After another challenging year, ink executives are cautiously optimistic as they look ahead to 2004

Under pressure from industry and politicians, the European Commission has watered down its proposals for a new regulatory framework on chemicals and their downstream uses. However, industry leaders feel it needs to do more.

Most companies found that 2003 was a slight improvement over 2002.

The international nature of the printing ink industry is ever more apparent, as the leading ink manufacturers span the globe from Japan, the U.S., Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, the U.K., Holland, India, France and Brazil.

Radio frequency identification (RFID) and similar types of smart labels are predicted to create a massive new market for both printers and ink makers. The big question is how long will it take to arrive.

The market for UV inks is expected to continue its strong growth as new technologies are developed.

As the packaging industry continues to evolve, ink companies are working overtime to meet the ever-changing needs of their customers.

Publication ink sales have decreased during the first six months of 2003, and ink companies hope that improved printing forecasts signal better days ahead.

RFID and smart label technology is fueling demand for conductive inks.

While some printers look at ink management as a bit of a luxury, others are adapting new approaches to dispensing ink.

Ink World’s Annual Buyers’ Guide has everything you may need, from adhesion promoters to zinc oxide, attritors to viscometers, as well as company listings, information on major trade organizations and distributors.

While the raw material market is showing some signs of beginning to correct itself as some price increases have been announced, the question of whether the ink industry can support such increases remains uncertain.

Ink makers went into 2003 knowing it would be a hard year. With printing still in the doldrums, they realize it is going to be tougher than they envisaged.

Despite higher costs, improved properties are driving growth for high performance pigments in a variety of printing markets, including packaging, outdoor signage and non-impact printing.

Colorcon’s No-Tox Products Division, a specialist in customized ink applications, particularly food packaging-related, is growing rapidly.

European ink and chemical manufacturers are adding their input into the European Commission’s REACH legislation.

The troubled Latin American ink market is showing signs of improvements in some segments and in some countries.

Of all the segments for ink jet technologies, the wide format market offers the greatest opportunity for growth for ink manufacturers looking for areas to develop and market new ink jet inks.

European producers are having to step up their technological efforts to ensure they hang on to key specialty segments.

While printing ink may average less than 3 percent of the factory cost of a

Suppliers are banking on new technologies and cost efficiencies to help overcome rising raw material costs and the continued economic downturn.

Traditionally, textile printing has been the realm of screen printing, but ink

Despite a tough economic year, the gravure market has managed some growth, with better things expected for the future.

China and India are the main drivers in this fast-growing region, which is drawing increased attention from ink companies

There are signs that the ink industry may see economic improvement in 2003.

Paper companies are devoting more effort to learning about the relationship between the surface of paper and inks

With his new team in place, the company’s new division president prepares for the future.

In spite of the continued economic challenges they are facing, some ink companies were able to find opportunities for growth in 2003.

European ink producers are preparing themselves for a period of tough market conditions in 2003.

2002 was essentially a flat year for pigment companies, but global politics, raw material supply and cost uncertainties, increasing competition and pricing pressures are among the concerns that are facing pigment manufacturers in 2003.

Led by chairman and CEO Richard Breen and new president Jack Ackerman, Central Ink makes an entrance into sheetfed and energy curing.

The outlook for the flexo ink market continues to look strong as flexo makes further inroads in the packaging industry and new applications are being developed.

Equipment manufacturers are hopeful that the gains they saw in capital expenditures at the end of 2002 will continue into 2003.

While pricing pressures continue, manufacturers look for ways to differentiate their products.

The European Union invitation to 10 new states, most of them from Eastern Europe, to join will have a significant impact on printers.

Ink companies and suppliers alike are utilizing Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, Total Quality Management and other process improvement systems to improve all aspects of their business.

The offset market has seen a slowdown as a result of the economy, but there is reason for optimism in 2003.