Smithers report identifies new opportunities in aqueous ink market

Water-based inks and printing are an increasingly popular option in many market applications. When ink chemistry and performance can be optimised, they promise a safer, more sustainable alternative to solvent inks in print rooms, especially for packaging converters. The current market and latest commercial developments for both ink types are profiled in the brand new Smithers market report – The Future of Water-based vs. Solvent Printing to 2027.

Exclusive data from this report show that the total consumption of water-based inks will be 493,000 tonnes in 2022, with a value of $5.10 billion. Growth in demand will see this market expand at a steady compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.1 percent to reach 576,000 tonnes in 2027. In contrast, solvent-based ink use will rise from 1.02 million tonnes in 2022, worth $8.09 billion, to 1.13 million tonnes in 2027. Representative of a significantly slower CAGR of 2.1 percent, by volume, for the forecast period, this is indicative of greater enthusiasm in multiple markets to invest in alternative ink types, and the price premium aqueous ink sets can command.