David Savastano, Editor01.16.19
Every January, Ink World publishes its annual US Ink Directory, a comprehensive listing of ink manufacturers throughout the US. As always, we see ink companies that are acquired or close their operations, while also discovering new companies looking to gain a foothold in their respective markets. The 2019 US Ink Directory, which begins on page 20 and also appears online at https://www.inkworldmagazine.com/us-ink-directory/, is no different in this regard.
In talking with many US ink manufacturers, some trends continue to emerge. Many sheetfed and offset ink companies have diversified their portfolio, adding packaging capabilities to help overcome the shrinking publication and commercial printing segments. Digital inks remain a growth business, and conductive ink companies are an increasing presence (more on that in a moment). As always, I appreciate the conversations I have with many of these ink manufacturers, and I welcome any company that should be added to the US directory to contact me at dsavastano@rodmanmedia.com.
The printing ink field has changed a great deal over the years, and not just in the types of printing that dominate the market. In particular, ink formulators have had to become far more knowledgeable about the regulatory landscape. For example, in “Chemicals are Coming Under Increased Scrutiny,” which starts on page 42, experts in EHS and regulatory matters discuss how REACH and new TSCA legislation, combined with better testing, are identifying chemicals that are now being considered as potentially hazardous. This could have a significant impact on what materials can be used to formulate an ink, and certainly bears watching.
As I mentioned before, conductive inks are a growth area, and are key to the development of smart packaging, sensors and more. In “Flexible and Printed Electronics Make Gains in 2018,” beginning on page 44, brand owners offer their thoughts on how smart packaging is improving their businesses. In addition, I highlight five innovative companies that are using flexible and printed electronics, ranging from NFC-enabled cosmetics boxes and liquor bottles to printed displays, heated jackets and a wireless glove with textile sensors. Flexible and printed electronics continue to appear in consumer goods, and conductive inks will play an increasingly important role in these products.
In talking with many US ink manufacturers, some trends continue to emerge. Many sheetfed and offset ink companies have diversified their portfolio, adding packaging capabilities to help overcome the shrinking publication and commercial printing segments. Digital inks remain a growth business, and conductive ink companies are an increasing presence (more on that in a moment). As always, I appreciate the conversations I have with many of these ink manufacturers, and I welcome any company that should be added to the US directory to contact me at dsavastano@rodmanmedia.com.
The printing ink field has changed a great deal over the years, and not just in the types of printing that dominate the market. In particular, ink formulators have had to become far more knowledgeable about the regulatory landscape. For example, in “Chemicals are Coming Under Increased Scrutiny,” which starts on page 42, experts in EHS and regulatory matters discuss how REACH and new TSCA legislation, combined with better testing, are identifying chemicals that are now being considered as potentially hazardous. This could have a significant impact on what materials can be used to formulate an ink, and certainly bears watching.
As I mentioned before, conductive inks are a growth area, and are key to the development of smart packaging, sensors and more. In “Flexible and Printed Electronics Make Gains in 2018,” beginning on page 44, brand owners offer their thoughts on how smart packaging is improving their businesses. In addition, I highlight five innovative companies that are using flexible and printed electronics, ranging from NFC-enabled cosmetics boxes and liquor bottles to printed displays, heated jackets and a wireless glove with textile sensors. Flexible and printed electronics continue to appear in consumer goods, and conductive inks will play an increasingly important role in these products.
