Major Products: Focused on sustainable innovations and a circular economy, Flint Group develops and supplies a wide range of inks, coatings, and digital solutions for nearly all packaging and print sectors. The company’s experts support customers worldwide with products for flexible packaging, paper & board, narrow web labels & packaging, folding cartons, commercial print, and publications. Through its Digital Solutions division (Xeikon), Flint Group offers a unique mix of equipment, consumables, and services for all print and packaging markets. Flint Group also manufactures chips and resins for inks and other applications, aqueous dispersions, hyper dispersants, and additives for the colorant market, press room chemicals, and printing blankets.

Number of Employees: Approximately 5,000 worldwide.

Comments: With sales of €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion), Flint Group is the second-largest international ink manufacturer. Flint Group had a strong year in 2024, driven by its core packaging ink and coatings business.

“Flint Group continues to maintain a strong and stable position, with steady momentum in our core packaging markets,” Flint Group CEO Pepyn Dinandt said. “The packaging segments served by Flint Group Packaging have shown modest but consistent growth, supported by solid performance across our inks and coatings portfolio. Our heatset and news ink operations remain resilient considering market dynamics, maintaining stable performance.

“Our core packaging inks and coatings business remains focused on helping customers lower print costs, boost efficiency, reduce waste, and advance sustainability goals,” Dinandt added. “We remain fully committed to delivering outstanding service and value to our customers.”

Dinandt noted that flexible packaging continues to experience robust growth.

“Its versatility, lightweight properties, and ability to extend shelf life make it a key enabler of global food preservation and efficient logistics,” Dinandt observed. “Advances in fiber-based technologies are enhancing functionality, making them suitable for applications once reliant on plastic. As a result, interest in fiber-based solutions continues to rise as a credible alternative.”

Dinandt pointed out that E-commerce and evolving consumer lifestyles are also reshaping packaging needs.

“There is growing demand for solutions that ensure product protection during transit and offer convenience through smaller, portable formats suited to single-person households and on-the-go consumption,” he said. “Sustainability remains a major influence, with recyclable and eco-conscious materials playing a central role in packaging innovation and design.”

Flint Group made some key investments in the Asia-Pacific region during the past year. In November 2024, Flint Group announced the expansion of its operations in India with a state-of-the-art, 9,000-square-meter facility in Salvi, Vadodara, Gujarat. The new site significantly expands the company’s manufacturing capacity and will produce water-based inks and coatings for the paper and board market, as well as energy-curable inks for the label and narrow web sector.

Additionally, Flint Group is progressing with ongoing investments in China, including a significant expansion for production of solvent- and water-based technologies.

On the personnel side, Flint Group enhanced its executive leadership team during the past 12 months, beginning with the appointment of Dinandt as CEO effective Sept. 1, 2024. Since then, Dinandt has actively engaged with teams worldwide.

In other key personnel moves, Robert Forster was named president of the publications business in early 2025. Roland Schwoegler joined Flint Group in April 2025 as chief procurement officer. Tim Angel and Gonzalo Alas Pumarino were appointed EVPs of operations and supply chain, and Roy van der Pijl was appointed president of the chemicals and transfer media businesses in April 2025.

Dinandt reported that Flint Group continues its focus on product innovation and services that promote circularity in packaging and support the reduction of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions for both the company and its customers.

“A testament to this commitment is Flint Group’s achievement of a prestigious Gold Rating from EcoVadis in early 2025,” said Dinandt. “This recognition places Flint Group among the top 5% of EcoVadis-rated companies in the printing ink manufacturing sector.”

On the innovation front, Flint Group reinforced its alignment with Europe’s updated Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) with its nitrocellulose-free (NC-free) ink systems for solvent-based flexible packaging. Under PPWR, all packaging must be 100% recyclable by 2030. Flint Group’s NC-free inks support effective recycling while ensuring high-quality results at high printing speeds.

Flint Group’s Paper & Board business expanded its TerraCode range with TerraCode Bio, a line of bio-based extenders and coatings for the corrugated market. Flint Group Narrow Web’s innovations were recognized by customers for their contributions to customers’ sustainability objectives.

“Our Evolution range of primers and varnishes was highlighted for enhancing recyclate yield and maintaining recycled material quality,” said Dinandt. “The EkoCure® Dual Cure ink range was commended for boosting production and energy efficiency, and enabling entry into new markets.”

Also, within the last year Flint Group’s Novasens® P670 PRIME was launched globally. This high-performance, low odor, low migration process ink series for sheetfed offset helps printers to reduce waste and increase efficiency.

Dinandt noted that Flint Group is closely tracking global trade developments and taking proactive steps to minimize the impact of potential tariff changes on its business and customers.

“Tariff conditions are very volatile and we remain focused on supporting customers while managing added costs and complexity,” said Dinandt. “Ultimately, our goal is to manage external volatility while maintaining the value we deliver to our customers.”

While Flint Group anticipates ongoing uncertainty and market turbulence, Dinandt said that the company is closely monitoring global socio-economic and geopolitical developments to proactively adapt and minimize any potential impact on customers, with the goal of providing as much stability as possible.

“Sustainability and circularity continue to be top priorities across the packaging and print sectors. Increasingly, these priorities are reinforced by evolving regulatory requirements, which are accelerating across all global regions,” added Dinandt. “Additionally, as the industry strives to meet diverse packaging needs—from application types to end-use products—market consolidation remains a defining trend across all packaging segments.”

Major Products: Focused on sustainable innovations and a circular economy, Flint Group develops and supplies a wide range of inks, coatings, and digital solutions for nearly all packaging and print sectors. The company’s experts support customers worldwide with products for flexible packaging, paper & board, narrow web labels & packaging, folding cartons, commercial print, and publications. Through its Digital Solutions division (Xeikon), Flint Group reaffirms its commitment to digital platforms, offering a unique mix of equipment, consumables, and services for all print and packaging markets. Flint Group also manufactures chips and resins for inks and other applications, aqueous dispersions, hyper dispersants, and additives for the colorant market, press room chemicals, and printing blankets.

Number of Employees: Approximately 5,000 worldwide.

Comments: Flint Group is the second-largest global ink manufacturer, with sales of $1.63 billion in 2023. Overall, Flint Group remains healthy and continues to grow, particularly on the packaging side.

“The packaging markets are showing moderate growth, and Flint Group has been performing well in this space,” said Steve Dryden, CEO for Flint Group. “Although publication markets remain weak, Flint Group’s Commercial and Publication businesses are continuing to perform defensively.

“Flint Group remains dedicated to supporting customers with products and services that help reduce overall printing costs, increase efficiencies, minimize waste, and support sustainability in packaging and print,” added Dryden. “We continue to focus on delivering best-in-class service levels to all our valued customers.

“Flexible packaging applications remain resilient and are highly sought after due to their functional performance, which aids food preservation, lower shipping weight, and space optimization characteristics,” said Dryden. “However, there is a noticeable shift from plastic substrates to fiber substrates – mainly due to recycling characteristics – which continues to evolve as fiber-based applications increase in functional performance.

“In narrow web printing, growth areas include mass customization and personalization, eCommerce optimization and the trend toward low volume, high-value labels,” he added. “As a consequence, digital printing is well-positioned to provide added value to the narrow web printer.”

Sustainability remains a top priority across the entire printing and packaging value chain, and Flint Group is launching products focused on sustainability and strengthening its overarching sustainability platform.

In 2023, Flint Group’s Narrow Web business introduced its dual-curing UV LED EkoCure ANCORA F2, designed for food packaging and labeling. In November, Evolution, a range of varnishes and primers to support recycling of shrink sleeve labels, was launched globally.

In December 2023, Flint Group released its latest Sustainability Report, compiled in alignment with GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) and SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board) standards. Early in 2024, Flint Group retained its Silver EcoVadis rating and was designated a category leader in carbon management, with a 10-point increase in sustainable procurement and labor & human rights.

Dryden pointed out that the focus on sustainability and development of the circular economy continues to grow stronger each year. Flint Group continues to invest in the development of its sustainable product offering while driving emissions and waste out of its operations across scopes 1, 2, and 3.

“As outlined in our PRISM sustainability framework, the company focuses on three core areas: Product, Planet, and People,” Dryden said. “Flint Group will continue to expand upon this framework in order to support customers’ sustainability goals.”

In May 2024, Flint Group announced that the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) accepted the company’s 2030 carbon reduction targets. Flint Group is working towards a 46.2% reduction in scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 2030 compared to its 2019 baseline.

There have been some key moves at Flint Group this year. In 2024, Flint Group announced that Dryden will leave the business at the end of September. The Board of Directors will announce a successor in due course. Additionally, Heiner Klokkers has been appointed as CEO of Flint Group’s new Publications Division.

Meanwhile, in September 2023, Flint Group announced it had successfully secured a comprehensive recapitalization with a revised lender group, further strengthening the company.

As for raw materials, the market started off sluggishly in Q1 2024; however, there has been some rebound in demand throughout Q2, and the ink industry is now witnessing some shortages of key feedstocks for ink components.

As for the rest of 2024, Dryden sees packaging markets continuing to be resilient.

“For flexible packaging, we expect consistent growth supported by positive consumer trends and an increasing focus on food waste reduction,” Dryden observed. “Paper & Board continues to recover following a volatile performance during the pandemic. Furthermore, we expect fiber-based packaging to continue to grow its share as innovation delivers enhanced functional performance. Within the Narrow Web & Label market, we expect consistent performance driven mainly by premiumization, personalization, and the securitization of goods.

“Sustainability and regulatory requirements are likely to increasingly influence the evolution of the packaging and print industry,” Dryden concluded. “Inks and coatings are an important part of the consumer experience and essential to convey the identity of a brand, but the industry must continue to innovate to ensure packaging and print remain sustainable and relevant.”

Major Products: A wide range of inks, coatings, blankets, pressroom chemistry, consumables and more. Expertise in solvent-based, water-based, oil-based and energy curable technologies for various applications, including offset lithography, flexography, gravure, rotary screen, rotary offset, digital and letterpress. Products are designed to support nearly all print segments in the print media and packaging sectors. Flint Group also manufactures chips and resins for inks and other applications, aqueous dispersions, hyper dispersants and additives for the colorant market; pressroom chemicals; printing blankets; and digital printing equipment. With its Digital Solutions division (the Xeikon brand), Flint Group shows its commitment to expanding digital platforms offering a unique mix of equipment, consumables and services.

Number of Employees: Approximately 5,300 worldwide.

Comments: The second-largest global ink manufacturer, Flint Group had a solid 2022, with sales holding steady at $1.88 billion. Flint Group CEO Steve Dryden said that despite inflation and weakening demand, Flint Group is well prepared to support its customers with innovative technologies and service.

“Global inflation is affecting the market overall, and we see weakening demand, which is especially pronounced in publication-related areas but also affecting packaging markets,” Dryden said. “The focus now resides on cost control, destocking, and debottlenecking to ensure optimized operations and refined production. In this current environment, Flint Group continues to support customers with products and services to increase efficiencies and reduce costs and, as always, is focused on reliability of supply to its customers.”

Sustainability remains front of mind for brand owners and package printers. Dryden pointed out that Flint Group continues its focus on this critical topic across its business and celebrated several milestones over the past 12 months. Importantly, Flint Group committed to the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi) by agreeing to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

In 2023, Flint Group increased its EcoVadis score, gaining a seven-point improvement in its Silver rating over 2022. A key driver for the improved score is the considerable rise in its Environmental score from 50 to 70 points.

In September 2022, Flint Group’s Evolution Deinking Primer was awarded the Environmental Sustainability Award at the Global Label Awards during Labelexpo Americas. The primer was recognized as a significant contributor to a circular economy in packaging.

In May 2023, Flint Group launched its PRISM sustainability framework that includes a range of targets and KPIs that pave the way for even more sustainable products, reducing waste and carbon footprint, and caring for and diversifying its workforce.

“Ultimately, printers and converters across all markets are looking for their suppliers to work with them to increase efficiency, manage their risks and ensure continuity of production, and support their objectives to be cleaner, ‘greener,’ printers,” Dryden added.

Dryden observed that there are significant trends impacting the printing and ink industries.

“Overall, multiple consumer trends have affected printing ink markets, including a downturn in consumer confidence, reduced discretionary spending, and consumers turning to private label brands, which typically have simpler designs and less complex artwork to save money,” he said.

“We see some decline in printing and packaging markets. However, solvent-based applications are proving resilient due to high exposure and use on essential consumer products, such as food, beverages and pharmaceuticals,” added Dryden. “On the publication and commercial side, we continue to see an accelerated decline, which was already present in the pre-pandemic market and this inflationary environment.”

After further destabilization in raw material supply during most of 2022, the situation has started to normalize in early 2023.

“Raw material supply was unstable throughout the first eight months of 2022,” Dryden said. “Then, due to the war in Ukraine coupled with post-COVID supply imbalances and production cuts, nearly all raw material groups experienced a further cost increase.

These increases were mainly driven by global labor inflation and uncertainty around energy supply and related cost impacts in Europe. Early in 2023, when energy markets calmed and the economic outlook deteriorated, the raw material supply situation reverted, becoming more ‘normal,’ and costs stabilized.”

As for capital improvements, Dryden reported that Flint Group is focused on continuous improvements that focus on how the company can better serve the needs of customers. This includes increased capacity to meet the growth projections of core packaging markets and continued development to streamline and increase operational efficiency for swift response to market needs.

“In addition, further investment has been made within the publication business to centralize manufacturing within its core markets to ensure Flint Group’s commitment to the publication sector remains,” added Dryden.

Dryden noted that a topic affecting all members of the value chain is acquiring, developing and retaining talent.

“The printing industry is facing an unprecedented lack of skilled labor caused by a myriad of factors. As older generations retire, there is a growing lack of highly trained personnel; younger generations are not as exposed to the trades industry as in the past; there is a lack of training and mentoring within the printing industry which reduces longevity in the job; and entry level pay doesn’t interest ‘entry level’ staff,” Dryden said.

In spite of raw material costs coming under some semblance of control, inflation is leading to higher prices elsewhere, such as in labor and energy costs.

“Global inflation contributes to weakening and volatile markets, presenting a cost landscape that continues to change,” Dryden observed. “While there may be some potential alleviation on raw materials, labor costs become increasingly challenging.

Furthermore, energy cost continues to be a concern, especially in Europe.

“Aside from top-of-mind inflationary topics, regulatory – which is closely tied to sustainability – will continue to gain momentum as a critical topic for packaging and labels,” he added. “All players working within packaging markets should pay close attention to the outcomes of the European Green Deal, monitor activity within the U.S. legislation, and be aware of regional regulations affecting packaging.”

Major Products: A wide range of inks, coatings, blankets, pressroom chemistry, consumables and more. Expertise in solvent-based, water-based, oil-based and energy curable technologies for various applications, including offset lithography, flexography, gravure, rotary screen, rotary offset, digital and letterpress. Products are designed to support nearly all print segments in the print media and packaging sectors. Flint Group also manufactures chips and resins for inks and other applications, aqueous dispersions, hyper dispersants and additives for the colorant market; pressroom chemicals; printing blankets; and digital printing equipment. With its Digital Solutions division (the Xeikon brand), Flint Group shows its commitment to expanding digital platforms offering a unique mix of equipment, consumables and services.

Number of Employees: Approximately 5,600 worldwide.

Comments: Flint Group is the second-largest ink manufacturer in the world, reporting $1.8 billion in sales during 2021. Flint Group CEO Steve Dryden said that in spite of the challenges from raw materials, the economy and the geopolitical strife, Flint Group remains healthy and continues to grow.

“In 2021, we experienced a very challenging supply chain and purchased increased stock to ensure the security of supply for our customers around the world,” Dryden said. “Throughout the year, we weathered substantial cost increases but were able to pass these costs into the value chain, albeit with the usual delay.”

Sustainability is an important priority for Flint Group, and the company continues to earn honors for its environmental efforts.

“Importantly, late in 2021, Flint Group secured a Silver rating across its global footprint with EcoVadis,” Dryden noted. “The company was considered to be in the top 21% of companies rated by the worlds most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings. The company was rated in the top 9% in the Sustainable Procurement category and in the top 7% for Ethics.

“Flint Group Paper & Board confirmed the success of its TerraCode sustainable water-based product and won a Bronze award in the category of Sustainably Produced Packaging at the 2021 UK Flexographic Industry Association (FIAUK) Awards,” he added.

Dryden noted that sustainability is and will remain a business focus across the packaging industry and broader society.

“Sustainability is central to any company’s strategy and value proposition, with industry suppliers and our customers responding, and this topic will continue to gain more and more momentum,” Dryden said. “Consumers, retailers, and brands continue to pressure packaging producers to demonstrate sustainability progress and reduce the environmental footprint of their supply chains.

“Flint Group is focusing on two key themes: The impact of our operations both at the point of manufacture and along our value chain; and how we can develop products and deploy services which help our customers to reduce the impact of their operations on the environment,” Dryden observed.

In another move, Flint Offset Packaging Solutions brought its K+E, Varn and Day brands under one division, providing the global sheetfed offset market with a single point of contact.

Dryden observed that production of packaging materials is essential for society and the majority of printers and converters in all regions of the world did not miss a beat throughout the pandemic.

“Despite many challenges, the printing of packaging for food, water, pharmaceuticals, cleaning supplies and other critical items continued,” Dryden added. “That said, the climate feels more ‘normal’ albeit the ‘normal’ is forever changed. We see a heightened focus from consumers and brand owners toward mitigating risk while ensuring health, hygiene and sustainability.”

Raw material pricing and availability, inflation and logistics have been major challenges for the ink industry for the past few years, and Dryden said that no relief is in sight. However, Flint Group continues to successfully meet the needs of its customers.

“The industry-wide challenges with raw material availability, cost increases and logistical issues have not diminished, nor do we expect to see any relief in 2022 or early 2023,” said Dryden. “Our teams have done an exceptional job to ensure reliable supply to our valued customers but this has come with significantly higher costs. The climate is not likely to change and we must adjust to this new normal via product developments and productivity enhancements. Most important is to ensure that, regardless of inflation and supply chain pressures, we remain a stable, reliable supplier to our valued customers.

“Packaging volumes remain encouraging while the expected decline in publication volumes continues,” Dryden observed. “Raw material and other costs continued to increase throughout the first half of the year. Still, with a reliable supply performance, Flint Group recovered these costs, albeit with the expected delay.”

As for the rest of 2022, Dryden anticipates further growth in packaging while working with their customers and suppliers to deal with the persistent economic and raw material challenges.

“There is no doubt that the challenges experienced during the first half of the year will continue throughout the remainder of 2022,” Dryden said. “We expect difficult trading conditions, continued inflation and tightening of supply chains.

“That said, we also expect growth driven by consumer demand for innovative packaging, increased e-commerce, and resilient food, beverage and pharmaceutical market sectors,” Dryden concluded. “It’s clear we are entering an inflationary environment for the foreseeable future and we are focused on helping our customers reduce cost and complexity while increasing the ease of doing business with Flint Group.”

Major Products: A wide range of inks, coatings, blankets, pressroom chemistry, printing plates, consumables and more. Expertise in solvent-based, water-based, oil-based and energy curable technologies for various applications, including offset lithography, flexography, gravure, rotary screen, rotary offset, digital and letterpress. Products are designed to support nearly all print segments in the print media and packaging sectors. Flint Group also manufactures chips and resins for inks and other applications, aqueous dispersions, hyper dispersants and additives for the colorant market; pressroom chemicals; printing blankets; and flexographic plates, sleeves and printing equipment. With its Digital Solutions division (the Xeikon brand), Flint Group shows its commitment to expanding digital platforms offering a unique mix of equipment, consumables and services.

Number of Employees: Approximately 6,200 worldwide.

Comments: With consolidated sales of $2.1 billion, Flint Group is the second-largest ink manufacturer in the world. However, COVID-19 affected virtually every company in the ink industry regardless of size, and Flint Group was no exception.

“Flint Group and the entire industry experienced the pressures of COVID-19 during 2020,” said Antoine Fady, CEO, Flint Group. “Throughout the pandemic, two things were most important to Flint Group: first, the safety of our staff in all parts of the world; and second, continuity of business for our customers and ourselves.

“As it relates to number one, fortunately, through the extreme diligence of our employees and with exceptionally strict safety measures, for the most part, our staff were kept safe and healthy while at work,” added Fady. “Therefore, it is not surprising that Flint Group’s extreme level of safety and hygiene enabled us to achieve our second most important objective – continuity of business.”

Fady noted that COVID did place strains on Flint Group’s supply chains, manufacturing, technical support channels and delivery of products.

“However, as an essential business, we were able to keep our facilities running, and with a strong and aligned global procurement team, we were able to maintain the supply of our raw materials,” he added.

“Furthermore, our technical and sales staff were able to connect virtually with customers to ensure and maintain our market-leading support levels.”

Overall, Fady said Flint Group’s Packaging Inks business fared well.

“With the ability to maintain customer service and supply levels, we were able to retain and grow business in certain regions and segments in 2020,” he added. “One thing is certain, we cannot become complacent in addressing COVID-19 or in managing risk to our business and in supplying our customers. Printers and converters require suppliers that are adaptable, agile and highly responsive. Businesses must be nimble and contingency plans are necessary to support and ensure business continuity.

“That said, in 2020, the industry responded in a unified and commendable manner to the pandemic and packaging’s role as a protector, preserver and transporter of food and other essential products was undeniable,” Fady concluded.

Flint Group’s efforts on sustainability are a key focus.

“Focus on the environment and sustainability continues to be a focal point for the industry,” stated Doug Aldred, President Packaging Inks. “Many consumers still associate flexible plastics with littering without taking full consideration of the lifecycle benefits of this package type. Concerns related to plastic packaging remain front and center for many brands and consumers.”

Flint Group Packaging Inks developed a Sustainability Vision and Platform in 2020, supported by a Sustainability Task Force and a Sustainability Hub on its website. The division’s vision – “To support packaging markets with responsibly built products designed for circular economies” – is supported by a four-pillar platform focused on designing products for circularity, reducing ecological impact, ethical management and building products responsibly.

Recently launched products designed for circularity in packaging include ZenCode GC and ZenCode GS – solvent-based inks which are Material Health Certified with the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute. On the water-based side, Flint Group offers its TerraCode ink range, which also has Material Health Certificates with the Cradle to Cradle Institute and are compostable.

With regard to acquisitions, Flint Group announced the acquisition of Poteet Printing Systems in North America. This partnership adds one more level of customer focus and product expertise to support the Paper & Board market in the US.

COVID-19 had a major impact on raw material pricing and availability, and Flint Group continues to feel the effects.

“The impact has not ended,” said Steve Dryden, COO Flint Group Packaging and CEO Flint Group CPS. “Raw material prices have escalated beyond any historical levels and supply chains continue to be challenged – there is not a clear view of relief in our immediate sights. The effects have, however, escalated the focus of all industries on risk management which, in the long-term, will bolster our abilities to weather almost any storm.

“Because Flint Group is a global company, our teams have always been aligned and working together on a global and regional level to ensure our manufacturing facilities have the materials needed to continue production,” he added. “With global procurement and supply chain staff, we are able to provide 24 hour coverage which has enabled our ability to work around the clock to mitigate major risks. Unfortunately, the situation doesn’t appear to be stabilizing soon – certainly not before the end of 2021.”

Dryden said that despite the challenges Flint Group is facing, the company is successfully moving ahead.

“COVID-19 is still a major concern in many regions, supply chain hurdles are coming at us from every direction and raw material costs continue to rise,” Dryden observed. “It’s no secret that our industry is currently facing the most unprecedented raw material, packaging and freight cost escalation in recent memory. These challenges are putting considerable strain on the entire organization. However, because of the dedication of Flint Group staff, who are focused and committed to ensure our customers’ businesses are not impacted, our business continues to move forward in a positive direction.

“No doubt, the rest of 2021 will be challenging – however, the packaging industry is strong, resilient and essential for the smooth running of society. Suppliers, such as Flint Group Packaging Inks, are absolutely dedicated to supporting customers with the products and technical support needed,” Dryden noted.

Major Products: A wide range of inks, coatings, blankets, pressroom chemistry, printing plates, consumables and more. Expertise in solvent-based, water-based, oil-based and energy curable technologies for various applications, including offset lithography, flexography, gravure, rotary screen, rotary offset, digital and letterpress. Products are designed to support nearly all print segments in the print media and packaging sectors. Flint Group also manufactures chips and resins for inks and other applications, aqueous dispersions, hyper dispersants and additives for the colorant market; pressroom chemicals; printing blankets; and flexographic plates, sleeves and printing equipment. With its Digital Solutions division (the Xeikon brand), Flint Group shows its commitment to expanding digital platforms offering a unique mix of equipment, consumables and services.

Number of Employees: Approximately 6,800 worldwide.

Comments: Flint Group is the second-largest ink manufacturer in the world, with consolidated sales of $2.2 billion (€2 million). Led by its Packaging Ink division, Flint Group had a solid year in 2019, although the challenges from COVID-19 remain.
“We continue to see strong performance in the packaging market in North America – our acquisitions are fully integrated into the Flint Group business and are creating value,” said Michael Mosely, VP and GM, Packaging Inks North America. “The business continues to experience headwinds with tariffs and raw material cost fluctuations and we continue to do our best to mitigate these challenges. However, the fundamental value proposition of packaging remains strong and continues to create opportunities for us.”

As a result of shortages in solvents caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Flint Group Packaging Inks in Europe and India were forced to issue price increases.

“The worsening global situation caused by COVID-19 is having a significant impact on our business, yet our facilities continue to deliver consistent output despite major supply chain disruptions,” said Kim Melander, VP and GM Packaging Inks Europe. “However, this output comes at a significant cost which to date we have borne alone.”

“We understand that price increases have become an almost ‘routine’ matter,” said Upal Roy, managing director, Flint Group India. “However, we hope that our customers will understand and appreciate that we have no choice but to pass along the increase and that Flint Group cannot continue to absorb the entirety of these rising costs.”

In personnel news, Flint Group named Emmanuel Bareaud president Narrow Web, effective March 30, 2020. Bareaud previously worked at AkzoNobel (and formerly ICI), where he was director EMEA for packaging coatings.

Major Products: A wide range of inks, coatings, blankets, pressroom chemistry, printing plates, consumables and more. Expertise in solvent-based, water-based, oil-based and energy curable technologies for various applications, including offset lithography, flexography, gravure, rotary screen, rotary offset, digital and letterpress. Products are designed to support nearly all print segments in the print media and packaging sectors. Also sells pigments, chips and resins for ink and other applications, aqueous dispersions, hyperdispersants and additives for the colorant market; pressroom chemicals; printing blankets; and flexographic plates, sleeves and printing equipment. With the acquisition of Xeikon, Flint Group shows its commitment to expanding digital platforms. Flint Group Digital Solutions offers a unique mix of equipment, consumables and services.

Number of Employees: Approximately 7,500 worldwide.

Comments: Flint Group is the second-largest ink manufacturer in the world, with consolidated sales of $2.4 billion. In spite of higher raw material costs, the company reported a solid year in 2018, driven by growth in packaging.

“The industry was very competitive in 2018, and raw material markets were challenging, but the Flint Group Packaging division did well, growing in revenue over the prior year in most segments,” said Antoine Fady, CEO Flint Group Packaging. “Packaging print markets grow slowly and can be affected by a variety of economic factors, but we move into 2019 optimistic about long-term opportunities.”

Flint Group anticipates continued growth in its Packaging Inks’ businesses.

“The markets for Flexible Packaging and Paper & Board are growing everywhere in the world, and Flint Group’s key objective is to be the supplier of choice for these markets and continue our growth trajectory,” said Deanna Klemesrud, global marketing director – Packaging Inks for Flint Group. “We remained focused on the global packaging market and are determined to develop streamlined products, services, and processes which will support our customers’ current and future needs.”

Meanwhile, Flint Group’s Commercial, Publication & Sheetfed Inks (CPS) Inks division faced more difficult times, as the publication and commercial printing industry continue to decline.

“Consistent with prior years, the commercial and publication print industries contracted in 2018 due to consumers’ continued preference for online communications,” Steve Dryden, CEO, CPS Inks, noted. “CPS Inks’ volumes were affected by that ongoing trend, but our teams did a great job of working smarter and managing costs. Overall, it was a tough but successful year for

our business.”

Dryden sees opportunities for growth in the coming year, particularly in sheetfed.

“In the commercial and publication segments of the printing industries, sheetfed will likely experience a modest increase, with slightly higher growth levels in packaging and UV sheetfed segments,” he observed. “In 2019, CPS Inks expects to increase sheetfed revenue and remain the leader in heatset and coldset segments.”

Flint Group continues to expand its international operations. In Shanghai, the company opened its $2 million regional Technology Center Asia Pacific (ATC) at the Shanghai Publishing and Printing College (SPPC).

“The ATC is an important milestone within our global innovation network to help our customers capturing the growth in the packaging market. We can not only showcase what can be done within the flexographic printing space, but more importantly, provide a platform to develop solutions with and for our customers and the entire value chain,” said Friedrich von Rechteren, global commercial VP.

Meanwhile, in South Africa, Flint Group opened a new 12,000 square foot automated packaging ink production facility and technical lab in Westmead, Kwazulu Natal. The facility is already producing solvent-based inks, and by the end of 2019, water-based production will be operational.

“It was clear that we were outgrowing our current manufacturing facility and in late 2017 we started to explore the region for a suitable location,” added Bob Allan-Reynolds, GM Flint Group Africa “We acquired a plant in Westmead and started the process of customizing it to meet our requirements.”

Raw materials remain a concern for ink manufacturers, with price increases driving ink companies to issue price increases of their own while also absorbing some of the higher costs. In August, Flint Group announced price increases on conventional and UV sheetfed inks and coatings in Europe.

“Raw material consolidation continues without pause,” said Tony Lord, COO of Flint Group’s CPS Inks division. “China’s ‘Blue Skies’ initiative continues to force raw material companies to shut down – often permanently.”

“The raw material market remains volatile,” said Arno de Groot, VP procurement of Flint Group’s Packaging division, “affecting a wide variety of materials used in printing inks, including solvents, additives and more. In particular, costs of pigments and photoinitiators have spiked due to regulatory controls in China. Ink manufacturing in the US and Europe are affected by regulations such as Prop 65 in California and REACH in Europe, and some regional guidelines have global impacts due to the global nature of our industry.”

Major Products: A wide range of inks, coatings, blankets, pressroom chemistry, printing plates, consumables and more. Expertise in solvent-based, water-based, oil-based and energy curable technologies for various applications, including offset lithography, flexography, gravure, rotary screen, rotary offset, digital and letterpress. Products are designed to support nearly all print segments in the print media and packaging sectors. Also manufactures dry, flushed and press cake pigments, chips and resins for ink and other applications, aqueous dispersions, hyperdispersants and additives for the colorant market; pressroom chemicals; printing blankets; and flexographic plates, sleeves and printing equipment. With the acquisition of Xeikon, Flint Group shows its commitment to expanding digital platforms. Flint Group Digital Solutions offers a unique mix of equipment, consumables and services.

Number of Employees: Approximately 7,900 worldwide.

Comments: Flint Group had a solid year in 2017, with sales growing to $2.5 billion. In particular, the company fared well in packaging and digital printing.

Flint Group was active in the M&A and capital improvement front, with a focus on packaging ink in Europe and the Middle East.
In January 2018, Flint Group added Eston Chimica SRL, a water-based liquid ink specialist headquartered in Padova, Italy. The new subsidiary, Eston Chimica, a Flint Group Company, sells primarily to paper and board converters in Italy and Southern Europe.

“Flint Group is very happy to join together with Eston Chimica,” Kim Melander, VP and GM, EMEA and global strategy, Paper & Board, said after the acquisition. “Eston Chimica’s state-of-the-art facility in Italy is fully automated, providing Flint Group important geographic expansion plus full manufacturing capabilities in Southern Europe – an excellent complement to our established manufacturing facility in Europe.”

In November 2017, Flint Group opened a new 3,800-square-meter manufacturing and distribution facility near Istanbul, Turkey. While the center was initially targeted for water-based inks, Flint Group expanded its range to narrow web, sheetfed and digital packaging products.

“This additional investment not only solidifies Flint Group’s dedication to the Turkish market but also confirms our promise to grow together with its customers in this key emerging market,” Melander reported. “With this expansion in Istanbul, we now have the ability to satisfy the requirements of multiple aspects of our customers’ businesses under one roof, providing a unique ability to focus on key markets, but also share our knowledge across the full range of the package printing business.”

On the digital side, Xeikon entered into an exclusive partnership for EFI Jetrion, in which Xeikon will service and supply Jetrion’s customers, and also introduced its new Panther UV inkjet label presses, adding to its extensive toner-based offerings.

“This rapid product development underscores our commitment to offering a broad portfolio of complementary solutions, for both our Cheetah Series of dry toner and Panther Series of UV inkjet digital label presses,” said Filip Weymans, Xeikon’s VP global marketing.

Major Products: A wide range of inks, coatings, blankets, pressroom chemistry, printing plates and pre-press and digital equipment, consumables and more. Expertise in solvent-based, water-based, oil-based, energy curable and toner-based technologies for various applications, including offset lithography, flexography, gravure, rotary screen, rotary offset, digital printing and letterpress. Products are designed to support nearly all print segments in the print media and packaging sectors. Also manufactures dry, flushed and press cake pigments, chips and resins for ink and other applications, aqueous dispersions, hyperdispersants and additives for the colorant market. With the acquisition of Xeikon, Flint Group shows its commitment to expanding digital platforms. Flint Group Digital Solutions offers a unique mix of equipment, workflow, consumables and services.

Number of Employees: Approximately 7,900 worldwide.

Comments: Following up on its major acquisitions in 2015 and 2016, where Flint Group acquired Xeikon, a leading digital press and toner manufacturer, and American Inks & Coatings, a leading US-based packaging ink specialist, Flint Group worked on integrating these acquisitions into its portfolio.

Doug Aldred, Flint Group’s president Packaging & Narrow Web, reported that 2016 was a strong year for Flint Group’s packaging ink business.

“With our recent acquisitions in North America, Flint Group is focusing on supporting customers with the very best products, services and staff of experts,” Aldred said. “We also have had exciting developments within our Flexible Packaging segment in North America, which is a key strategic growth area for Flint Group and our customers.”

On the publication and commercial side, Flint Group divested its European publication gravure ink business to Sun Chemical in September 2016, which allows Flint Group to focus on its core web offset markets. This move followed on Flint Group’s 2016 acquisition of Siegwerk Druckfarben’s web offset segment. While the news and heatset web industries have continued to decline in terms of volume, Flint Group worked to overcome these challenges.

“Flint Group certainly felt the effects as well, but we planned for this, stuck to our plans, and, as a result, performed well in 2016,” said Bill Miller, president Print Media and Pigments, Chips & Resins.

In terms of capital improvements, Flint Group was active throughout Europe, adding a new Global Innovation Center for Paper & Board Packaging Inks in Malmö, Sweden, which includes an eight-station SOMA printing press, in April 2017. This follows the June 2016 opening of Flint Group’s Global Colour Center for Packaging Inks in Lodz, Poland.

“The investment in our new state-of-the-art SOMA printing press is a significant milestone and a clear demonstration that we are fully committed to invest in our industry and support our customers’ growth through an innovative development workflow,” Kim Melander, VP sales EMEA and global strategy Paper & Board for Flint Group, said.

In April 2017, Flint Group completed its investment in its water-based coatings site in Willstaett, Germany, which increases capacity and allows Flint Group to add new products to its range of Novaset specialty coatings.

In personnel news, Benoit Chatelard was named president and CEO of Flint Group Digital Solutions in May. Chatelard was most recently VP, Production Printing Business Group for Ricoh Europe.

Major Products: A wide range of inks, coatings, blankets, pressroom chemistry, printing plates and pre-press and digital equipment, consumables and more. Expertise in solvent-based, water-based, oil-based, energy curable and toner-based technologies for various applications, including offset lithography, flexography, gravure, rotary screen, rotary offset, digital and letterpress. Products are designed to support nearly all print segments in the print media and packaging sectors. Also manufactures dry, flushed and press cake pigments, chips and resins for ink and other applications, aqueous dispersions, hyperdispersants and additives for the colorant market. With the acquisition of Xeikon, Flint Group shows its commitment to expanding digital platforms. Flint Group Digital Solutions offers a unique mix of equipment, consumable and services.

Number of Employees: Approximately 7,900 worldwide.

Comments: Flint Group has had a transformative year in 2015 and 2016, adding new technologies (digital inks), strengthening growth markets (packaging) through new products and acquisitions, and adding to its leadership position in core businesses (web heatset, sheetfed news inks).

In particular, Flint Group made two sizable acquisitions, acquiring Xeikon, a leading digital press and toner manufacturer, in November 2015, and American Inks & Coatings, a packaging ink specialist, in May 2016.

The addition of Xeikon marked the reemergence of Flint Group in the digital printing field. A specialist in digital label, folding carton, commercial and document printing, Xeikon is now the core part of Flint Group Digital Printing Solutions, Flint Group’s new digital division.

“This acquisition represents an excellent opportunity for Flint Group, propelling the organization further into the digital solutions market,” said Antoine Fady, CEO Flint Group.

Flint Group also made a strong move in the North American packaging ink market with the acquisition of American Inks and Coatings (AIC), Pine Bluff, AR, as part of its long-range strategy to grow in key packaging segments around the world.

AIC was the eighth-largest North American ink manufacturer in Ink World’s Top 20 with $130 million in sales in 2015. AIC’s major markets include water- and solvent-based inks and coatings for flexible packaging, folding carton, multi-wall bags, gift wrap and corrugated printing.

“The investment in AIC leaves Flint Group very well positioned to support the dynamic growth witnessed in the global packaging market and aligns us even closer to customers situated in the important North American packaging and converting market,” Fady said.

In the web offset segment, Flint Group acquired Siegwerk Druckfarben’s web ink business.

“This investment confirms our long term commitment to customers in these key market segments and re-enforces our unique offering to the market of inks, pressroom chemicals and transfer media products,” said Fady.

In July 2016, Flint Group announced the acquisition of Druckfarben Limited, a UK-based supplier of sheetfed inks, varnishes, coatings, blankets and pressroom consumables with a sizable position in the UK and Ireland.

Outside of acquisitions, Flint Group enjoyed growth in a number of important markets, with Packaging & Narrow Web leading the way.

“Packaging & Narrow Web delivered growth in North America in 2016 across all packaging business segments,” said Doug Aldred, president Packaging and Narrow Web. “We are bullish about our possibilities in 2016 and beyond. The cooperation between our Packaging & Narrow Web Division and our colleagues in Flint Group Flexographic Products and Flint Group Digital Solutions will enable us to develop an even stronger value proposition including inks, plates, and digital solutions.”

Meanwhile, the publication and commercial printing segments continue to decline.

“Industry experts once expected the news industry decline to soften substantially, but in fact, it continues to face steep declines,” Bill Miller, president Print Media for Flint Group, said. “Flint Group certainly felt the effects of that in 2015. While the retail, magazine, catalog and book sectors also continued to struggle, they remained vital in 2015. Flint Group’s Print Media business continued to invest in inks, blankets and pressroom chemistry for the news and publication sectors, and will continue to do so.”

Flint Group was active at drupa 2016, with booths centered on conventional, digital and flexo plates. On the conventional ink side, Flint Group launched more than 10 new sheetfed inks, fount solutions and blankets, including K+E Novavit F1000 WIN BIO and K+E Novaboard C1090 RACE BIO bio process ink series; XCURA Max, XCURA King, XCURA Sens and XCURA Plas LED inks; and UltraCURA Sens and UltraCURA Sens PlasUV curable inks for food packaging.

For packaging, Flint Group launched Flexocure ANCORA 50, a low migration UV flexo ink for food labels and flexible packaging; PremoCup water-based flexo inks for paper cups; Hydrokett ZEN, a water-based narrow web flexo ink for paper and film; and OmniLam F (for flexo) and OmniLam G (for gravure) non-nitrocellulose-based lamination inks.

Major Products: A wide range of inks, coatings, blankets, pressroom chemistry, printing plates, consumables and more. Expertise in solvent-based, water-based, oil-based and energy curable applications, including offset lithography, flexography, gravure, rotary screen, rotary offset and letterpress. Products are designed to support nearly all print segments in the print media and packaging sectors. Also manufactures dry, flushed and press cake pigments, chips and resins for ink and other applications, aqueous dispersions, hyperdispersants and additives for the colorant market; pressroom chemicals; printing blankets; and flexographic plates and printing equipment.

Number of Employees: Approximately 6,600 worldwide.

Comments: With $2.9 billion in sales in 2014, Flint Group is a leading supplier to the printing industry, with sizable positions in publication and packaging ink, flexo printing plates, blankets and sleeves and chemicals for press rooms.

The acquisition of Flint Group by Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division in partnership with Koch Equity Development LLC, a subsidiary of Koch Industries, Inc., was completed in September 2014.

Flint Group had a solid year, with growth in the narrow web and packaging ink fields being particularly strong.

“The packaging and narrow web ink segments fared well in 2014,” said Doug Aldred, president Packaging & Narrow Web.

“Clearly the packaging and label market is strong and growing, and we’re excited to be a leading supplier and partner with printers and converters in this innovative arena.

“The packaging markets are where Flint Group continues to see increased opportunities, and with a global reach, such as ours, we are able to support global accounts and brand owners with a global proposition,” Aldred added.

Meanwhile, the company’s commercial and publication ink operations remained steady.

“As we’ve seen in prior years, Flint Group’s Print Media business benefited by our uniquely well-rounded portfolio and our ongoing investment in inks, blankets and pressroom chemistry for this marketplace,” said William B. Miller, president Print Media Transatlantic. “Flint Group fared well in spite of this, in great part by our ability to maintain important business and gain new customers.”’

The energy curing (EC) market is a growth area for printers, and Flint Group has dedicated major resources to its UV and UV LED products.

During the second half of 2014, Flint Group moved all production of UV sheetfed inks from Baranzate, Italy, to a new center of excellence in UV ink production in Trelleborg, Sweden, which had been manufacturing UV inks for flexible packaging and narrow web for many years. The Baranzate, Italy facility will now focus on producing low migration sheetfed inks and varnishes.

“Energy curing technology is clearly an area of intense activity in our industry, and we in Flint Group fully support this trend,” said Aldred. “We appreciate the strategic importance and the environmental and cost benefits EC brings, which is why we are investing so heavily in our R&D facility in Ypsilanti, (MI, USA), in our production platforms and in bringing top class people into the organization.”

To meet the growing demand for EC inks, Flint Group’s R&D team has developed a series of award-winning UV LED inks, including the Ultraking XCURA range of highly reactive and UV LED inks and coatings and its EkoCure line of flexo and rotary screen UV LED inks.

In recent years, Flint Group has acquired ink manufacturers around the world to strengthen its presence globally. The company turned its attention to South Africa and the Sub-Saharan region in June 2015, launching Flint Group Africa, a new joint venture with Continental Printing Inks and Eagle Ink Systems in South Africa.

Sampie Hamman, managing director of Continental Printing Inks and Eagle Ink Systems, will become CEO of Flint Group Africa.

“Flint Group along with the owners of Continental Printing Inks and Eagle Ink Systems are very pleased with this new partnership and the opportunities it presents to better serve the African market,” said Fady. “Under the guidance of Sampie Hamman, the business we are partnering with has grown to become the largest ink supplier in South Africa with local manufacturing sites in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.”

The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including necessary regulatory approvals, and should be completed by the last quarter of 2015.

In an important move, Flint Group brought on its new Advisory Board in January 2015 to oversee the Executive Management Team after the change of ownership. The board is chaired by Pierre-Marie De Leener, currently chairman of the Braas Monier Building Group and a director of Trinseo. De Leener has held leading positions at PPG Industries, including CEO at PPG Holding Netherlands B.V., and SigmaKalon in the coatings, specialty materials and glass sector.

David W. Scheible, chairman and CEO of Graphic Packaging, is serving as executive director, and Fady and CFO Steve Dryden are shareholder representatives.

“This board will provide Flint Group with strong industry and financial capability and experience, which together with our new shareholders’ full support, puts us in a great position to deliver our strategy,” Fady said.

Major Products: A wide range of inks, coatings, blankets, pressroom chemistry, printing plates, consumables and more. Expertise in solvent-based, water-based, oil-based and energy curable applications, including offset lithography, flexography, gravure, rotary screen, rotary offset and letterpress. Products are designed to support nearly all print segments in the print media and packaging sectors. Also manufactures dry, flushed and press cake pigments, chips and resins for ink and other applications, aqueous dispersions, hyperdispersants and additives for the colorant market.

Number of Employees: Approximately 6,600 worldwide.

Comments: In a huge announcement, Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division and Koch Equity Development LLC, a subsidiary of Koch Industries, Inc., acquired Flint Group from CVC Capital Partners, a private equity firm that held Flint Group since 2005. This sale remains subject to customary closing conditions and should be completed by the second half of 2014.

With 2013 sales of €2.2 billion ($2.9 billion), Flint Group is a major supplier to the printing industry, with leading positions in publication and packaging ink, flexographic printing plates, blankets and sleeves and chemicals for press rooms. Flint Group operates 137 sites in 40 countries and employs some 6,600 people.

With estimated annual sales of $115 billion in 2013, Koch Industries, Inc. is one of the largest privately-held companies in the world. Its products range from building and consumer products, transportation fuels, electronic connectors, fertilizers, fibers, membrane filtration and pollution control equipment. Among its subsidiaries is Georgia-Pacific LLC.

Antoine Fady, CEO of Flint Group, said the acquisition offers new opportunities for the company.

“The management team of Flint Group is excited about this planned new ownership, and the opportunities this now presents,” said Fady. “The investment by Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking and Koch is a clear vote of confidence in our vision, strategic plans, and ‘can do’ culture. Flint Group’s fundamental dedication to safety, sustainability, integrity and compliance will continue to form the foundation of all of our business activities.”

“Flint Group is an exciting opportunity for Koch Equity Development,” said Brett Watson, managing director of Koch Equity Development. “Flint Group is a global leader with a clear strategy and a management team that has a consistent record of delivering results.”

“Partnering with top-tier firms like Goldman Sachs and investing in competitively advantaged businesses with high quality management teams is consistent with Koch’s investment strategy,” added Matt Flamini, president of Koch Equity Development. “We look forward to working with Goldman Sachs and Flint Group to assist the company in transitioning to its next phase of growth.”

“The acquisition of Flint Group fits well into our strategy of investing in leading global franchises and growing them organically and through acquisitions,” noted Martin Hintze, co-head of corporate equity investing in Europe for Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division. “We look forward to working in partnership with Koch Equity Development and Flint Group’s strong management team to execute on their strategy.”

“We believe Flint Group is uniquely positioned to capture growth in its attractive printed packaging markets while at the same time continuing to benefit from strong and resilient performance of its print media business. With a significantly improved capital structure, Flint Group is best positioned to pursue its ambitious growth plans to further strengthen its market leading positions,” added Matthias Hieber, head of corporate equity investing in the German Speaking Region of Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division.

With all of the attention focused on the new opportunities due to this acquisition, Flint Group’s performance in 2013 is easy to overlook. However, the company posted strong results despite facing lower demand.

“As far as ink demand, 2013 felt familiar – lower market demand due to the factors we’ve discussed many times before,” said Bill Miller, president Print Media for Flint Group. “Still, Flint Group fared well. Our strategies take these market conditions into account. By staying true to them, we were able to end the year with strong results.

“By offering unique value to customers, we were able to maintain important business and gain new customers, all of which supported our sales targets in 2013,” Miller added. “Printers, like all other companies in the graphic arts industry, varied widely in gains or losses. Consolidation continued, providing great opportunities for some printers and their suppliers, and innovations enabled some printers to gain leads over their competitors, but the market overall remained tight.”

Doug Aldred, president, Flint Group Packaging & Narrow Web, noted that the packaging and narrow web ink segments fared well.

“The packaging and label market is strong and growing, and we’re excited to be a leading supplier and partner with printers and converters in this innovative arena,” said Aldred.”The packaging and narrow web ink segments did experience growth in 2013. We see the packaging markets as growth opportunities – brand owners continue to become more sophisticated in the way they package products to attract consumers. We also realize the market need for sustainable packaging solutions – products that offer sustainable solutions for our environment, but also economic sustainability – and printing inks and applications can play a key role in this.”

Flint Group made its own acquisition in December 2013, acquiring the remaining shares of its Lima, Peru-based Tintas Graficas Vencedor (TGV) from Corporación Peruana de Productos Quimicos S.A. (CPPQ). TGV was a joint venture between Flint Group (49.95%) and CPPQ. TGV is a specialist in liquid packaging inks (solvent- and water-based) and the resale of narrow web, flexographic plates and sheetfed inks.

“TGV is a great fit for Flint Group,” Adhemur Pilar, president Flint Group Latin America, said. “Their infrastructure and expertise will help Flint Group boost our business in the areas of packaging and narrow web inks, sheetfed inks and plates in the Andean region.”

Flint Group enjoyed growth in many product segments last year, with packaging, narrow web and energy curing being particularly strong.

“Flexible packaging and labels will continue to lead industry growth,” said Grant Shouldice, vice president technology and marketing for Flint Group’s North American packaging group. “We also expect folding carton to continue a slow and steady increase, especially as printers continue to capitalize on – and expand – their energy curing capability. Flint Group’s Packaging & Narrow Web group launched a number of new and innovative products that will provide valuable momentum for our growth in 2014.”

“Flint Group has a uniquely well-rounded portfolio,” Miller concluded. “The product diversity, attention to quality and focus on customers will help us maintain our leadership position and continue to grow.”

Major Products: Coldset and heatset web offset, sheetfed offset, flexographic, gravure and UV/EB inks; coatings for publication, packaging and commercial applications. A wide range of inks and coatings for narrow web tag and label applications. Photopolymer plates and sleeve systems for flexographic applications; highly engineered printing blankets and sleeves for offset applications; Full suite of pressroom chemicals and supplies. Dry, flushed and press cake pigments, chips and resins for ink and other applications, aqueous dispersions, hyperdispersants and additives for the colorant market.

Key Personnel: Charles Knott, chairman; Antoine Fady, CEO; Michael J. Bissell, executive VP and CFO; Doug Aldred, president, Packaging and Narrow Web; William B. Miller, president, Print Media Transatlantic; Brent Stephen, president, Asia Pacific; Adhemur Pilar, president, Latin America; Mario Busshoff, president, Flexographic Products; Craig Foster, president, Flint Group Pigments Chips and Resins and global operations, and president, Print Media Europe; Jan Paul van der Velde, senior VP, procurement; Russell Taylor, senior VP global HR and communications.

Number of Employees: Approximately 6,900 worldwide.

Comments: Flint Group enjoyed a successful year in 2012, as the company overcame global economic challenges, added new customers and launched new products.

“2012 followed the general trend of the few years prior to it, and in all likelihood foreshadows the next few years,” said Bill Miller, president, Print Media Transamerica for Flint Group. “Keep in mind, that’s not all bad news. Though 2012 was tough, and though the economic recovery continued at a slower pace than we would have liked, we did see improvement, including growth in select print markets.

“In spite of the continued economic and industry challenges, Flint Group persevered,” Mr. Miller added. “We gained new customers, launched new products and forged new ground. Perhaps most importantly, Flint Group employees reached a powerful milestone in terms of safety. Our year-end total global incident rate was well below world-class levels.”

On the sheetfed side, Peter Baird, marketing director – Sheetfed, Packaging & Narrow Web, Print Media Europe, said that 2012 was another challenging year, with the printing ink sector continuing to see volumes and margins squeezed.

“Considering this background, Flint Group’s Sheetfed Division maintained a strong market share globally through innovating print solutions including inks and coatings, blankets and chemicals,” Mr. Baird said. “We continued to work closely with our customers and support them to help them compete in areas of value proposition, quality and sustainability.

“Consolidation continued globally, with many small to medium sized enterprises merging or sadly going under,” Mr. Baird added. “This led to a general reduction in volumes, mainly in the commercial sector. Packaging printing grew slightly in 2012, but not sufficiently to compensate for the downturn in commercial print.”

Mr. Baird noted that Flint Group significantly increased its market position in sheetfed packaging, especially through the launch of a complete low migration range for food packaging, including conventional and UV inks and coatings, as well as low migration blankets and chemicals. The company finalized the consolidation of its dealer network, with most of Flint Group’s dealers now selling a complete product offering of sheetfed inks and coatings, blankets and chemicals.

In addition, Flint Group announced a new partnership agreement with Heidelberg in Sweden and Denmark in August. Heidelberg became Flint Group’s exclusive distributor for K+E branded inks as well as Varn pressroom chemicals and DayGraphica blankets.

With an eye on its global strategy, Flint Group announced a series of organizational changes. Mr. Miller was promoted to president Print Media Transatlantic, with an increasing focus on aligning Flint Group to the key winners in the industry and engaging ongoing contact at the most senior customer level.

Craig Foster has been appointed as president Print Media Europe, in addition to his continuing responsibilities as president Pigments Chips and Resins and global operations.

Tony Lord, vice president European operations, has also been appointed as general manager, Print Media Europe, and will continue in his vice president operations position for Flint Group’s large manufacturing plants in Europe

“These changes will accelerate the delivery of our global strategy and have been implemented to help us better manage the many opportunities and challenges in the Print Media markets for inks, transfer media and chemicals,” said Antoine Fady, Flint Group CEO.

The past 12 months has seen Print Media Europe place an increased focus on support for packaging printers. As such, the company has expanded its portfolio of ISEGA certified products for food packaging applications, which now includes a selection of blankets to accompany approved inks, coatings, fountain solutions and washes, giving the printer a full portfolio of certified products.

Print Media Europe launched two new ecological fountain solutions which meet and surpass today’s stringent criteria. Varn GP 3000 (General Purpose) and Varn AF 3000 (Alcohol Reduction) are formulated for use on all sheetfed/packaging presses. Nick Brannan, vice president, PRC product management, Print Media Europe, explained that the new products are designed to reduce their impact on the environment without compromising on print performance. Both products are formulated to minimize VOC emissions and present low hazard risk to the end user. Flint Group’s approach to continuously improve sustainability underpins the company’s mission to deliver value and consistent quality to the printing and packaging industry.

With the launch of the Varn Pro-Web range of silicone emulsions for heatset web applications, Flint Group has created a new type of silicone technology, which drastically reduces the amount of silicone oil required to provide anti-marking and slip properties.

“The high performance emulsions deliver a silicone film with reduced migration into the substrate, meaning a higher concentration of more effective silicone oil at the paper surface where it can provide better and more efficient lubrication,” said Mario Johnson, PRC product management director, Print Media Europe.

On the packaging side, Flint Group successfully introduced an upgraded product range of Ultraking UV inks and UV coatings for carton, plastics and low migration applications, including Ultraking High Intensity inks perfectly suited to the latest generation of UV presses from Heidelberg (LE) and Komori (HUV).

“We also introduced a new product range for conventional low migration printing applications, including inks, coatings, blankets and pressroom chemicals,” Mr. Baird added.

In addition, Novavit F 900 Extreme BIO was introduced. It is specifically developed for fast setting printing highest print sharpness, very high gloss and very high color strength, as well as very high rub resistance and a significantly reduced tendency for picking and piling.

“These innovative print solutions were especially designed to optimize press performance, supporting start-up waste reduction, wash intervals and high speed press performance,” Mr. Baird noted.

Flint Group emphasizes the importance of safety, and takes much pride in achieving these low global incident rates.

“Flint Group’s ongoing commitment to safety continued to pay off,” said Frank Mastria, vice president operations/global SHE. “Globally, our average recordable incident rate was lower than it has ever been – far better than industry averages. I am proud of the way Flint Group employees around the world have incorporated the safety culture into their daily lives – within and beyond the walls of work. While we reached a notable milestone in 2012, this is not a one-time event. Striving for optimal safety is a continual effort, day after day.”

On a different front, Flint Group received three prestigious industry awards in 2013. Mr. Miller received the 2013 National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers’ (NAPIM) Ault Award, the most prestigious honor in the ink industry, for his dedication to Flint Group and the ink industry. Michael Podd, who manages Flint Group’s largest global account and leads the heatset and publication gravure businesses, and Ron Gallas, director of global sales, Flint Group Pigments, each received the prestigious 2013 Printing Ink Pioneer Award.

Flint Group also introduced a number of new offerings—inks as well as other pressroom supplies we provide customers – to the North American print market, including the commercial and packaging sectors.

The raw material situation remains challenging, as some key ingredients have seen costs stabilize, while others remain volatile. Diane Parisi, vice president supply chain management for Flint Group, noted that either way, prices are now higher than in the past, and added that close partnerships with customers is absolutely essential.

“From a raw material perspective, 2012 mirrored 2011,” said Ms. Parisi. “Cost volatility continued for many raw materials while stabilizing for some others, but at much higher levels than in the past. Geopolitical conditions and environmental factors – remember the hot summer and drought? – affected crop yields, creating tight supply of many materials. This medley of challenges is the new norm, though, and Flint Group’s global procurement team works with our suppliers and our colleagues to prepare for the trends and minimize any disruption these conditions may cause us and our customers.”

Moving forward, Flint Group’s leaders see opportunities for further growth across the printing spectrum.

“Flexible packaging and labels will continue to lead industry growth, and we also expect folding carton to continue a slow and steady increase,” said Grant Shouldice, vice president technology and marketing of the North American packaging group. “Flint Group’s Packaging & Narrow Web group launched a number of new and innovative products that will provide valuable momentum for our growth in 2012.”

“I’m confident that Flint Group will continue to be a leader in all the major graphic arts segments,” Mr. Miller added. “Year after year, we remain committed to offering high-quality products and expert support to our customers. That more than pays off, regardless of the economic and industry challenges we face.”

Major Products: Coldset and heatset web offset, sheetfed offset, flexographic, gravure and UV/EB inks; coatings for publication, packaging and commercial applications. A wide range of inks and coatings for narrow web tag and label applications. Photopolymer plates and sleeve systems for flexographic applications; highly engineered printing blankets and sleeves for offset applications; Full suite of pressroom chemicals and supplies. Dry, flushed and press cake pigments, chips and resins for ink and other applications, aqueous dispersions, hyperdispersants and additives for the colorant market.

Number of Employees: Approximately 6,900 worldwide.

Comments: The ink industry faced another challenging year in 2011, as raw material prices continued to rise through most of the year, while the improvement in the economy did not overcome the higher costs. Bill Miller, president, Print Media Europe – Americas for Flint Group 2011, said that 2011 was a difficult year for the printing industry and for Flint Group, although the company did perform well.

“Economic recovery was not strong enough to spark a notable recovery, though we did see a slight uptick in demand in some segments,” Mr. Miller said. “The major factor contributing to worse-than-expected results was the continuation of highly elevated raw material costs. Even though we saw some raw material costs stabilize, they did so at record-high levels. Considering the economic and industry headwinds that the graphic arts industry has been fighting for some years now, Flint Group performed commendably in 2011.”

Mr. Miller said that Flint Group had plenty of highlights in 2011, beginning with its impressive safety record.

“One of our greatest accomplishments in 2011 was Flint Group’s ongoing commitment to safety and impressive improvement in safety results,” Mr. Miller said. “We ended 2011 with an average recordable incident rate below 1. A rate of ‘one’ is considered ‘world class’, and our employees definitely earn that description. Everyone in the company –at all levels, in all jobs, in all sites –helped to make Flint Group’s safety culture more and more a part of who we are and what we do each day. Safety is an ongoing journey as we continue to strive for perfection. Our employees are doing a great job at making that journey safer and safer.”

Flint Group introduced a number of new offerings to the European print market, including LIBRA ink and fount technology, which enables printers to achieve ink/water balance faster than most other products.

Higher raw material costs as well as supply issues have been a huge concern for ink manufacturers in the last few years. Diane Parisi, vice president supply chain management, noted that the raw material market continues to be a challenge for a number of reasons.

“For example, many raw material costs continue to rise,” Ms. Parisi said. “Costs that have stabilized have done so at much higher levels than years past. In addition, supply is still tight, as crop yields have been sub-optimal while demand is still high. In 2011, just as we’ve done in the past and will continue into the future, Flint Group’s global procurement team addressed these challenges head on. We continue to leverage our worldwide resources, formulating skills and strategic forecasting and planning expertise.”

“Flint Group continues to stay abreast of raw material trends, especially as volatility continues,” Mr. Miller added. “Recent cost increases of WTI (West Texas Intermediate) and Brent crude oil are testament to that unpredictability.”

In an important personnel move, Claudio Labbe, president, Flint Group Latin America retired from the company with effect from July 1, 2012.

Mr. Labbe joined Flint Ink Latin America after the company’s acquisition of Rendic International in 1994. He was named vice president for Flint Ink Latin America South in early 2000. During his tenure with Flint Ink, he started up operations in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia and Chile. In 2004, he was named vice president for sales and marketing Latin America, and in February 2008, Mr. Labbe was promoted to the position of president Latin America.

“I would like to thank Claudio in particular for extending his commitment and support to Flint Group during what has been an extraordinary career spanning 20 years,” said Flint Group CEO Antoine Fady. “His integrity, commitment and dedication have been of great value to prepare the business for a new chapter of growth.

“Claudio has built a strong business in Latin America and developed a talented team who will ensure that his legacy will continue and further develop,” Mr. Fady added. “Under his overall leadership, the Brazilian and Andean businesses have grown rapidly, and Mexico has become an important business for Flint Group.”

Mr. Labbe was succeeded by Adhemur Pilar, who has been promoted to vice president and general manager for Flint Group LATAM. Mr. Pilar will continue to be based in Sao Paulo, and will focus on further developing the Brazilian and Argentinean businesses.

Mr. Pilar joined Flint Group in 1999 in a general management position in Brazil, and was appointed sales director of Brazil after the acquisition of CQIB. In 2005, he was appointed as general director of Flint Group Brazil, and was appointed as vice president of operations in 2007.

In further organizational changes, Nestor Porto will be promoted to vice president – Andean, Mexico and Caribbean Region, and will report to Mr. Pilar. Based in Lima, Peru, Mr. Porto will continue with his existing responsibility for the Peruvian joint venture (TGV).

Mr. Porto joined Flint Group’s Latin America Division right after Flint’s acquisition of Rendic International in 1994. He has been responsible for starting operations in Central America, Trinidad & Tobago as well as Dominican Republic. In 2002 he moved to Mexico City as regional sales manager for Flint Group’s operations in Mexico and Central America. In 2005, he relocated with Flint Group to Lima, Peru, as regional manager for the Andes, Venezuela and the Caribbean, where he oversees six facilities for the group in this region.

Overall, Flint Group’s leaders anticipate growth in the coming years, as the company has built the foundation for success through its R&D efforts, extensive portfolio of new products in areas such as flexible packaging, narrow web and sheetfed, and emphasis on customer support.

“As a strong player in all the major graphic arts segments, Flint Group will succeed by continuing the simple yet successful formula of creating quality products that customers want and need, and backing them by expert support,” Mr. Miller concluded.

Major Products: Coldset and heatset web offset, sheetfed offset, flexographic, gravure and UV/EB inks; coatings for publication, packaging and commercial applications. A wide range of inks and coatings for narrow web tag and label applications. Photopolymer plates and sleeve systems for flexographic applications; highly engineered printing blankets and sleeves for offset applications, pressroom chemicals and supplies. Dry, flushed and press cake pigments, chips and resins for ink and other applications, aqueous dispersions, hyperdispersants and additives for the colorant market.

Number of Employees: Approximately 7,300 worldwide.

Comments: The past few years have been challenging for the printing and ink industries. In general, the publication printing segment has been impacted by the global recession as well as the shift to newer technologies, while packaging has held steady. Meanwhile, the ink industry is coping with unprecedented raw material price increases as well as disruptions in supply.

All things considered, Flint Group was able to withstand the recession relatively well.

“2010, like the recent years before it, was difficult for the printing industry,” said William B. Miller, president, Print Media Europe & North America for Flint Group. “There were ups and downs as demand – and consumer confidence – ebbed and flowed. In the end, nearly all printers continued to feel the lingering effects of the recession. Naturally, graphic arts suppliers felt the impact as well. Still, Flint Group performed commendably under those circumstances.”

“2010 was a volatile year in all international print markets, and in Europe the Print Media Division’s main challenges were spiralling raw material costs as well as their tight supply,” said Peter Baird, marketing director, Print Media Europe. “Despite this, we ended the year in a strong position, and the prospects for 2011 and beyond in the publication, commercial print and folding carton markets are very encouraging. “

With an eye toward the future, Flint Group made key management moves as well as a major acquisition. In January 2011, Antoine Fady succeeded Charles Knott as CEO of Flint Group, with Mr. Knott becoming Flint Group’s chairman. Mr. Fady has more than 20 years of global specialty chemical experience, most recently, serving as general manager, Akzo Nobel Decorative Paints-Europe and prior to that, as CEO of ICI Packaging & Coatings.

“For Flint Group, the most notable leadership event was the appointment of Antoine Fady as CEO,” Mr. Miller said. “Antoine has already made great strides in getting to know our organization, products and people. His chemical and industrial background – including years with Akzo Nobel Decorative Paints and ICI Packaging & Coatings – gave him a running start at understanding the kind of business we’re in.”

The February 2010 acquisition of Torda Ink, a leading manufacturer of printing inks for the packaging markets in Northern Europe, the Balkans and the Middle East with a substantial presence in Eastern Europe, has had a positive impact on Flint Group’s product range in packaging, and the company has added to its capabilities with innovative new products such as its Premo Film ETS ink, which offers enhanced flexographic printing performance at economical cost for printers of merchandise bags in North America

“There were other exciting events as well, including the acquisition of Torda in Europe and product launches here in North America,” Mr. Miller noted. “Water flexo inks for the North American T-shirt bag market are one example, as well as eco-friendly sheetfed inks, as well as non-ink launches by our blankets, pressroom chemistry and Flexographic Products groups.”

“The folding carton market is still growing and our own portfolio developments for this sector, especially in low migration inks, have put us in a strong position for the future,” explained Nick Brannan, vice president global product management sheetfed inks and pressroom chemicals. “Food packaging is an increasingly regulated and controlled field in Europe, and our decision to strengthen our portfolio and support for this area is starting to pay dividends. We are very optimistic about our future prospects in this complex arena.”

For the ink industry, raw materials are perhaps the largest concern. The rapid increase in prices on most ingredients is one matter, especially considering the difficulty in passing along those higher costs to printers, many of whom are not in the position to take on much more additional costs.

However, the availability of certain key raw materials is a major issue for ink manufacturers. In some cases, suppliers are pulling their products out of the ink industry to focus on other industries, while consolidation is eliminating other suppliers. Flint Group has been working closely with its customers and suppliers alike to try to lessen the impact of these changes.

“The raw materials used to make ink continue to face an uphill battle in terms of cost and availability,” said Diane Parisi, vice president, supply chain management for Flint Group. “Capacity constraints, government policies around the world, environmental concerns, currency fluctuations and decreased production of feedstocks are some of the many reasons.”

As just one example, Ms. Parisi pointed to gum rosin, and its impact on the ink industry.

“One of the major concerns continues to be gum rosin,” Ms. Parisi noted. “Though in North America we typically use tall oil rosin to make our inks, we still strongly feel the affects of gum rosin. Let me explain:

“Capacity of crude tall oil – a by-product of paper production – is down because of the decline in paper demand.

Remaining capacity is divided among competing industries, especially bio fuel, as well as industries that traditionally relied upon gum rosin, such as adhesives and road markings. Even overseas ink manufacturing plants that typically used gum rosin-based resins are now using tall oil-based resins,” Ms. Parisi noted.

“Why the mass exodus from gum to tall oil?” Ms. Parisi added. “There are many reasons: China limited gum rosin capacity significantly; crop yields were lower than usual; already-decreased supplies were stretched to the limit when demand increased in industries from rubber to adhesives and even ink; gum rosin has been used as a substitute for other crude-based commodities in short supply. We do not foresee any near-term relief of the gum rosin situation and tall oil will continue to be directly affected. The outcome for tall oil rosin, gum rosin and hydrocarbon resins is the same: extremely tight supply and greatly increasing costs through 2011.”

The current situation in the Middle East is a more recent concern, as the global oil supply is being impacted. Crude oil is a major component of the feedstocks that are essential to ink manufacturing.

“Oil is a significant concern,” said Jan Paul van der Velde, Flint Group’s senior vice president, procurement. “Costs of crude oil started to increase in Q4 2010, even before developments in the Middle East accelerated to current levels. For the time being, WTI costs are increasing less than the rest, but Brent crude and many others have shown significant cost increases, which will start to impact the cost of raw materials in the next few months.”

Meanwhile, Flint Group is prepared to move forward in all of its business areas, by developing innovative products and providing services to help its customers succeed in the packaging and publication segments.

“We are excited about the packaging and label market in 2011 in terms of growing our share of the business in the industry,” said Susan Kuchta, vice president of the North American packaging group. “We have new products and improved products that are providing converters with some throughput advantage. Similar to us, customers will be motivated by optimism for growth, yet still cautious about increasing their cost of doing business. Flexible packaging will continue to lead the packaging market in growth as consumer goods continue the ongoing, long-term shift to this technology.”

“There are opportunities in each market,” Mr. Miller concluded. “For example, the news industry – hard hit by electronic media – continues to find new opportunities with UV news inks. Environmentally friendly inks are important for almost all technologies, especially sheetfed. Energy curable inks continue to offer differentiation, and we’re a strong player in that segment. If we continue to focus on creating quality products that customers need – supported by unfailing service and support – we will continue to succeed.”

“Throughout 2010 we have made great progress in winning new business with our low migration sheetfed inks for food packaging,” said Mr. Baird. “Outstanding on-press performance, coupled with our high quality market support, has strengthened our profile in this growth segment. As a result, mid-2011 will see further investment into the expansion of our production unit for low migration inks and base concentrates in our facility in Baranzate, Italy.”

Juergen Riedlinger, director, product management for sheetfed inks, Europe develops this point. “This heralds a new and dynamic phase in our drive to be the supplier of choice to the folding carton food packaging sector, Mr. Riedlinger said. “Our food packaging products have been perfected over many years, in consultation with converters and brand owners, and thanks to very positive feedback from existing and new customers, we believe them to be superior to anything else in the market. Now, with the enlarged facility, we can deliver bigger volumes of these specialist products than ever before, and more than enough to meet projected market growth demand.”

More advances are on their way at Flint Group. In 2010, Flint Group maintained its policy of continually improving products to stay at the forefront of technology, and although there were no innovations to talk of, this will change in 2011 when a long-term project, managed across several of the company’s development teams, will culminate in brand new technology entering the market.

“It is too early to give details,” said Mr. Brannan, “but suffice to say, it will take advantage of the unique capabilities that Flint Group has, with the widest portfolio of products in the industry, to deliver the solution to a long standing sheetfed printing challenge.”