Eco-friendly Inks Market Outlook

By 2032, industry is expected to consistently expand at a 5.8% CAGR. According to FMI, the eco-friendly inks market is expected to expand its revenue share from USD 4.3 billion in 2022 to USD 7.5 billion by 2032.

Volatile organic compound (VOC) emission is one of the key factors influencing the demand for eco-friendly inks. Harmful metals contained in many ink printing solutions have been pushing the industry to switch to eco-friendly alternatives.

Environmental Trends Pushing the Eco-friendly Inks Market Share

  • Growing environmental concerns and legislative restrictions on the usage of eco-friendly inks in the printing sector are primarily responsible for market expansion. This leads to high demand for environmentally friendly printing technologies, including digital printing, 3D printing, and UV printing.
  • Packaging sector is responsible for constant innovation in the eco-friendly inks sector. Packaging materials are printed using eco-friendly inks to lessen their impact on the environment and lengthen their shelf lives. Additionally, the market is anticipated to develop as eco-friendly inks are being used in advertising and promotional materials printed by the printing sector.
  • The industry is expected to expand due to the increasing use of water-based inks. Water-based inks are utilized in a variety of applications, such as periodicals, labels, and packaging, and they are free of harmful chemicals.
  • It is anticipated that rising demand for organic inks is an emerging trend. Inks composed of organic materials, such as soybeans, are utilized in a variety of applications, including consumer products.
Attributes Details
Eco-friendly Inks Market CAGR (2023 to 2032) 5.8%
Eco-friendly Inks Market Size (2023) USD 4.55 billion
Eco-friendly Inks Market Size (2032) USD 7.5 billion

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Eco-friendly Inks Market Outpaced its Past Growth: 2018-2022 v/s 2023-2032

When compared to the 3.5% CAGR recorded between 2018 and 2022, the eco-friendly inks industry is predicted to expand at a 5.8% CAGR between 2023 and 2032. With sustainability in mind, the market growth rate is expected to be around 1.8x by 2032.

Market Statistics Details
Market Share (2021) USD 4.08 billion
Market Share (2022) USD 4.3 billion
Market Share (2025) USD 5.2 billion

In comparison to regular ink, it is predicted that eco-friendly ink is likely to be used frequently overall in the near future. Consumer trends could influence the market. Opportunities in the market are anticipated as a result of significant government initiatives to promote eco-friendly inks.

Short-term Growth (2023 to 2025): the packaging business makes considerable use of inks to make products appealing to consumers and to provide product information. Due to this, the market is expected to grow around 1.2x by 2025.

Medium-term Growth (2026 to 2029): raising consumer knowledge of the possible risks that using conventional petroleum-based inks has on their health changes the consumer trends.

Long-term Growth (2030 to 2032): manufacturers' rising desire for eco-friendly packaging options is anticipated to fuel market expansion in the ensuing years.

The market is anticipated to reach USD 7.5 billion by 2032 due to strict laws and activities implemented by the government authorities to minimize waste and promote the utilization of recycled materials. The average growth of the market is expected to be around 1.04x between 2022 and 2023.

New Technologies Encourage Widespread Use of Eco-Friendly Inks

  • Emergence of New Technologies: the market for eco-friendly inks has expanded as a result of the introduction of recent technology, including UV curable inks and water-based inks. These inks are eco-sustainable than other kinds of inks, as they contain less VOC and don't include any dangerous ingredients.
  • Growing Government Initiatives: to lessen the negative effects of ink production and use on the environment, governments globally are enacting strict laws. The need for eco-friendly inks has grown as a result of businesses looking for solutions to abide by these rules.
  • Increasing Adoption in Packaging Applications: The growing use of eco-friendly inks in packaging applications has been a key factor in the market's expansion. The sales prospects are very promising as these inks are used to print text and graphics on packaging materials without harming the environment.

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Regional Analysis

Commercial Utilization: Prominent Trend in the United States Eco-friendly Inks Sector

The United States is predicted to dominate the market with a share of 19.4% during the forecast period. Digital printing is becoming a latest trend in the market, which encourages the demand for eco-friendly inks.

Commercial printers and newspaper publishers' growing preference for eco-friendly inks is fueling the market's expansion. By component ink type, solvent based ink is estimated to hold 40.8% of the total market share in 2022.

A lot of companies are investing in research and development initiatives to create new products in response to the rising sales of eco-friendly inks.

The market is anticipated to increase as a result of rising environmental awareness and growing demand for eco-friendly inks in the textile industry. Also, the oil based paint segment is projected to offer an excellent incremental opportunity of USD 175 million by 2032.

United Kingdom Benefits from New Tax Implementation in Packaging Market

United Kingdom Market Value (2022) USD 110.7 million
United Kingdom Market Value (2032) USD 169.9 million
United Kingdom Market CAGR (2023 to 2032) 4.4%
United Kingdom Market Share (2022) 12.7%

The adoption of eco-friendly inks is being driven by a rise in consumer awareness of eco-sustainable products. The growing popularity of digital printing is another factor driving up the global demand in the United Kingdom.

The market share in the United Kingdom is expanding due to the development of new technologies like 3D printing. Additionally, the United Kingdom government has put in place a tax on plastic packaging, which is anticipated to help the market expand even further.

Given that they are created from naturally occurring substances that are exempt from tax, eco-friendly inks are anticipated to see a large sales.

Why Germany Remains to be a Top Region in Europe Eco-friendly Inks Business?

Germany dominated the Europe market with a share of 15.3% in 2022. With a CAGR of 3%, the market is expected to reach USD 178.9 million by 2032.

This rise has primarily been fueled by a growing understanding of the need to limit the usage of traditional printing inks and their negative effects on the environment. German manufacturers are putting emphasis on the creation of eco-friendly inks that lessen the impact of printing on the environment, like water-based and vegetable-based inks.

Through offering incentives to businesses in the field, the German government has taken action to promote the development of eco-friendly inks. The average growth of the market is expected to be around 1.03x between 2022 and 2023.

China Latest Projects Create Scope for Great Profit Margins

  • The demand for eco-friendly inks in China is expected to develop at a CAGR of 6.2%, with the market share of 43.5% by 2032.
  • Historically, the market was worth USD 459.3 million in 2022, which is expected to reach USD 835.8 million by 2032.
  • Sales of eco-friendly inks are increasing as manufacturers are continuously invested in profitable projects:
    • Shanghai Baosteel Group Co., Ltd. is developing a new product that uses nanomaterials to reduce the amount of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) released into the environment.
    • Beijing-based printing ink manufacturer Moen Ink is introducing a new line of eco-friendly inks that are made from natural ingredients and are free of harmful chemicals.
    • Guangzhou Xinhua Printing Group Co., Ltd. is developing a new eco-friendly ink that uses a combination of soybean oil and vegetable oil as the base.
  • With all these initiatives, the market in China is likely to have a growth rate of around 1.73x between 2023 and 2032.

Indian Market Need for Natural Products Provides Lucrative Opportunities for Manufacturers

  • The adoption of eco-friendly inks in India is expected to develop at a CAGR of 7.8%, with the market share of 48.2% by 2032.
  • Historically, the market was worth USD 351.1 million in 2022, which is expected to reach USD 740.7 million by 2032.
  • The market in India is likely to have a growth rate of around 1.94x between 2023 and 2032.
  • Eco-friendly Ink Project by Eco Ink Solutions: the goal of this project is to create eco-friendly ink that is derived from renewable and natural materials. In order to make a biodegradable ink that is safer to use and healthier for the environment, the project uses plant extracts and vegetable-based oils.
  • Earth Friendly Ink Project by Bamboo Ink Solutions: the goal of this project is to create an eco-friendly, non-toxic ink that employs renewable resources like bamboo and other natural materials. The ink is biodegradable and free of harmful substances like VOCs.

Category Analysis

Key Segments Color
Top- segment Monochrome Printing
Market Value (2022) USD 2,686.47 million
Market Value (2032) USD 4,766.5 million
Key Segments Packaging
Top- segment Food & Beverages Sector
Market Value (2022) USD 1,952.8 million
Market Value (2032) USD 3,298.7 million
Key Segments Printing
Top- segment Flexography
Market Value (2022) USD 950.7 million
Market Value (2032) USD 1,558.5 million
Key Segments Origin of Bio Pigments
Top- segment Vegetable-based Ink
Market Value (2022) USD 1,681.5 million
Market Value (2032) USD 3,061.2 million
Key Segments Type
Top- segment Oil-based Ink
Market Value (2022) USD 1,219.6 million
Market Value (2032) USD 2,209.2 million

Which is the Most Preferred Type in the Eco-friendly Inks Industry?

Oil-based ink holds the most lucrative prospects for businesses when it comes to component ink type. By the end of 2032, the segment is anticipated to develop at an appealing incremental rate of 1.9x, with a CAGR of 6.2% throughout the forecast period.

This is attributed to the fact that oil-based inks are affordable and favored for printing on a variety of substrates than water-based and soy-based inks.

During the forecast period, the oil-based inks segment is anticipated to rise as a result of the rising use of vegetable oil-based inks in the food and cosmetics industries. Solvent-based inks, however, dominated the industry in 2022 with a 28.1% market share.

Which Packaging Applications Have High Growth Prospects?

The food and beverage sector is expected to have a leading market share of 43.3% by 2032, with a CAGR of 5.4%. The need for eco-friendly inks in this segment is projected to be fueled by the rising demand for eco-friendly packaging options.

The strict regulations by governments and international organizations add up to the adoption of eco-friendly inks. However, according to FMI statistics, the pharmaceuticals & medical devices segment is expected to expand significantly, with a share of 27.7% by 2032.

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Competitive Analysis

Eco-friendly Inks Manufacturers Sign Up for Better Market Position

The leading companies in the eco-friendly inks market are concentrating on product innovation to provide a broad range of inks to meet the rising customer demand.

In order to increase their consumer base, the businesses are also concentrating on boosting their distribution networks. To protect their market position, eco-friendly inks businesses are also forming strategic alliances.

Recent Developments

  • The Flint Group introduced an ultraviolet (UV) ink solution for flexible packaging in April 2016. Excellent printing quality, process stability, and great transfer efficiency are all features of this ink system.
  • "Ink Answers" is a comprehensive digital search engine that Kao Collins Inc., a well-known producer of industrial inkjet inks, introduced in July 2021. It connects inks with substrates used in label and narrow web printing.
  • Sun Chemical won the Tag & Label Manufacturers Institute's Calvin Frost Sustainability Leadership Journey Award for Suppliers in October 2022.

Key players

  • Kao Collins Corporation
  • Sun Chemical
  • Living Ink Technologies
  • Siegwerk Druckfarben AG & Co. KGaA
  • INX International Ink Co.
  • Wikoff Color corporation
  • STS Inks
  • Flint Group
  • EPTANOVA
  • Kwang Myung Ink Co. Ltd
  • Gans Ink & Supply
  • Toyo Ink India Private Limited
  • Huber Group
  • Marabu Printing Inks
  • Magna Colours Ltd.
Table of Content
  • 1. Executive Summary
  • 2. Market Overview
  • 3. Key Market Trends
  • 4. Key Success Factors
  • 5. Global Market Demand Analysis 2017 to 2021 and Forecast, 2022 to 2032
  • 6. Global Market - Pricing/Cost Analysis
  • 7. Global Market Demand (in Value or Size in USD Million) Analysis 2017 to 2021 and Forecast, 2022 to 2032
  • 8. Market Analysis
    • 8.1. North America
    • 8.2. Latin America
    • 8.3. Europe
    • 8.4. South Asia
    • 8.5. East Asia
    • 8.6. Oceania
    • 8.7. Middle East & Africa
  • 9. Market Background
  • 10. Global Market Analysis 2017 to 2021 and Forecast 2022 to 2032, By Colour
    • 10.1. Four Colour
    • 10.2. Monochrome Printing
  • 11. Global Market Analysis 2017 to 2021 and Forecast 2022 to 2032, By Origin of Bio Pigments
    • 11.1. Flint Ink
    • 11.2. Algae Inks
    • 11.3. Animal Origin
    • 11.4. Vegetable-based Inks
      • 11.4.1. Soy-based
      • 11.4.2. Tung-based
      • 11.4.3. Linseed-based
      • 11.4.4. Castor-based
      • 11.4.5. Canola-based
      • 11.4.6. Safflower-based
      • 11.4.7. Corn Oil-based
  • 12. Global Market Analysis 2017 to 2021 and Forecast 2022 to 2032, By Components Ink Type
    • 12.1. Gums
    • 12.2. Resins
    • 12.3. Waxes
    • 12.4. Solvent-based
    • 12.5. Water-based
    • 12.6. Oil-based
  • 13. Global Market Analysis 2017 to 2021 and Forecast 2022 to 2032, By Printing Process
    • 13.1. Flexography
    • 13.2. Lithography
    • 13.3. Gravure
    • 13.4. Offset
    • 13.5. Screen Printing
    • 13.6. Digital
  • 14. Global Market Analysis 2017 to 2021 and Forecast 2022 to 2032, By Packaging Application
    • 14.1. Food & Beverage
    • 14.2. Pharmaceutical & Medical Devices
    • 14.3. Consumer Goods
    • 14.4. Others (Cosmetics, Homecare etc.)
  • 15. Global Market Analysis 2017 to 2021 and Forecast 2022 to 2032, By Region
    • 15.1. North America
    • 15.2. Latin America
    • 15.3. Europe
    • 15.4. East Asia
    • 15.5. South Asia
    • 15.6. Middle East and Africa (MEA)
    • 15.7. Oceania
  • 16. North America Market Analysis 2017 to 2021 and Forecast 2022 to 2032
  • 17. Latin America Market Analysis 2017 to 2021 and Forecast 2022 to 2032
  • 18. Europe Market Analysis 2017 to 2021 and Forecast 2022 to 2032
  • 19. East Asia Market Analysis 2017 to 2021 and Forecast 2022 to 2032
  • 20. South Asia Market Analysis 2017 to 2021 and Forecast 2022 to 2032
  • 21. Middle East & Africa Market Analysis 2017 to 2021 and Forecast 2022 to 2032
  • 22. Oceania Market Analysis 2017 to 2021 and Forecast 2022 to 2032
  • 23. Country wise Market Analysis 2022 to 2032
  • 24. Market Structure Analysis
  • 25. Competition Analysis
    • 25.1. Kao Collins Corporation
    • 25.2. Sun Chemical
    • 25.3. Living Ink Technologies
    • 25.4. Siegwerk Druckfarben AG & Co. KGaA
    • 25.5. INX International Ink Co.
    • 25.6. Wikoff Color Corporation
    • 25.7. STS Inks
    • 25.8. Flint Group
    • 25.9. EPTANOVA
    • 25.10. Kwang Myung Ink Co. Ltd.
    • 25.11. Gans Ink & Supply
    • 25.12. Toyo Ink India Private Limited
    • 25.13. Huber Group
    • 25.14. Marabu Printing Inks
    • 25.15. Magna Colours Ltd.
  • 26. Assumptions and Acronyms Used
  • 27. Research Methodology

Key segments

By Color:

  • Four Color
  • Monochrome Printing

By Origin of Bio Pigments:

  • Flint Ink
  • Algae Inks
  • Animal Origin
  • Vegetable-based Ink

By Type:

  • Gums
  • Resins
  • Waxes
  • Solvent-based
  • Water-based
  • Oil-based

By Printing:

  • Flexography
  • Lithography
  • Gravure
  • Offset
  • Screen Printing
  • Digital

By Packaging:

  • Food & Beverage
  • Pharmaceutical & Medical Devices
  • Consumer Goods
  • Others

By Region:

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia Pacific
  • Middle East and Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

How Big is the Eco-friendly Inks Market?

The market is valued at USD 4.55 billion in 2023.

What is the Growth Potential of the Eco-friendly Inks Market?

The growth potential of the market is 5.8% through 2033.

What are the Key Drivers for the Eco-friendly Inks Market?

Increasing application in packaging sector may drive eco-friendly inks market growth.

Who are the Key Eco-friendly Inks Market Players?

Kao Collins Corporation, Sun Chemical, and Living Ink Technologies are the top market players.

What Opportunities Await for the Market Players?

Introduction of UV curable inks is expected to catapult growth of market players.

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