For most ink manufacturers, 2007 was a good year, although there remains much uncertainty regarding raw material costs and consolidation among printers. Meanwhile, a number of new leaders took the helm during the year.

Waxes, solvents and additives manufacturers enjoyed growth overall, as new technologies continue to emerge. However, higher raw material costs remain a major concern.

The European printing ink industry continues to be a vibrant mix of major international corporations and smaller, regional businesses. This year’s directory features addresses, contact information and major product listings for more than 230 companies and branches.

Driven by new technologies and applications, energy-curable inks and coatings continue to enjoy solid growth worldwide, with packaging and sheetfed being particularly strong areas.

Flexible packaging has been one of the fastest growing printing sectors in Europe, but for ink producers, it is becoming one of the most challenging.

As the packaging market continues to expand globally, packaging ink manufacturers are enjoying growth, although higher raw material prices and consolidation remain concerns.

Publication printers and ink manufacturers are facing a wide variety of challenges, including a changing marketplace, higher costs and customer consolidation.

Although ink companies appear likely to be able to pass along higher prices to their customers, there remain serious concerns about supply and pricing.

The ink industry has opportunities for nanoparticles, most notably for the growing field of printed electronics.

The conference offered first-hand knowledge of the relationship between ink companies and printers.

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

In recent years, stable pigment prices have helped ink manufacturers weather surging crude oil prices. The elimination of the VAT refunds on pigments in China is changing all of that.

Dr. David Hill, Sun Chemical’s president and CEO, talks about the present state of the printing and ink industries as well as Sun Chemical, and what lies ahead.

It is becoming evident that for certain ink makers and raw materials suppliers, the task may be more difficult and expensive than expected. There is even a danger that costs will be so high that certain ink materials may have to be taken off the market.

In light of the major changes in the printing ink industry in recent years, 2006 was a time of relative stability as ink manufacturers continued to increase their efforts into growing markets and regions.

As the market size grows and customers continue to demand more sophisticated technologies, the future for HPPs remains bright.

For offset printers, emulsification, or ink/water balance, is a major challenge, and ink manufacturers are offering guidance to help customers run their presses as smoothly as possible.

The inkjet ink market continues to enjoy excellent growth, and is poised to make additional gains as digital printing makes further inroads in areas ranging from sheetfed to packaging.

Growth in the estimated $750 million Latin American ink market continues to be strong in 2007.

The ability to combine purchasing power, share technical knowledge and compete for and service national accounts gives Print Suppliers Group the opportunity to make gains in the marketplace.

Printers, ink manufacturers and other suppliers are preparing for regulations regarding food packaging.

Providing strong product development and expertise is helping resin manufacturers make gains in the marketplace.

Chinese pigment producers, gains in pigment dispersants and REACH are among the key issues facing European pigment manufacturers.

CPMA’s 2007 International Conference focused on the importance of color in the ink, coatings and cosmetics industries.

Driven by economic growth in China, India and other key countries, the Asia-Pacific region continues to grow at a fast pace, and is poised to become the largest region in terms of printing ink.

Although the RFID and printed electronics markets are growing, they have yet to meet the high expectations. However, experts believe the market will take off in the near future.

While some projects are moving toward commercialization, overall progress remains slow in some key segments.

INX International’s president and CEO receives ink industry’s highest honor in recognition of 36 years of distinguished leadership.

The growth of digital technologies was the focus of this year’s convention.

North American ink manufacturers generally reported improved results in 2006, as key printing markets enjoyed growth and raw material prices showed signs of stabilizing.

The European printing industry and its suppliers are having to become much more active on the issue of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions due to public awareness about global warming.

Issues such as rising energy costs and environmental regulations are driving the market for UV/EB technologies.

Although 2006 was a year of improvement, pigment manufacturers are coping with a wide variety of challenges, including raw material pricing and supply issues and overcapacity.

Sales of printing inks rose throughout Europe in 2006, but raw materials, REACH and the overall outlook for print media remain serious concerns.

Despite rising raw material costs, the flexo ink market had another strong year in 2006, driven in part by the introduction of new performance-based products in the flexible packaging market.

Vehicles and varnishes play a critical role in ink, and terms such as “guts” and “heart of the ink” speak to their importance. Ink makers rely on their suppliers to help provide the critical characteristics that printers seek.

Milling and mixing equipment manufacturers have reported that increasing interest in UV, digital and nanotechnology is creating new opportunities.

Digital technologies and new environmental standards are providing ink companies with new possibilities in the textile segment.

Sheetfed ink manufacturers had a solid year in 2006, and see opportunities for growth in 2007.

With REACH scheduled to go into effect in June 2007, the ink industry and its suppliers have to determine how to cope with the new regulations.

As Toyo Ink commemorates its 100th anniversary, the company continues to build on its core business and branch out into a wide range of related fields.