For the most part, ink manufacturers saw some sales growth in 2006, but consolidation, raw material prices and other concerns have industry officials cautiously optimistic about their business as they head into the new year.

For manufacturers of waxes, solvents and additives, 2006 was a year of mixed results, as business picked up but raw material prices remain a concern.

Despite escalating raw material prices, there is still a growing demand for metallic inks and pigments.

A health scare in Italy last year over traces of in infant milk products has focused unprecedented attention in Europe on the safety of food packaging inks.

The landscape of the international printing ink industry has changed greatly during the past year after the major acquisitions and consolidations that occurred in 2005.

Driven by productivity and superior performance characteristics, energy curable inks and coatings continue to make gains in the marketplace.

NAPIM celebrates its 50th NPIRI Technical Conference with a program titled “Looking Forward: Imagination, Communication, Accomplishment.”

Graph Expo featured a wealth of products and services for the printing and graphic communications industry.

The packaging ink market continues to show growth, while ink price increases are helping to offset higher raw material costs.

As raw material costs continue to rise, publication ink manufacturers have finally been able to pass along some price increases.

Colorcon and Chromatic Technologies, Inc. specialize in unique applications that showcase the capabilities of ink manufacturers and printers.

Demand for UV ink is growing at two to three times the rate for conventional inks in some sectors of the European printing market. But some observers believe that if they could overcome technological difficulties, sales of UV inks in Europe could expand even faster.

From adhesion promoters to zinc oxide and attritors to viscometers, as well as detailed information on suppliers, distributors and trade associations, Ink World’s Annual Buyers’ Guide has everything you may need.

Led by crude oil, prices for key ink ingredients across the spectrum are rising dramatically, leading companies to wonder when, and if, prices will eventually stabilize.

Ink companies are using their expertise in color to branch out into new services for their customers.

As a result of their outstanding performance, high performance pigments are being used in many new applications, and remain a bright spot for pigment manufacturers.

To best serve their customers, some ink manufacturers are offering ink dispensing systems, which help printers blend special colors at a moment’s notice and also control inventory.

Although the printed electronics market is taking off more gradually than initially thought, advancements in materials offer even greater possibilities.

As inkjet printing continues its rapid growth, ink manufacturers are continually creating new technologies that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. Will the commercial sheetfed market be the next major frontier for inkjet?

Demand for digital printing continues to grow in Europe, and many ink manufacturers are expanding their digital ink portfolios.

Ink manufacturers are optimistic, as economic expansion continues to spur growth in printing.

For printing ink manufacturers, the Asia-Pacific region, led by China and India, continues to offer the greatest opportunities for growth.

Resin manufacturers have been facing the same pressures as the ink industry in the past few years, including higher raw material prices and tight competition.

Despite improving economic conditions, pigment leaders have numerous concerns, including rising raw material costs and offshore competition.

Experts predict that RFID and printed electronics will grow into a $16 billion business within the next 10 years. What role will the ink industry have in that growth, and who is best positioned to take advantage of this opportunity?

Acquisitions of Eckart, Kelstar and Rad-Cure are key in ALTANA Chemie's surge in effect pigments, coatings and sealants segments.

Mergers and acquisitions and higher raw material costs were the major news in 2005, as ink manufacturers raised prices and worked to improve their margins.

As the integration of the Flint Group proceeds, its leaders look at what has been accomplished and what the potential is for the company.

UV/EB raw material suppliers are offering a number of new products to help meet their customers’ needs in this growing market.

Pigment manufacturers are facing numerous challenges, including tighter margins, higher raw material and operating costs, overcapacity and offshore competition. How these challenges are met will determine which companies will ultimately succeed.

Consolidation, higher raw material costs and lower margins remain major topics heading into 2006 and beyond.

Despite the challenges of the sluggish economy and rising raw material costs, the flexo ink market fared well in 2005.

New venture formed by INX International and Triangle Digital will offer digital inks and services to key markets, particularly commercial sheetfed.

With the ink industry showing some growth in 2005, mill manufacturers have seen some improvement in terms of capital expenditures.

When it comes to vehicles and varnishes, ink manufacturers are looking for innovation at an affordable price.

Fujifilm's takeover of Avecia’s business in inkjet inks at the end of last year demonstrates how rapidly the structure of key parts of the digital printing sector is moving towards a vertically integrated structure.

Dr. David Hill Named Sun Chemical's President and CEO

Sheetfed printers are facing numerous challenges, and ink manufacturers are working to help their customers thrive in the changing marketplace.

The market for UV inkjet is continuing to expand, and ink manufacturers are finding new opportunities for growth.

Holding NPIRI's introductory and advanced courses at Fox Valley is providing attendees with hands-on printing experience.