The global ink additives market is projected to reach $2 billion by 2023, at a CAGR of 5.2% between 2018 and 2023, according to "Ink Additives Market by Type ( Dispersing & Wetting Agents, Foam Control Additives, Slip/Rub Materials, Rheology Modifiers), Process, Technology, Application (Packaging, Publishing, Printing), and Region - Global Forecast to 2023," a report by Research and Markets.
The global ink additives industry is witnessing growth because of increasing applications, technological advancements, and increasing demand from Asia Pacific, mainly from China, Japan, India, and other Southeast Asian countries. The single-most long-term growth potential for ink additives in packaging is attributed to rapid urbanization, increasing disposable income, growing preference for easy and compact packaging among consumers. However, the cost incurred across the value chain is one of the major concerns in the ink additives market.
Dispersing and wetting agents help to stabilize the suspension of pigments in varnish. It assists in the dispersion of fine solid particles in the liquid phase. Pigment dispersant prevents agglomeration by weakening the intermolecular forces. For achieving the full intensity of color and maximum gloss, pigments must be distributed evenly. Fully distributed pigments help to increase the shelf life stability and reduces the tendency to flocculate or agglomerate the varnish.
The additives used in solvent-based technology are very less in comparison to water-based and UV-based technologies. Though many solvent-based inks are being phased out, they continue to be used by companies due to their low-cost during the entire printing ink manufacturing process.
Factors influencing the overall demand from the packaging industry in Asia Pacific include increasing packaging demand that arises from food products, such as meat and seafood along with the rise in the beverage industry due to increasing consumption of soda, soft drinks, tea, and coffee. In addition, the rising demand for corrugated packaging is affected by the rapid expansion of the e-retail industry. These factors are expected to drive the ink additives market in Asia Pacific.