The major driver for the ink additives market is increased demand from flexible packaging.

MarketsandMarkets’ new report, "Ink Additives Market by Type (Rheology Modifiers, Dispersing & Wetting agents, Foam Control Additives), Technology (Solvent-based, Water-based), Process (Lithographic, Gravure), Application (Packaging, Publishing), & Region - Global Forecast to 2029," reports that the market was US$2.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$2.9 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 5.3% between 2024 and 2029.

The growth is attributed to the increasing applications, technological advancements in the ink industry, and rising demand from the packaging industry in Asia Pacific, mainly from China, Vietnam, Indonesia, and India.

The major driver for the ink additives market is increased demand from flexible packaging. The global flexible packaging sector has witnessed significant growth due to various factors, which consequently impacts the demand for ink additives. Flexible packaging typically involves a range of materials such as plastic films, foils, and laminates.

Ink additives play a vital role in enhancing ink compatibility with these diverse substrates, ensuring proper adhesion and print quality. The necessity for specialized additives that harmonize well with flexible materials drives the demand for innovative ink solutions.

Flexible packaging finds extensive use in the food, pharmaceutical, and consumer goods industries. Ink additives contribute to enhancing ink performance in terms of durability, resistance to abrasion, and the ability to withstand the flexible nature of the packaging material during handling, transport, and storage.

Branding and visual appeal are crucial in flexible packaging, where products often vie for consumer attention on store shelves. Ink additives are utilized to enrich color consistency and vibrancy, ensuring that the packaging maintains an attractive and uniform appearance.

Flexible packaging production frequently involves high-speed printing processes. Ink additives facilitating quick drying become indispensable to maintain production efficiency and meet the demands of fast-paced manufacturing environments. Additionally, flexible packaging often requires specialized inks with barrier coatings to safeguard the contents from external factors like moisture, light, and gases.

Dispersing and wetting agents type segment is expected to hold the largest share of the ink additives market during the forecasted period. Dispersing and wetting agents feature prominently in nearly all ink formulations, with similar functionalities. Wetting serves as the initial stage in the dispersion process, lowering the ink's surface tension. Conversely, dispersants play a role in eliminating flocculation. They are utilized in greater quantities within the majority of ink formulations compared to alternative ink additives.

Solvent-based technology holds the leading position in the ink additives market due to its affordability and ease of application. Widely utilized in the ink industry, manufacturers prefer this technology for its cost-effective processing. The solvents used in printing evaporate quickly, reducing the risk of migration. As a result, solvent-based technology maintains its dominance globally, notably in economies such as China, India, Brazil, and Southeast Asian nations.

The lithographic/offset printing process stands as the dominant method in the printing ink industry. However, its growth rate has slowed compared to other processes due to the shift towards functional and sensory packaging. Over the forecast period, the digital process is expected to emerge as the fastest-growing method.

Packaging stands as the most significant and rapidly expanding application area for ink additives. Anticipated to fuel this segment's market are the robust demands for ink additives in flexible packaging, corrugated cardboard, and folding cartons. 

source：inkworldmagazine