2026 Top International Ink Companies Report

The ink industry has been facing numerous pressures this decade. First, the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically changed how companies operated. After a short period of stability, albeit at higher costs, the return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency brought with it a wide range of tariffs, with the possibility of more to come.

The past year has seen further challenges, as the 2026 war between the U.S., Israel and Iran led to the closing of the Strait of Hormuz. Estimates report that at least 20% of the world’s crude oil is shipped through the strait. As a result, the price of crude oil rose from approximately $70 per barrel to $120/barrel at its height. This, in turn, heavily impacts the cost and availability of petroleum-based chemicals, some of which are used for ink formulations. 

While prices have come down after a memorandum of understanding was signed between the parties, prices at the pump have yet to return to pre-war levels.

Meanwhile, the changing printing industry, particularly on the publication/commercial side, has created a permanent shift on the ink side.

That shift is leading to changes among ink manufacturers. Interestingly, two of the top 12 largest international ink producers have rebranded their companies with an eye on the expanding packaging sector. Flint Group has rebranded its company as Flint Group Packaging Solutions, although it is continuing to maintain its publication ink side. Wikoff Color has rebranded itself as Wikoff, with an emphasis on advanced coatings and digital technologies.

Advanced inks and coatings, or functional inks and coatings, are a significant growth area in the industry. Printers and their customers are looking at ways to improve the circularity of their products, and inks and coatings have a role to play there.

In this year’s Top International Ink Companies Report, leading ink executives offer their insights into the market. Industry leaders report they are anticipating further growth this year, particularly on the packaging and digital portions of the market, but are closely monitoring the conflict in the Middle East. Hopefully, these concerns will be settled in the near future.

David Savastano
Ink World Contributing Editor
[email protected]