December 2003
The Year In Review
After another challenging year, ink executives are cautiously optimistic as they look ahead to 2004
By Dave Savastano
The Metallic Pigment Market
Driven by the need for product differentiation and decorative appeal, the metallic and pearlescent ink market continues to grow.
By Kerry Pianoforte
Bringing a World of Experience to Purchasing
Flint Ink’s Jack Benson brings extensive technical, marketing experience to his role as vice president, corporate procurement.
By David Savastano
Richard Bradley Receives NAPIM's TAM Service Award
By David Savastano
ICE 2003 Review
Maybe it was case of low expectations, but the turnout at ICE 2003 in Philadelphia surprised many. Could the show’s performance be a bellwether for next year’s event in Chicago and the coatings industry in general?
By Christine Canning Esposito, Kerry Pianoforte and David Savastano
Fine Grinding of Carbon Black
By Harry Way, Steven A. Schwartz, Sallie J. Lee and Adam Chan
Brilliant Spray: Wide Format Ink Jet Printing
By Heidemarie Menzel and Dr. Hans-Tobias Macholdt
Despite Modifications, REACH Remains a Concern
Under pressure from industry and politicians, the European Commission has watered down its proposals for a new regulatory framework on chemicals and their downstream uses. However, industry leaders feel it needs to do more.
By Sean Milmo
Waxes, Solvents and Additives
Most companies found that 2003 was a slight improvement over 2002.
By Dave Savastano
November 2003
The International Report 2003
The international nature of the printing ink industry is ever more apparent, as the leading ink manufacturers span the globe from Japan, the U.S., Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, the U.K., Holland, India, France and Brazil.
NPIRI Technical Conference Review
By David Savastano
Dr. Richard Podhajny receives Award for Technical Achievement
By David Savastano
Potential is Tremendous for RFID, Smart Labels
Radio frequency identification (RFID) and similar types of smart labels are predicted to create a massive new market for both printers and ink makers. The big question is how long will it take to arrive.
By Sean Milmo
The UV Report
The market for UV inks is expected to continue its strong growth as new technologies are developed.
By Dave Savastano
October 2003
The Packaging Ink Market
As the packaging industry continues to evolve, ink companies are working overtime to meet the ever-changing needs of their customers.
By Dave Savastano
KBA Looks to Jump-Start the Waterless Printing Industry
By Sean Milmo
The Future of ED
By David Savastano
Sanchez S.A. Continues to Prosper
By Charles Thurston
Jeanette Truncellito receives NAPIM's Pioneer Award
By Kerry Pianoforte
Dealing with Foam Generated During Printing Ink and Varnish Production
By Frank Kleinsteinberg and Susanne Struck
The Publication Ink Report
Publication ink sales have decreased during the first six months of 2003, and ink companies hope that improved printing forecasts signal better days ahead.
By Dave Savastano
The Specialty Ink Report
RFID and smart label technology is fueling demand for conductive inks.
By Kerry Pianoforte
September 2003
Printers Slowly Look Toward Ink Dispensing Systems
While some printers look at ink management as a bit of a luxury, others are adapting new approaches to dispensing ink.
By Sean Milmo
Rheological Additive Selection for Printing Inks
APCS Show: Another View
The 2003 Buyers’ Guide
Ink World’s Annual Buyers’ Guide has everything you may need, from adhesion promoters to zinc oxide, attritors to viscometers, as well as company listings, information on major trade organizations and distributors.
The Raw Material Report
While the raw material market is showing some signs of beginning to correct itself as some price increases have been announced, the question of whether the ink industry can support such increases remains uncertain.
By Dave Savastano
August 2003
European Printing Market Continues to Struggle
Ink makers went into 2003 knowing it would be a hard year. With printing still in the doldrums, they realize it is going to be tougher than they envisaged.
By Sean Milmo
Testing and OC for UV Inks
By David Savastano
Jean Lavelle Receives NAPIM's Pioneer Award
By Robert Schwarz
Ink industry leaders lead discussions, exhibit new products at Info Flex
By David Savastano
High Performance Pigments
Despite higher costs, improved properties are driving growth for high performance pigments in a variety of printing markets, including packaging, outdoor signage and non-impact printing.
By Dave Savastano
Colorcon Lives Up to a Higher Standard
Colorcon’s No-Tox Products Division, a specialist in customized ink applications, particularly food packaging-related, is growing rapidly.
By Dave Savastano
July 2003
Asia-Pacific Coatings Show Review
By David Savastano and Christine Canning Esposito
Working to modify REACH proposals
European ink and chemical manufacturers are adding their input into the European Commission’s REACH legislation.
By Sean Milmo
Flint Ink’s Roy Beagle Receives NAPIM’s Pioneer Award
By David Savastano
Latin ink market begins recovery
The troubled Latin American ink market is showing signs of improvements in some segments and in some countries.
By Charles W. Thurston
The ink jet ink report
Of all the segments for ink jet technologies, the wide format market offers the greatest opportunity for growth for ink manufacturers looking for areas to develop and market new ink jet inks.
By Kerry Pianoforte
June 2003
Pigment Producers Rely on Innovation, Cooperation to Move Forward
European producers are having to step up their technological efforts to ensure they hang on to key specialty segments.
By Sean Milmo
European Coatings Show Review
More than 2,000 inkies among the more than 16,000 attendees at this year’s ECS.
By David Savastano
Improving Properties of UV Flexo Inks By Curing Under Nitrogen
By Bonnie Bedolla
Mitsuo Matsuzawa Honored by NAPIM
INX International Ink Company’s chairman receives Printing Ink Pioneer Award.
By Kerry Pianoforte
A Family Atmosphere at NAPIM
NAPIM executive director James Coleman receives Printing Ink Pioneer Award
By David Savastano
Treating People Right is American Printing Ink’s Forte
By David Savastano
The Resin Report
Suppliers are banking on new technologies and cost efficiencies to help overcome rising raw material costs and the continued economic downturn.
By Dave Savastano
Ink Jet Inks Make Gains in Textiles
Traditionally, textile printing has been the realm of screen printing, but ink
By Mike Agosta and Dave Savastano
May 2003
The Gravure Update
Despite a tough economic year, the gravure market has managed some growth, with better things expected for the future.
By Kerry Pianoforte
Succeeding on His Own Terms
Ink Systems’ founder Urban S. Hirsch III Receives NAPIM’s Ault Award
By David Savastano
The Organic Pigment Industry: Where it's Been and Where it's Going
Kenneth C. Collins Retires From Sun Chemical
By David Savastano
Facing a New Challenge
Greg Nelson, Sun Chemical’s new VP and chief procurement officer, takes reins of company’s $2.3B purchasing department.
By David Savastano
Opportunities are Plentiful for Akzo Nobel Inks
By Sean Milmo
The Asian Ink Market
China and India are the main drivers in this fast-growing region, which is drawing increased attention from ink companies
By Dave Savastano
NAPIM Convention Review
There are signs that the ink industry may see economic improvement in 2003.
By Dave Savastano
April 2003
Paper, Ink Suppliers Work Closer Together
Paper companies are devoting more effort to learning about the relationship between the surface of paper and inks
By Sean Milmo
A Gift for Creativity
Eastman Resins’ Lud Horn continues to earn honors and inspire his colleagues.
By David Savastano
Micronised PTFE in Printing Inks – A Technology Review
By Joon Choo
‘Good Manufacturing Practice’ with Food Packaging
By Dr. Sandro Leuenberger
Bill Miller Leads Flint Ink North America
With his new team in place, the company’s new division president prepares for the future.
By Dave Savastano
The U.S. Top 20
In spite of the continued economic challenges they are facing, some ink companies were able to find opportunities for growth in 2003.
March 2003
European Ink Market Faces Another Challenging Year in 2003
European ink producers are preparing themselves for a period of tough market conditions in 2003.
By Sean Milmo
Review: CPMA Conference — The Changing Face of the Color Pigments Industry
By Mike Agosta
Remembering Fred C. Wikoff Jr.
From developing an employee-owned company to empowering colleagues, Wikoff Color’s founder was ahead of his time.
By David Savastano
The ABCs of Ink
Education is key when it comes to the ink industry.
By Kerry Pianoforte
CPIPC Celebrates the Winter
More than 260 attendees enjoy the Chicago Printing Ink Production Club’s annual Winter Interlude.
By David Savastano
The Pigment Report
2002 was essentially a flat year for pigment companies, but global politics, raw material supply and cost uncertainties, increasing competition and pricing pressures are among the concerns that are facing pigment manufacturers in 2003.
By Dave Savastano
A New Day at Central Ink
Led by chairman and CEO Richard Breen and new president Jack Ackerman, Central Ink makes an entrance into sheetfed and energy curing.
By Dave Savastano
February 2003
The Flexo Report
The outlook for the flexo ink market continues to look strong as flexo makes further inroads in the packaging industry and new applications are being developed.
By Dave Savastano
Nanotechnology is Impacting Inks, Pigments, Printing
By Sean Milmo
Neville Chemical’s George Willock Receives TAM Service Award
By David Savastano
NAPIM’s Annual Convention Examines ‘The Reality of Tomorrow’
By David Savastano
The Milling Report
Equipment manufacturers are hopeful that the gains they saw in capital expenditures at the end of 2002 will continue into 2003.
By Dave Savastano
Vehicles and Varnishes
While pricing pressures continue, manufacturers look for ways to differentiate their products.
By Dave Savastano
January 2003
Eastern Europe Offers Opportunities
The European Union invitation to 10 new states, most of them from Eastern Europe, to join will have a significant impact on printers.
By Sean Milmo
Lisa Hahn Receives NAPIM’s Award For Technical Achievement
By David Savastano
Mexico’s Ink Industry Anticipates Growth in 2003
By Charles W. Thurston
Learning About the Industry From Our U.S. Ink Directory
By David Savastano
Gloss Dry-Back from Wet Trap Printing with Aqueous Coatings
By Theresa Ruehle, H. Tom Mills, Sunil Jayasuriya, Paul Gloor, and Stephen A. Fischer
In Search of Continuous Improvement
Ink companies and suppliers alike are utilizing Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, Total Quality Management and other process improvement systems to improve all aspects of their business.
By Dave Savastano
The Offset Report
The offset market has seen a slowdown as a result of the economy, but there is reason for optimism in 2003.
By Kerry Pianoforte
