Hi-Tech Color, Inc. in the U.S.

Major Products: Sheetfed, heatset, waterless and UV offset, gravure and specialty inks; security and banknote inks; and overprint varnishes.

Number of Employees: 2,600 (colorants and printing inks; 3,600 (worldwide) (Ink World estimate)

Comments: A specialist in manufacturing inks, pigments and colorants. Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Mfg. Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan enjoyed excellent growth in 2010, as its overall revenues grew from ¥143.9 billion to ¥159.2 billion. The company’s profit also increased, which was attributed to reducing expenses.

On the ink side, gravure printing ink was a highlight, with company officials stating that gravure improved solidly as this summer’s heat wave boosted demand for beverage and food-related packaging. Offset printing ink, especially for leaflets and other commercial printed matters, remained solid mainly from the commercial printing industry, showing signs of bottoming out.

The company has 28 consolidated subsidiaries, 16 non-consolidated subsidiaries and 11 associated companies. Outside of Japan, Dainichiseika has set up ink manufacturing operations globally. The company has three ink facilities in China, manufacturing offset inks at Dainichiseika Ink (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd. and gravure inks at Hi-Tech Color (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Kunshan Dainichi Chemical Ltd.; Indonesia, making a full range of inks at P.T. Hi-Tech Ink Indonesia; and in the U.S., with gravure inks at Hi-Tech Color, Inc.