Water-Based Inks Market Size, Share | Industry Analysis by 2028

Water-Based Inks Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis By Resin Type (Acrylic, Polyester, Maleic, and Others), Technology (Flexographic, Gravure, Digital, and Others), and Application (Packaging, Publication, Tags and Labels, and Others)

  • Report Code : TIPRE00020921
  • Category : Chemicals and Materials
  • Status : Published
  • No. of Pages : 166
Buy Now

The water-based inks market was valued at US$ 9,141.20 million in 2019 and is projected to reach US$ 13,496.39 million by 2028; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2020 to 2028.

Water-based ink includes pigment or dyes in a colloidal suspension with water as the solvent. While water is the primary solvent used in the production of water-based inks, the inks can contain other co-solvents to reduce the time and heat required to cure the ink film on cloth. Water-based inks have a higher viscosity stability on press because water evaporates slowly. The demand for water-based inks has been increasing due to a rise in environmental and safety concerns, growth in flexible packaging, and increased utilization in screen printing.  

In 2019, APAC contributed to the largest share in the global water-based inks market. The growth of the water-based inks market in this region is primarily attributed to the increasing demand from developing countries such as China and India. These countries are experiencing tremendous growth in printing & packaging industry. The continuous growth in food & beverages, pharma, and personal care industries demands for high-quality packaging & labelling products. Water-based printing inks is an excellent ink system for paper and cardboard printing. They have better gloss and color and good surface appearance compared to other printing inks on an absorbent substrate such as paper and cardboard, and when it comes to slower printing application. Water-based ink emits much less Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), thus, the cost related to pollution emission is much less when compared to solvent-based ink. All these advantages have increased the adoption of water-based inks in APAC. Apart from this, water-based inks penetrate deeper within the fabric, and they are able to produce longer lasting prints with impeccable detail, with much more defined, sharper edges. This includes half-tones and more, making them the perfect choice for printing intricate, detailed designs. The growing demand for water-based inks from textile printing in APAC is expected to drive the demand for water-based inks during the forecast period.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered the growth status of the water-based inks industry. The outbreak has distorted operational efficiency and disrupted the value chains due to the sudden shutdown of national and international boundaries, creating revenue loss and damage. The disturbed value chain has had a negative impact on raw material supply. However, as the economies are planning to revive their operations, the demand for water-based inks is expected to rise globally in the coming months. The focus over just-in-time production is another factor hindering the water-based inks market growth. With the projected rise in the importance of sustainability and application diversification in post-pandemic times, the demand for water-based inks is expected to take huge leaps. Several associations such as The Association for Packaging and Processing (PMMI) are involved in keeping a close check on the effects of the pandemic upon the printing and packaging industry along with providing necessary avenues thereof to the concerned parties. Therefore, effective measures taken by such associations to support packaging industry, backed by positive government initiatives, are expected to generate the demand for water-based inks in the coming years. Further, significant investments by prominent companies in the development of advanced products is yet another factor supporting the market growth.

Global Water-Based Inks Market, by Region 2019

Global Water-Based Inks Market, by Region 2019

  • Sample PDF showcases the content structure and the nature of the information with qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Market Insights

High Demand in Flexible Packaging

Flexible packaging is a type of packaging or any part of the packaging made from a non-rigid structure, and it can be easily molded into different shapes. This type of packaging allows for better transportation of the packaged goods, along with enabling customizable designs and better life span. As per the Flexible Packaging Association, the flexible packaging is considered to be the second largest contributor to the growth of packaging segment in the US, as it garnered ~19% of the packaging market in the country, which was worth US$ 170 billion in US in 2018. The inks used in flexible packaging help enhance the overall graphic representation and maintain the quality of imprinted images during phases such as manufacturing, packaging, and transportation, as well as at the time of the final use of the product. Earlier, solvent-based inks were extensively in use instead of water-based inks, due to drawbacks associated with the latter, such as lower printing speeds, slower water evaporation, improper wetting mechanism, and imperfect printability on critical substrates. However, the demand for water-based inks has grown incessantly owing to increasing focus on sustainability. The advancements in printing techniques such as deployment of improved resins, better ink formulation, and high-performance printing equipment have helped printing manufacturers to overcome the drawbacks of water-based inks. These developments have enabled the water-based inks to meet the performance standards associated with flexible packaging materials. Marabu is involved in production and supply of water-based inkjet inks used in flexible packaging of the food & beverages industry products as well as the consumer goods industry products, such as cardboard boxes, toys, and digitally printed wallpapers.

Resin Type Insights

Based on resin type, the water-based inks market is segmented into acrylic, polyester, maleic, and others. The acrylic segment led the market with the largest share in 2019. Water-based acrylic paint is composed of pigment particles that are dispersed in an acrylic polymer emulsion. The pigments are granular solids that provide paint its color. They are milled into tiny particles and remain suspended in the paint. These pigments can either be organic, inorganic, natural, or synthetic. The binder is a substance that keeps the pigment in place after the ink dries..

Global Water-Based Inks Market, by Resin Type – 2019 and 2028

Global Water-Based Inks Market, by Resin Type – 2019 and 2028

  • Sample PDF showcases the content structure and the nature of the information with qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Customize Research To Suit Your Requirement

We can optimize and tailor the analysis and scope which is unmet through our standard offerings. This flexibility will help you gain the exact information needed for your business planning and decision making.

Water-Based Inks Market: Strategic Insights

water-based-inks-market
Market Size Value inUS$ 9,141.20 Million in 2019
Market Size Value byUS$ 13,496.39 Million by 2028
Growth rateCAGR of 5.2% from 2020-2028
Forecast Period2020-2028
Base Year2020
Analyst Image

Shejal

Have a question?

Shejal will walk you through a 15-minute call to present the report’s content and answer all queries if you have any.

Analyst Image  Speak to Analyst

Key market players operating in the water-based inks market include DIC Corporation; Flint Group; Hubergroup; Sakata Inx Corporation; Siegwerk Druckfarben AG & Co. KGaA; T&K TOKA Co. Ltd.; Toyo Ink SC Holdings Co., Ltd.; Fujifilm Holdings Corporation; American Inks & Technology; and Wikoff Color Corporation. Major market players are adopting strategies such as mergers and acquisitions and product launches to expand their geographical presence and consumer base globally.  

Report Spotlights

  • Progressive industry trends in the global water-based inks market to help players develop effective long-term strategies
  • Business growth strategies adopted by developed and developing markets
  • Quantitative analysis of the global water-based inks market from 2019 to 2028
  • Estimation of the demand for water-based inks across various industries
  • PEST analysis to illustrate the efficacy of buyers and suppliers operating in the industry to predict market growth
  • Recent developments to understand the competitive market scenario and the demand for water-based inks
  • Market trends and outlook coupled with factors driving and restraining the growth of the water-based inks market
  • Decision-making process by understanding strategies that underpin commercial interest with regard to global water-based inks market growth
  • Water-based ink market size at various nodes of market
  • Detailed overview and segmentation of the global water-based inks market, as well as its dynamics in the industry
  • Water-based ink market size in various regions with promising growth opportunities

Water-Based Inks Market, by Resin Type

  • Acrylic
  • Polyester
  • Maleic
  • Others

Water-Based Inks Market, by Technology

  • Flexographic
  • Gravure
  • Digital
  • Others

Water-Based Inks Market, by Application

  • Packaging
  • Publication
  • Tags and Labels
  • Others

Company Profiles

  • DIC Corporation
  • Flint Group
  • Hubergroup
  • Sakata Inx Corporation
  • Siegwerk Druckfarben AG & Co. KGaA
  • T&K TOKA Co. Ltd.
  • Toyo Ink SC Holdings Co., Ltd.
  • Fujifilm Holdings Corporation
  • American Inks & Technology
  • Wikoff Color Corporation
Report Coverage
Report Coverage

Revenue forecast, Company Analysis, Industry landscape, Growth factors, and Trends

Segment Covered
Segment Covered

Resin Type , Technology , and Application

Regional Scope
Regional Scope

North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, South & Central America

Country Scope
Country Scope

Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States

Frequently Asked Questions


Can you list some of the major players operating in the global water-based inks market?

The major players operating in the global water-based inks market are DIC Corporation, Flint Group, Hubergroup, Sakata Inx Corporation, Siegwerk Druckfarben AG & Co. KGaA, T&K TOKA Co. Ltd., Toyo Ink SC Holdings Co., Ltd., Fujifilm Holdings Corporation, American Inks & Technology and Wikoff Color Corporation among many others.

In 2019, which region held the largest share of the global water-based inks market?

In 2019, APAC contributed to the largest share in the global water-based inks market. The growth of the water-based inks market in this region is primarily attributed to the increasing demand from developing countries such as China and India. These countries are experiencing tremendous growth in printing & packaging industry. The continuous growth in food & beverage, pharma and personal care industry demands for high-quality packaging & labelling products. Water-based printing inks is an excellent ink system for paper and cardboard printing. They have better gloss, color, good surface appearance as compared to other printing inks when it comes to slower printing application and on an absorbent substrate such as paper and cardboard. Water-based ink emits much less VOCs thus, the cost related to pollution emission is much less when compared to solvent-based ink. All these advantages have increased the adoption of water-based inks in APAC region.

Based on application, why packaging segment accounted for the largest share in the global water-based inks market?

Based on application, the packaging segment held the largest share in the global water-based inks market in 2019. The packaging segment comprises flexible packages, tags, corrugated containers, labels, metal cans, and folding cartons. Increasing demand for flexible packaging in the food and beverages sector due to its esthetic appeal and less weight, is expected to fuel the demand for packaging in the next few years. Water-based inks have improved flow behavior, gloss, color, good surface appearance. It improves the efficiency of packaging production, reduces wasted ink, and improves operating rates for printing equipment. Apart from this, food & beverage, and personal care companies demand for packages that adds value and marketability to their products. Thus, the demand for high-quality tags, corrugated containers, labels is increasing which further supports the growth of water-based inks market. With an increasing consumer focus on sustainability, traditional rigid packaging solutions are being replaced by innovative, eco-friendly packaging solutions. Water-based inks do not contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), thus making them popular choice for packaging.

The List of Companies - Water-based Inks Market

  1. DIC Corporation
  2. Flint Group
  3. Hubergroup
  4. Sakata Inx Corporation
  5. Siegwerk Druckfarben AG & Co. KGaA
  6. T&K TOKA Co. Ltd.
  7. Toyo Ink SC Holdings Co., Ltd.
  8. Fujifilm Holdings Corporation
  9. American Inks & Technology
  10. Wikoff Color Corporation

The Insight Partners performs research in 4 major stages: Data Collection & Secondary Research, Primary Research, Data Analysis and Data Triangulation & Final Review.

  1. Data Collection and Secondary Research:

As a market research and consulting firm operating from a decade, we have published many reports and advised several clients across the globe. First step for any study will start with an assessment of currently available data and insights from existing reports. Further, historical and current market information is collected from Investor Presentations, Annual Reports, SEC Filings, etc., and other information related to company’s performance and market positioning are gathered from Paid Databases (Factiva, Hoovers, and Reuters) and various other publications available in public domain.

Several associations trade associates, technical forums, institutes, societies and organizations are accessed to gain technical as well as market related insights through their publications such as research papers, blogs and press releases related to the studies are referred to get cues about the market. Further, white papers, journals, magazines, and other news articles published in the last 3 years are scrutinized and analyzed to understand the current market trends.

  1. Primary Research:

The primarily interview analysis comprise of data obtained from industry participants interview and answers to survey questions gathered by in-house primary team.

For primary research, interviews are conducted with industry experts/CEOs/Marketing Managers/Sales Managers/VPs/Subject Matter Experts from both demand and supply side to get a 360-degree view of the market. The primary team conducts several interviews based on the complexity of the markets to understand the various market trends and dynamics which makes research more credible and precise.

A typical research interview fulfils the following functions:

  • Provides first-hand information on the market size, market trends, growth trends, competitive landscape, and outlook
  • Validates and strengthens in-house secondary research findings
  • Develops the analysis team’s expertise and market understanding

Primary research involves email interactions and telephone interviews for each market, category, segment, and sub-segment across geographies. The participants who typically take part in such a process include, but are not limited to:

  • Industry participants: VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers and national sales managers
  • Outside experts: Valuation experts, research analysts and key opinion leaders specializing in the electronics and semiconductor industry.

Below is the breakup of our primary respondents by company, designation, and region:

Research Methodology

Once we receive the confirmation from primary research sources or primary respondents, we finalize the base year market estimation and forecast the data as per the macroeconomic and microeconomic factors assessed during data collection.

  1. Data Analysis:

Once data is validated through both secondary as well as primary respondents, we finalize the market estimations by hypothesis formulation and factor analysis at regional and country level.

  • 3.1 Macro-Economic Factor Analysis:

We analyse macroeconomic indicators such the gross domestic product (GDP), increase in the demand for goods and services across industries, technological advancement, regional economic growth, governmental policies, the influence of COVID-19, PEST analysis, and other aspects. This analysis aids in setting benchmarks for various nations/regions and approximating market splits. Additionally, the general trend of the aforementioned components aid in determining the market's development possibilities.

  • 3.2 Country Level Data:

Various factors that are especially aligned to the country are taken into account to determine the market size for a certain area and country, including the presence of vendors, such as headquarters and offices, the country's GDP, demand patterns, and industry growth. To comprehend the market dynamics for the nation, a number of growth variables, inhibitors, application areas, and current market trends are researched. The aforementioned elements aid in determining the country's overall market's growth potential.

  • 3.3 Company Profile:

The “Table of Contents” is formulated by listing and analyzing more than 25 - 30 companies operating in the market ecosystem across geographies. However, we profile only 10 companies as a standard practice in our syndicate reports. These 10 companies comprise leading, emerging, and regional players. Nonetheless, our analysis is not restricted to the 10 listed companies, we also analyze other companies present in the market to develop a holistic view and understand the prevailing trends. The “Company Profiles” section in the report covers key facts, business description, products & services, financial information, SWOT analysis, and key developments. The financial information presented is extracted from the annual reports and official documents of the publicly listed companies. Upon collecting the information for the sections of respective companies, we verify them via various primary sources and then compile the data in respective company profiles. The company level information helps us in deriving the base number as well as in forecasting the market size.

  • 3.4 Developing Base Number:

Aggregation of sales statistics (2020-2022) and macro-economic factor, and other secondary and primary research insights are utilized to arrive at base number and related market shares for 2022. The data gaps are identified in this step and relevant market data is analyzed, collected from paid primary interviews or databases. On finalizing the base year market size, forecasts are developed on the basis of macro-economic, industry and market growth factors and company level analysis.

  1. Data Triangulation and Final Review:

The market findings and base year market size calculations are validated from supply as well as demand side. Demand side validations are based on macro-economic factor analysis and benchmarks for respective regions and countries. In case of supply side validations, revenues of major companies are estimated (in case not available) based on industry benchmark, approximate number of employees, product portfolio, and primary interviews revenues are gathered. Further revenue from target product/service segment is assessed to avoid overshooting of market statistics. In case of heavy deviations between supply and demand side values, all thes steps are repeated to achieve synchronization.

We follow an iterative model, wherein we share our research findings with Subject Matter Experts (SME’s) and Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) until consensus view of the market is not formulated – this model negates any drastic deviation in the opinions of experts. Only validated and universally acceptable research findings are quoted in our reports.

We have important check points that we use to validate our research findings – which we call – data triangulation, where we validate the information, we generate from secondary sources with primary interviews and then we re-validate with our internal data bases and Subject matter experts. This comprehensive model enables us to deliver high quality, reliable data in shortest possible time.

Your data will never be shared with third parties, however, we may send you information from time to time about our products that may be of interest to you. By submitting your details, you agree to be contacted by us. You may contact us at any time to opt-out.

Trends and growth analysis reports related to Water-Based Inks Market