Water-based Flexographic Printing Market Outlook from 2024 to 2034

The projected water-based flexographic printing market size will escalate from USD 3.6 billion to USD 5.5 billion from 2024 to 2034. The estimated water-based flexographic printing market growth rate will reach 4.3% during the forecasted period.

With the growing technological infrastructure, the trend for innovating has been rising. Ink formulations have been changing, which elevates the standards of the use of such inks. The quality of inks, drying time, color contrast, and other key characteristics of inks have been evolving, fueling the demand. Such factors have been driving the water-based flexographic printing market growth rate.

With the growing industries, including the food and beverage sector, the beauty and cosmetics landscape, and the pharmaceutical industry, the packaging need has been evolving. Manufacturers seek better packaging solutions for elevated product placement in the competitive landscape. Due to the ability of water-based inks to provide versatility, the preference for such inks is more. As a result of this growing demand, the production of ink must be increased. This enhances the water-based flexographic printing market size.

The water-based flexographic printing market forecast suggests that the need for flexible packaging will likely increase in the next decade. The preference for such solutions has been implemented recently. Various organizations focus on the inclusion of flexible packaging to place brands better in the landscape. This goal can be achieved effectively with the use of water-based inks. Due to this trend, the demand for inks will likely increase, elevating the water-based flexographic printing market growth rate.

With government regulations on volatile organic compounds, the necessity for printing processes on packaging materials is driving the demand for the said sector. To adhere to sustainability and environmental standards, producers are required to adopt sustainable packaging and printing processes. This driver has been fueling the water-based flexographic printing market size.

The growing preference for vibrant colors, sharpened images, and long-lasting pictures has been driving the demand for water-based flexographics. Due to the increasing demand, better prospects are generated for the ecosystem, elevating the water-based flexographic printing market growth rate and fueling monetary investments in the sector.

Better affordability of water-based flexographic solutions is another important driver for the industry. This factor will not only generate better consumer traffic but also elevate the water-based flexographic printing market size. Lower ink prices and equivalent results make the ink a more demanded choice, elevating the demand for such printing solutions. This spikes the investment opportunities in the sector.

Attributes Key Insights
Estimated Water-based Flexographic Printing Market Size in 2024 USD 3.6 billion
Projected Water-based Flexographic Printing Industry Value in 2034 USD 5.5 billion
Value-based CAGR from 2024 to 2034 4.3%

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Key Industry Highlights

Sustainability Trends to Fuel the Water-based Flexographic Printing Market Size

The general consumer awareness about environmental stability and safety has been rising. Due to the rising attention to sustainable outcomes, the preference for eco-friendly products has been spiking, which are vastly procured with the help of ethical procurement methods. Due to this growing trend, key players are focusing on the production of inks, machinery, and printing technology that will support such demands.

Flexographic printing has a better quality to produce less environmental hazard, which surges the popularity of such printing technology. As water is used as the base for the ink preparation, the reusability of inks increases and producers can reduce the wastage drastically. This trend, thus, enhances the popularity of the water-based ink, driving the water-based flexographic printing market size.

Versatility to Spike the Water-based Flexographic Printing Market Growth Rate

The ink can be used on multiple substrates, which include paper, corrugated materials, and cardboard. Due to this versatility, the usability of ink increases, generating more demand for varying packaging solutions. This has been a key driver, fueling the water-based flexographic printing market growth rate. With the growing attention to increasing the efficiency of printing solutions, many key producers are emphasizing the use of water-based ink.

The penetrative ability of the ink spikes the demand for water-based ink for a diversified base. As the ink has an excellent ability to penetrate fabrics, water-based ink is vastly used in plastisol painting. Softened ink print is another key feature of the ink, driving the popularity of the ink.

Water in the ink evaporates faster during the curing process due to the use of softer resins. This enhances the drying time of ink, driving the demand in the fast-moving consumer goods sector. Such key factors enlarge the water-based flexographic printing market size.

The longevity of water-based ink is an additional property of the ink that surged the popularity in the printing technology sector. Along with the better curing period, elevated longevity reduces the repetitive printing in the packaging sector that, fuels the popularity of the ink.

Investment Costs Harm the Water-based Flexographic Printing Market Growth Rate

Despite reduced drying time and elevated printing standards, the investment cost for printing equipment is relatively higher, hampering the water-based flexographic printing industry profitability.

With the growing capital investments, initial growth prospects for new entrants reduce, hampering the profit margins. This is a key factor restraining the water-based flexographic printing market size.

2019 to 2023 Global Water-based Flexographic Printing Market Sales Outlook Compared to Demand Forecast from 2024 to 2034

The historical figures suggest that the water-based flexographic printing market growth rate was measured at 3.3% during 2019 and 2023. With various factors influencing the competitive landscape, the water-based flexographic printing market size changed from USD 2.9 billion to USD 3.4 billion during this period.

The requirement for efficient packaging was observed mainly in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors. Due to the growing medicine demands, the packaging industry observed a spike in the need for better packaging solutions to ensure efficient transport over longer distances. The ever-increasing demand for longevity packaging solutions to increase the shelf-life of medicines helped the sector propagate during the historical period.

Similar to the pharmaceutical industry, the food and beverage ecosystem also spiked during the historical period. Due to this, the demand for innovative and sustainable packaging solutions increased. Key players focused on using water-based inks to support flexible packaging solutions to vendors and various other large-scale players. Such factors fueled the water-based flexographic printing market size during this period.

Contrasting to the historical era, the water-based flexographic printing market forecast suggests that the growing investments in research activities will likely spur the scope of innovation, helping key players to augment products and services. Printing solutions will likely shift toward more efficient solutions through better drying time, changed ink formulations, and long-lasting inks.

Emerging economies will create better growth prospects for several industries, including food and beverage, printing, and many more. This will elevate the stability of the sector in such countries. With the support of governmental rules and regulatory policies for packaging standards, the water-based flexographic printing market forecast projects an optimistic picture of the industry.

Ismail Sutaria
Ismail Sutaria

Principal Consultant

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Country-wise Analysis

Regional trends in water-based flexographic printing suggest that North America will lead the global industry due to technological advancements.

Europe is another key contributor to the global landscape, adhering to policies regarding sustainability.

Emerging sectors in Asia-Pacific will support venture capital and private equity investments in the water-based flexographic printing space.

Forecast CAGRs from 2024 to 2034

Countries Forecasted CAGR
The United Kingdom 3.8%
The United States of America 4.1%
India 4.5%

Sustainable Packaging Spurs The United Kingdom’s Water-based Flexographic Printing Inks Market Size

The United Kingdom will project the progress of the industry at a CAGR of 3.8% through 2034.

With the growing consumer inclination toward sustainable packaging, leading brands are investing in the acquisition of technology that will change the packaging realm. Along with this trend, the government of the country has mandated the use of sustainable packaging solutions, favoring the industry.

Customization to Fuel the Water-based Flexographic Printing Market Growth Rate in the United States

The United States of America will likely lead North America in the competitive landscape, projecting progress at a CAGR of 4.1% through 2034.

With the rising technological infrastructure in the country and rising disposable income levels of individuals, the scope of innovation has spurred. The demand for personalized packaging has been increasing in the country, which drives the premium packaging solution industry.

Investment prospects in the technology are growing, generating opportunities for investors to invest in leading brands.

India’s Packaging Industry Enlarges the Water-based Flexographic Printing Market Size

The water-based flexographic printing market forecast predicts that India’s industry will grow at the highest possible rate at 4.5% in the forecasted period.

With the spike observed in the demand for packaging solutions for different key sectors in the country, the prospects for flexographic printing will rise. The rising urbanization rate will contribute to the growing demand, elevating the water-based flexographic printing market growth rate.

Category-wise Insights

Characteristics of the water-based ink, as mentioned before, find a wide range of applications. Due to the reduced volatility of the ink, corrugated boxes use the ink for packaging. The reduced interaction ensures a better shelf-life of the product inside the box. Similarly, due to the better applicability, medium solid water-based ink or semi-solid ink is used for diverse applications.

Better Applicability to Drive Medium Solid Water-based Ink Segment

Category Ink Type - Medium Solid Water-based Ink
Industry Share in 2024 33%

The ink type can be widey applied on different backgrounds. Irrespective of light or dark backgrounds, medium solid water-based inks can be used on materials. The applicability of the ink on diverse substrates, including polyester, cotton, and blends, enhances the popularity of the segment.

The ink type is ideal for full-color printing, elevating the standards of the printing technology. The water-based flexographic printing market forecast predicts that the segment will hold the maximum industry space.

Reduced Toxicity to Rise the Applications for Corrugated Board

Category Application - Corrugated Board
Industry Share in 2024 27%

With the application of water-based ink, a thick protective layer can be formed on the surface of boxes or cardboard. This reduces the probability of interaction between the environment and the material present within the box. Due to this, the chance for toxic substance release is reduced.

The versatility of the ink extends the use to all types of boxes, which justifies the industry share of the segment.

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Competition Outlook

Industry reports on water-based flexographic printing suggest that various key players have occupied a large space in the competitive landscape. Mergers and acquisitions within the water-based flexographic printing market are key expansion modes for large-scale organizations.

New entrants may collaborate with existing players to gain a better position in the industry.

The following recent developments have been shaping the landscape-

  • In September 2023, INX International invested in DetraPel. Capitalizing on this venture investment, the organization can extract extraordinary performance from ordinary materials, gaining larger space in the industry.
  • In April 2024, DIC Global’s subsidiary company, Sun Chemical, expanded in the Cosmetics and Skincare segment with the product INTENZA Hana.

Leading Water-based Flexographic Printing Brands

Sudarshan Chemical Industries Limited, DIC Global, INX International, GPL/ Unolam Inks, Pemotech, Sun Chemical, InK - Anon, and Spectrum High Tech Ink are key competitors in the ecosystem.

Water-based Flexographic Printing Market- Key Segments

By Ink Type:

Based on the ink type, the landscape is segmented into Medium Solid Water-based Ink, Maleic Water-based Ink, Shellac Water-based Ink, and Other Water-based Ink.

By Application:

Labeling, Corrugated Board, and Graphics are key application segments of the sector.

By End Use:

Based on the end-user applications, Food and Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Personal Care, Healthcare, and Textile are important segment verticals.

By Region:

North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, South Asia and Pacific, East Asia, and The Middle East and Africa are the key contributing regions to the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what CAGR industry will progress through 2034?

The water-based flexographic printing market will advance at a CAGR of 4.3% through 2034.

What will the industry size be by 2034?

The industry will likely reach USD 5.5 billion by 2034.

What will the ecosystem’s size be by 2024?

The ecosystem will reach USD 3.6 billion in 2024.

Which ink type will gain popularity in 2024?

The medium solid water-based ink will hold 33% of the industry share in 2024.

What are the growth prospects in the United States through 2034?

The water-based flexographic printing market in the United States will progress at a CAGR of 4.1% through 2034.

Table of Content
1. Executive Summary
2. Industry Introduction, including Taxonomy and Market Definition
3. Market Trends and Success Factors, including Macro-economic Factors, Market Dynamics, and Recent Industry Developments
4. Global Market Demand Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, including Historical Analysis and Future Projections
5. Pricing Analysis
6. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034
    6.1. Ink Type
    6.2. Application
    6.3. End Use
7. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By Ink Type
    7.1. Medium Solid Water Based Ink
    7.2. Maleic Water-Based
    7.3. Shellac Water Based
    7.4. Other Water-Based
8. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By Application
    8.1. Labelling
    8.2. Corrugated Board
    8.3. Graphics
9. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By End Use
    9.1. Food & Beverages
    9.2. Pharmaceuticals
    9.3. Personal Care
    9.4. Healthcare
    9.5. Textile
10. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, By Region
    10.1. North America
    10.2. Latin America
    10.3. Western Europe
    10.4. South Asia
    10.5. East Asia
    10.6. Eastern Europe
    10.7. Middle East & Africa
11. North America Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries
12. Latin America Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries
13. Western Europe Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries
14. South Asia Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries
15. East Asia Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries
16. Eastern Europe Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries
17. Middle East & Africa Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries
18. Sales Forecast 2024 to 2034 by Ink Type, Application, and End Use for 30 Countries
19. Competition Outlook, including Market Structure Analysis, Company Share Analysis by Key Players, and Competition Dashboard
20. Company Profile
    20.1. Sudarshan Chemical Industries Limited
    20.2. DIC Global
    20.3. INX International
    20.4. GPL/ Unolam Inks
    20.5. Pemotech
    20.6. Sun Chemical
    20.7. InK - Anon
    20.8. Spectrum High Tech Ink
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