David Savastano, Editor01.25.16
The U.S. Ink Directory is one of the annual highlights for Ink World. Aside from presenting a comprehensive listing of more than 190 U.S. ink manufacturers, the U.S. Ink Directory provides a look at how the industry itself is faring, as new companies start and others close their doors or are acquired.
The directory also gives me the opportunity to contact ink manufacturers to see what’s new in the industry, and many company executives are happy to discuss what they are seeing. Not surprisingly, packaging ink specialists are doing better than their publication ink colleagues. Quite a few companies that began in the commercial sheetfed or publication ink market have branched out into new areas, whether it is into folding carton or by developing new lines, such as flexo or UV curing inks. Of course, there are other companies that are successfully choosing to remain in their own markets, as competitors leave the field.
All of these moves are driven by the changing nature of the printing industry. Printers need to supply what their customers want, and in turn, ink manufacturers must meet printers’ requirements.
New technologies are changing expectations of print buyers and consumers. Digital printing is the most obvious example, as the ability use variable data gives the end user a sense of personalization.
Printed electronics is another opportunity. On page 38, I offer a look at this growing field, along with five products that are printed, and are available or are near mass commercialization. Consider this: through screenprinting, gravure or inkjet, new products are emerging that create a new demand. For example, two years ago, there were no wireless thermometers that could use Bluetooth to transmit to an app on your phone. For hospitals, this kind of technology could be a major time saver. For printers and ink manufacturers, this is the kind of project that creates new business opportunities.
There are very few businesses that remain the same over many decades. The ink industry has undergone many changes over the years, and there are certainly more to come.
The directory also gives me the opportunity to contact ink manufacturers to see what’s new in the industry, and many company executives are happy to discuss what they are seeing. Not surprisingly, packaging ink specialists are doing better than their publication ink colleagues. Quite a few companies that began in the commercial sheetfed or publication ink market have branched out into new areas, whether it is into folding carton or by developing new lines, such as flexo or UV curing inks. Of course, there are other companies that are successfully choosing to remain in their own markets, as competitors leave the field.
All of these moves are driven by the changing nature of the printing industry. Printers need to supply what their customers want, and in turn, ink manufacturers must meet printers’ requirements.
New technologies are changing expectations of print buyers and consumers. Digital printing is the most obvious example, as the ability use variable data gives the end user a sense of personalization.
Printed electronics is another opportunity. On page 38, I offer a look at this growing field, along with five products that are printed, and are available or are near mass commercialization. Consider this: through screenprinting, gravure or inkjet, new products are emerging that create a new demand. For example, two years ago, there were no wireless thermometers that could use Bluetooth to transmit to an app on your phone. For hospitals, this kind of technology could be a major time saver. For printers and ink manufacturers, this is the kind of project that creates new business opportunities.
There are very few businesses that remain the same over many decades. The ink industry has undergone many changes over the years, and there are certainly more to come.