Dave Savastano, Editor07.31.15
The ink industry is evolving. Many of the changes are due to the way people get their information (the growth of the Internet vs. decline of newspapers) and new technologies that can create more personalized content (gains in inkjet). This is nothing new: Industries evolve and markets change, and printing is no exception. It is up to ink manufacturers to meet the needs of their customers.
The growth of importance of geographic regions is another profound shift in the printing industry. Decades ago, North America, Western Europe and Japan were the leaders of the printing industry. This has changed, as other regions have grown in prominence.
Economic expansion, population gains and a growing middle class are driving growth in printing in the Asia-Pacific region. Ink World estimates that the Asia-Pacific ink market is the largest worldwide, with sales of more than $5 billion annually.
We are also seeing sizable growth in Latin America, where we estimate the market at approximately $2 billion. In The Latin American Ink Market Continues to Grow, which can be found online at http://bit.ly/1H3z2g1, industry leaders at multinational and local ink suppliers discuss the trends they are seeing in their markets. While Brazil, the largest economy in the region, is struggling, Mexico is among the countries that are doing well.
Also in this issue is our annual Top International Ink Companies Report, which begins on page 26. In this feature, we bring the latest news on the largest global ink manufacturers. It should come as little surprise that many of these companies are expanding their operations in the Asia-Pacific and Latin America regions, and ink suppliers are working on meeting the needs of their customers.
Speaking of meeting needs, the evolving regulatory environment and the importance of sustainability are among the changes ink manufacturers are facing, and determining which suppliers to partner with is becoming more essential. In this issue, Ink World is pleased to present its 17th annual Technical Profiles supplement, in which leading raw materials and equipment suppliers highlight their capabilities, innovative products and services. Technical Profiles can help ink companies determine suppliers who can help them achieve their goals for the future.
The growth of importance of geographic regions is another profound shift in the printing industry. Decades ago, North America, Western Europe and Japan were the leaders of the printing industry. This has changed, as other regions have grown in prominence.
Economic expansion, population gains and a growing middle class are driving growth in printing in the Asia-Pacific region. Ink World estimates that the Asia-Pacific ink market is the largest worldwide, with sales of more than $5 billion annually.
We are also seeing sizable growth in Latin America, where we estimate the market at approximately $2 billion. In The Latin American Ink Market Continues to Grow, which can be found online at http://bit.ly/1H3z2g1, industry leaders at multinational and local ink suppliers discuss the trends they are seeing in their markets. While Brazil, the largest economy in the region, is struggling, Mexico is among the countries that are doing well.
Also in this issue is our annual Top International Ink Companies Report, which begins on page 26. In this feature, we bring the latest news on the largest global ink manufacturers. It should come as little surprise that many of these companies are expanding their operations in the Asia-Pacific and Latin America regions, and ink suppliers are working on meeting the needs of their customers.
Speaking of meeting needs, the evolving regulatory environment and the importance of sustainability are among the changes ink manufacturers are facing, and determining which suppliers to partner with is becoming more essential. In this issue, Ink World is pleased to present its 17th annual Technical Profiles supplement, in which leading raw materials and equipment suppliers highlight their capabilities, innovative products and services. Technical Profiles can help ink companies determine suppliers who can help them achieve their goals for the future.