• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Top Companies
    • Printing Inks
    • Raw Materials
    • Equipment
    • Directories
    • Events
    • Jobs
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Top Companies
  • Printing Inks
  • Raw Materials
  • Equipment
  • Directories
  • Events
  • Jobs
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Columns
    Editorial
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Editorial Guidelines
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    eBook
    Top Features
    Digital Printing Makes Significant Inroads into Corrugated Market

    The 2022 Additives Report

    Fujifilm’s New US RxD Dispersion Facility is Key to Growth in Aqueous Inkjet Ink Market

    Jim Leitch Honored with NAPIM’s 2022 Ault Award

    NAPIM Honors Five Industry Leaders with 2022 Pioneer Awards
    Breaking News
    Distributor News
    Financial News
    Industry News
    Ink Manufacturers News
    Market Research
    Mergers and Acquisitions
    New Products
    Personnel
    Price Increases
    Printers News
    Suppliers News
    Live From Shows
    Video Bites
    Top News
    Integrate Safety and Ergonomics in ROSS Ribbon Blenders

    Leadership Change in ALTANA’s ELANTAS Division

    Nazdar Highlights Ink Innovation at Labelexpo Americas 2022

    Cyngient, Imageworx Partner at Labelexpo for Security Labeling

    BASF Breaks Ground on Riverfront Park in East Newark
    Whitepapers
    Top North American Companies
    Top International Companies
    Conductive Inks and Printed Electronics
    Graphic Arts Coatings
    Inkjet Inks and Toners
    Marking and Pad Printing Inks
    News Inks
    Packaging Flexo Inks
    Packaging Gravure Inks
    Publication Gravure Inks
    Publication Offset Inks
    Screen Inks
    Sheetfed Inks
    Specialty Inks
    UV and EB Inks

    Nazdar Highlights Ink Innovation at Labelexpo Americas 2022

    Cyngient, Imageworx Partner at Labelexpo for Security Labeling

    Roland DG Corporation to Relocate HQ to Miyakoda, Japan

    Gallus Launches Gallus One, Its First Fully Digital Inkjet Label Press

    Kodak Reports 2Q 2022 Financial Results
    Additives
    Energy-Curable Materials
    Flushed Colors and Pigments
    Metallics and Special Effects Pigments
    Resins
    Vehicles and Varnishes
    Waxes

    Evonik Enjoys 31% Growth in 1H 2022

    Quinacridone Pigments Market Size Projected to Reach $539 Million by 2030: Straits

    Chemours Details Progress in Fifth Corporate Responsibility Commitment Report

    BASF Enters Power Agreements in US for Clean Energy Supply

    Ingevity Reports 2Q 2022 Financial Results
    Energy-Curing Equipment
    Mills and Mixers
    Testing, Color and QC

    Integrate Safety and Ergonomics in ROSS Ribbon Blenders

    Paul N. Gardner Offers Bacharach Sling Psychrometer

    Little Joe Industries

    IM GROUP Wins Best Industrial Tinting System Award for Ninth Consecutive Year

    ROSS Planetary Dual Dispersers Offer Unique Processing Flexibility
    Buyers Guide
    Distributor Guide
    European Ink Directory
    U.S. Ink Directory
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Pan Technology, Inc.

    Munzing

    Hockmeyer Equipment Corp.

    ROSS Mixers

    Specialty Polymers, Inc.
    Industry Events
    Live from Show Event
    Webinars
    Top Events
    Labelexpo Americas 2022
    • Magazine
      • Current / Back Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Editorial Guidelines
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Directory
      • Buyers Guide
      • Distributor Guide
      • European Ink Directory
      • U.S. Ink Directory
      • Trade Associations
    • Printing Inks
      • Conductive Inks and Printed Electronics
      • Graphic Arts Coatings
      • Inkjet Inks and Toners
      • Marking and Pad Printing Inks
      • News Inks
      • Packaging Flexo Inks
      • Packaging Gravure Inks
      • Publication Gravure Inks
      • Publication Offset Inks
      • Screen Inks
      • Sheetfed Inks
      • Specialty Inks
      • UV and EB Inks
    • Raw Materials
      • Additives
      • Energy-Curable Materials
      • Flushed Colors and Pigments
      • Metallics and Special Effects Pigments
      • Resins
      • Vehicles and Varnishes
      • Waxes
    • Equipment
      • Energy-Curing Equipment
      • Mills and Mixers
      • Testing, Color and QC
    • Top Companies
      • Top North American Companies
      • Top International Companies
    • Online Exclusives
    • Slideshows
    • Expert's Opinion
    • Videos
    • eBook
    • Podcasts
    • Blog
    • Infographics
    • Whitepapers
    • Jobs
    • Supplier Microsites
      • Companies
      • Literature / Brochures
      • Whitepapers
      • Product Spec Sheets
      • Videos
      • Jobs
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Features

    Led by Online Shopping, Packaging Ink Market is Growing in Europe

    The positive outlook for packaging is being blurred by uncertainties about which types of packaging will be most in-demand over the next few years.

    Led by Online Shopping, Packaging Ink Market is Growing in Europe
    Photo courtesy of Siegwerk Druckfarben.
    Related CONTENT
    • TW Ink Solutions Specialists Inc
    • Fasnacht Dynamics AG
    • 2021 Cincinnati Ink Golf Club Outing
    • Durham Box Upgrades EFI Nozomi C18000 Printer with White UV LED Ink
    • Toyo Ink Europe Specialty Chemicals Develops Near-Infrared Sortable Black Masterbatch
    Sean Milmo, European Editor07.27.20
    Compared with other printing ink segments in the region, Europe’s packaging inks businesses have been looking likely to emerge from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic the least badly affected by the recession resulting from the economic upheavals of a two to three month lockdown.

    Further, the future prospects for the European packaging sector have been considered by analysts to be brighter than the region’s other main printing ink markets.

    However, the positive outlook for packaging is being blurred by considerable uncertainties about which types of packaging will be most in-demand over the next few years. In particular, there are doubts about whether increases in packaging consumption in terms of volume will be matched by similar rises by value, and how this possible gap between volume and value will reverberate on packaging ink sales.

    This apprehension about trends in value stems from the dramatic acceleration in the switch from traditional retail shopping to online purchasing during the COVID lockdown - at least for consumer goods, which dominates the packaging market as a whole.

    The biggest shift to e-commerce has been on the online sites of major retail chains, particularly supermarkets, with some of them recording rises in e-commerce sales of more than tenfold during the stay-at-home restrictions.

    Shift to Online Shopping Quickens

    When the lockdowns were eased in most European countries in June, when shops not selling essential goods like foods and groceries, medicines and health and personal care products were able to reopen, there were clear signs that most shoppers were continuing to do most of their purchasing online.

    This raised questions among analysts about the post-COVID survival of retail chains in their present format, with the threat of large shopping malls having to close permanently.

    “The shift to online shopping has been exponential,” said Jonathan Flynn, retail practice consultant at UK-based Odgers Interim consultancy. “The impact on the sector has been immediate, raising the question as to whether this will be the final nail in the coffin for (town center shopping) as we know it.

    “(Its) future existence is becoming increasingly precarious,” he added. “As retailers increase investment in online platforms and operations, there will be a reevaluation of running costly bricks and mortar storefronts.”

    The occurrence of a second wave of the pandemic, which is widely expected by medical experts, would put even well-established retailers under a lot of pressure while consumers would become more reliant on online purchases.

    For ink producers and other companies in the packaging supply chain, the more rapid expansion of e-commerce in consumer markets will mean more use of paper and board packaging. Since online paper and board packaging tends to carry less print than in packaging for the conventional retail market, less ink is consumed per packaging unit. Furthermore, there tend to be fewer opportunities for the application of premium inks in the e-commerce segment.

    Brand owners and packaging companies are trying to encourage ink makers to help improve the quality of printing in the sector, particularly for corrugated board, which now accounts for the vast majority of online packaging.

    More openings are likely to be created for more sophisticated inks in e-commerce shopping, while there is predicted to be more demand for inkjet printing to meet the demand for online personalization in packaging.

    “Online shopping was growing at the expense of (retail chain) stores well before COVID-19,” said Peter Lockley, president of INX Europe. “Unlike the impact of digitization on the publication inks sector, we don’t necessarily expect it to reduce the demand for premium packaging; just look at the number of YouTube ‘unboxing’ videos which emphasize the tactile experience of opening the package for many products. We’ll see a changing mix, but not one that makes me concerned for
    the future.”

    Sustainability Interest Heightens

    In the post-COVID period, probably the biggest challenge for ink makers will be posed by a more committed attitude among European consumers and politicians to the importance of sustainability.

    The pandemic is making large numbers of Europeans even more concerned about safety and hygiene, which is being extended into a stronger awareness for more environmental protection. They want to see these concerns reflected in the design and use of packaging and its materials.

    “Sustainability is not simply a buzzword that is going to disappear in a year or two, despite the disruption brought by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Deanna Klemesrud, Flint Group’s global marketing director, brand and promotion. “It is now at the heart of every industry and sector globally and is what will determine the future success of our industry. When the global economy begins to recuperate from the virus’s effects, our industry has a unique opportunity to ensure sustainable packaging forms an irreplaceable part of the recovery.”

    Under its COVID recovery plan announced in May, which is backed by €750 billion ($848 billion) in grants and loans for its 27 member states, the European Union is supporting the creation and expansion of green, environmentally friendly projects. These include the establishment of a circular economy, which will aim by 2030 to achieve a common EU target of 70% recycling of packaging waste.

    Of the two main packaging materials, paper and board have been set the highest recycling target of 85% by 2030 and plastics the second-lowest at 55%. But plastics have the toughest one because it could only achieve a recycling level of 41% in 2016, according to the latest figures published by the European Commission, the
    EU executive.

    The Commission also wants all plastics packaging to be recyclable by 2030, even though the recycling capacity might not be available by then to process all packaging.

    The Challenge of Deinking

    One key requirement of recyclability is the separation of ink from its substrates. It is a technology that is now well establishing for the deinking of paper packaging and other paper products but not yet for plastics.

    Some ink companies are already working on the challenge of developing inks which can be detached easily and safely from plastic packaging substrates for the recycling process. INX announced in April the introduction of a washable label ink for the recycling of PET bottles with shrink sleeves.

    “INX welcomes the development of the circular economy,’’ said Lockley. “The challenges include combining effective sustainability characteristics with a top-notch print performance at a price point which still makes sense for our customers. One example is our recently launched washable inks for the label market, which can contribute significantly to the recyclability of PET bottles.”

    Siegwerk and plastics packaging waste recycling specialist APK AG, which have jointly been developing a solvent-based deinking process, completed deinking trials on low-density polyethylene films in May.

    “We consider the entire life cycle of the packaging - from design, to use phase and finally recycling,” said Ralf Leineweber, Siegwerk’s head of global technology development. “We are very pleased that printing inks from Siegwerk have proven to be suitable for solvent-based recycling processes. We have mastered a much-discussed challenge for efficient recycling of flexible packaging.”

    Doubts about the future in a European circular economy of packaging and other plastic products, particularly single-use ones which are considered most responsible for plastics pollution on beaches and in marine waters, have yet to be resolved. The Commission, which is responsible for drawing up EU legislation, has been consulting on proposed regulations banning certain single-use items.

    A solution to the pollutant problem with plastic packaging is a massive switch among converters to bioplastics, including biopolymers in inks. That would make a sizeable proportion of the packaging compostable, although not all bioplastics are biodegradable under present composting standards.

    A major job given to a sustainability task force by Flint Group is to help printers move away from fossil-based materials to bio-based ones. The company does have the advantage of being able to offer printers 60%-80% bio-based nitrocellulose inks.

    However, the continual presence of petrochemical-derived plastics with prices dictated by crude-oil costs could undermine certain aspects of the circular economy. In early 2020, rock-bottom oil prices brought operations in Europe for the recycling of packaging and other plastics to a virtual halt because recycling plants could not produce recyclates at a price that could compete with that for virgin plastics.

    This raised the possibility that at times of low oil prices, parts of the circular economy covering packaging and key sections of the recycling market may have to receive government subsidies.

    European Editor Sean Milmo is an Essex, UK-based writer specializing in coverage of the chemical industry.
    Related Searches
    • UV and EB Inks
    • Sheetfed Inks
    • Inkjet Inks and Toners
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Sheetfed Inks
    • UV and EB Inks
    • Inkjet Inks and Toners
    Suggested For You
    TW Ink Solutions Specialists Inc TW Ink Solutions Specialists Inc
    Fasnacht Dynamics AG Fasnacht Dynamics AG
    2021 Cincinnati Ink Golf Club Outing 2021 Cincinnati Ink Golf Club Outing
    Durham Box Upgrades EFI Nozomi C18000 Printer with White UV LED Ink Durham Box Upgrades EFI Nozomi C18000 Printer with White UV LED Ink
    Toyo Ink Europe Specialty Chemicals Develops Near-Infrared Sortable Black Masterbatch Toyo Ink Europe Specialty Chemicals Develops Near-Infrared Sortable Black Masterbatch
    China’s Ink Market Recovers from Impact of COVID-19 China’s Ink Market Recovers from Impact of COVID-19
    Commercialization Drives Growth in the Conductive Ink and Materials Market Commercialization Drives Growth in the Conductive Ink and Materials Market
    The Vietnamese Ink Industry Continues to Enjoy Growth The Vietnamese Ink Industry Continues to Enjoy Growth
    Toyo Ink Merges Consolidated Subsidiaries in Reorg of Polymers, Coatings Related Business Toyo Ink Merges Consolidated Subsidiaries in Reorg of Polymers, Coatings Related Business
    OrelTech GmbH Offers 4 Ink Series for Printing Transparent, Non-transparent Metal Layers OrelTech GmbH Offers 4 Ink Series for Printing Transparent, Non-transparent Metal Layers
    Ink Companies are Looking to Expand in Latin, South America Ink Companies are Looking to Expand in Latin, South America
    GSE Launches Colorsat FCS Manual Ink Dispenser GSE Launches Colorsat FCS Manual Ink Dispenser
    COVID-19 Impacts the Latin, South America Ink Industry COVID-19 Impacts the Latin, South America Ink Industry
    Videojet Introduces Food Grade Ink 
Ideal for Printing on Eggshells Videojet Introduces Food Grade Ink 
Ideal for Printing on Eggshells
    Conductive Ink Market Worth $3.7 Billion by 2025: MarketsandMarkets Conductive Ink Market Worth $3.7 Billion by 2025: MarketsandMarkets

    Related Buyers Guide Companies

    • TW Ink Solutions Specialists Inc

      ...
      WILLY TIU, SALES MANAGER 08.03.22

    • Fasnacht Dynamics AG

      ...
      Thomas Boss, CEO 07.22.21

    • 2021 Cincinnati Ink Golf Club Outing

      ...
      Ink World Staff 04.27.21


    • Breaking News | Ink Manufacturers News | Inkjet Inks and Toners | Printers News | UV and EB Inks
      Durham Box Upgrades EFI Nozomi C18000 Printer with White UV LED Ink

      Durham Box Upgrades EFI Nozomi C18000 Printer with White UV LED Ink

      First packaging manufacturer in the U.K. to upgrade its Nozomi C18000 single-pass inkjet digital corrugated printer with white UV LED ink.
      Ink World staff 09.25.20

    • Breaking News | Flushed Colors and Pigments | New Products | Suppliers News
      Toyo Ink Europe Specialty Chemicals Develops Near-Infrared Sortable Black Masterbatch

      Toyo Ink Europe Specialty Chemicals Develops Near-Infrared Sortable Black Masterbatch

      New technology enables the sorting of black plastic packaging for recycling.
      Ink World staff 09.23.20

    Loading, Please Wait..
    Trending
    • Kodak Reports 2Q 2022 Financial Results
    • Cyngient, Imageworx Partner At Labelexpo For Security Labeling
    • BASF Breaks Ground On Riverfront Park In East Newark
    • DIC Reports Consolidated Financial Results 1H 2022
    • Gallus Launches Gallus One, Its First Fully Digital Inkjet Label Press
    Breaking News
    • Integrate Safety and Ergonomics in ROSS Ribbon Blenders
    • Leadership Change in ALTANA’s ELANTAS Division
    • Nazdar Highlights Ink Innovation at Labelexpo Americas 2022
    • Cyngient, Imageworx Partner at Labelexpo for Security Labeling
    • BASF Breaks Ground on Riverfront Park in East Newark
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    July 2022

    • Digital Printing Makes Significant Inroads into Corrugated Market
    • The 2022 ink Additives Report
    • Fujifilm’s opens new US RxD dispersion facility in Delaware
    • Jim Leitch Honored with NAPIM’s 2022 Ault Award
    • NAPIM Honors Five Industry Leaders with 2022 Pioneer Awards
    • Anthony Ameo receives NAPIM Pioneer Award
    • Larry Bykerk receives NAPIM Pioneer Award
    • Bill McPartland receives NAPIM Pioneer Award
    • Dave Savastano receives NAPIM Pioneer Award
    • Dennis Sweet receives NAPIM Pioneer Award
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Vitamin K2 May Ameliorate Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
    Vitamin D May Prevent Changes to Liver Enzymes and Lipid Profile After Exhaustive Exercise
    Omega-3 Fatty Acids Linked to Reduced Episodes of Depression
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Integrating Safety and Ergonomics in ROSS Ribbon Blenders
    Nouryon Enters into Exclusive Agreement with Brenntag Specialties
    The BEHR & KILZ Brands Partner with Leanne Ford to Revitalize Her Historic American Home
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    NeuroPace Becomes Exclusive U.S. Distributor of DIXI’s Product Line
    TransMed7 Achieves First-in-Human for Heron Soft Tissue Biopsy Devices
    West Pharmaceutical Services Invests in Latch Medical
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Societal CDMO Inks Land Sell Deal
    RoosterBio and AGC Biologics to Accelerate Manufacturing of Cell and Exosome Therapies
    WuXi Advanced Therapies Enters Licensing Agreement with Janssen
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Johnson & Johnson to Discontinue Global Sales of Talc-Based Baby Powder
    Dr. Squatch To Launch a 2nd Star Wars Soap Collection
    Neopac Wins 2 European Tube Manufacturers Association Awards
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Coveteur Co-founder Erin Makes Foray into Skincare Space
    The Body Shop Canada Continues Expansion of New Concept Stores
    Nutrafol Expands Hair Care with Strand Defender Conditioner
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Integrate Safety and Ergonomics in ROSS Ribbon Blenders
    Leadership Change in ALTANA’s ELANTAS Division
    Nazdar Highlights Ink Innovation at Labelexpo Americas 2022
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    TLMI partners with Convergen Energy at Labelexpo
    FINAT reports decrease in labelstock consumption during first half of 2022
    Color-Logic partners to feature metallics at autumn events
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Because Market Expands into Retail Stores
    Tranzonic Acquired by Private Investment Firm
    Monadnock Earns EcoVadis Gold Rating
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Integra LifeSciences Founder Dr. Richard Caruso Passes Away
    FDA Clears CTL Amedica's Navigation Instrument System
    FundamentalVR Raises $20 Million in Series B Funding
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    SEMI Appoints John Cooney to Lead Global Advocacy and Public Policy
    NMBS/SNCB Improves Security With HID Global’s Real-Time Location Service Technology
    onsemi Celebrates Expansion of Silicon Carbide Production Facility in New Hampshire

    Copyright © 2022 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login