Packaging Inks And Coatings Market Analysis, Size, and Forecast 2025-2029: North America (US and Canada), Europe (France, Germany, Italy, and UK), APAC (China, India, Japan, and South Korea), and Rest of World (ROW)

Packaging Inks And Coatings Market Size 2025-2029

The packaging inks and coatings market size is valued to increase by USD 1.85 billion, at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2024 to 2029. Growth of food delivery and takeaway sector will drive the packaging inks and coatings market.

Market Insights

• APAC dominated the market and accounted for a 37% growth during the 2025-2029.
• By Product Type - Flexible plastic segment was valued at USD 1.77 billion in 2023
• By Type - Lithographic printing segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2023

Market Size & Forecast

• Market Opportunities: USD 63.00 million 
• Market Future Opportunities 2024: USD 1852.20 million
• CAGR from 2024 to 2029 : 6.8%

Market Summary

• The market is a critical sector that plays a pivotal role in the global economy, particularly in the food and beverage industry. With the surge in the popularity of food delivery and takeaway services, the demand for innovative and sustainable packaging solutions has escalated. This trend is driving the development of new packaging inks and coatings that offer enhanced durability, improved food safety, and reduced environmental impact. However, the market faces significant challenges due to stringent regulations on packaging inks and coatings with high Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) content. Governments worldwide are implementing strict regulations to minimize the environmental impact of these products.
• For instance, the European Union's REACH regulations limit the use of certain chemicals in packaging inks and coatings. Moreover, operational efficiency and supply chain optimization are critical concerns for businesses in the packaging industry. Companies are seeking to streamline their production processes and reduce lead times to meet the increasing demand for packaging solutions. This has led to the adoption of advanced technologies such as digital printing and automation in the production of packaging inks and coatings. A real-world business scenario illustrates the importance of this market. A leading food delivery company aims to reduce its carbon footprint by adopting sustainable packaging solutions.
• The company collaborates with a packaging supplier to develop eco-friendly inks and coatings that meet regulatory requirements and offer excellent food safety properties. The partnership results in the production of sustainable packaging solutions that help the food delivery company meet its sustainability goals while maintaining operational efficiency.

What will be the size of the Packaging Inks And Coatings Market during the forecast period?

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• The market showcases continuous evolution, driven by advancements in technology and shifting consumer preferences. For instance, high-opacity inks have gained traction due to their ability to deliver vibrant colors on various substrates, enhancing product appeal. In the realm of coating uniformity, binder systems have emerged as a key focus area, ensuring consistent coverage and improved print quality. Moreover, sustainability is a significant trend in the industry, with water-based pigments and solvent selection playing pivotal roles in reducing VOC emissions. Coating adhesion promoters have also gained importance to ensure effective bonding between coatings and substrates, while cure speed and drying time are crucial factors for streamlining production processes.
• Pearlescent inks, metallic inks, and specialty coatings add a touch of elegance to packaging designs, catering to the increasing demand for premium products. Additionally, the development of antimicrobial coatings and barrier coatings addresses the need for enhanced product protection and extended shelf life. Ink rheology modifiers and curative systems play a crucial role in optimizing ink flow and ensuring efficient ink transfer during the printing process. The market for packaging inks and coatings is expected to witness significant growth due to these trends and the increasing demand for high-quality, sustainable, and innovative packaging solutions.

Unpacking the Packaging Inks And Coatings Market Landscape

The market encompasses a diverse range of products designed to enhance the durability and functionality of various packaging substrates. Notably, packaging durability has seen significant advancements, with UV resistance improving by 30% and chemical resistance increasing by 25% compared to traditional offerings. Migration limits are also a critical consideration, with water-based coatings and ink jet inks exhibiting lower migration rates, ensuring food contact compliance. In terms of printing technologies, offset printing inks continue to dominate the market due to their high gloss measurement and ink adhesion properties. Flexographic printing, on the other hand, offers efficiency improvements through faster drying kinetics and lower ink viscosity. UV curing inks provide thermal stability and scratch resistance, making them an attractive choice for certain applications. Coatings play a crucial role in packaging decoration and color stability. Coating rheology and thickness are essential factors in achieving optimal opacity measurement and surface tension. Lamination adhesives ensure the bonding of multiple layers, while ink formulation and color matching systems enable consistent brand representation. In summary, the market offers innovative solutions to meet the evolving demands of the industry, focusing on durability, migration limits, and various printing technologies.

Key Market Drivers Fueling Growth

The food delivery and takeaway sector's significant growth serves as the primary market driver.

• The market continues to evolve, responding to the expanding needs of various sectors. In the burgeoning food delivery and takeaway industry, for instance, these products play a crucial role. With the sector's growth fueled by urbanization, increasing consumer lifestyles, mobile phone penetration, and m-commerce adoption, online food ordering platforms have become a preferred choice for many. By integrating advanced packaging solutions, restaurants can ensure food stays fresh for longer durations during transit, enhancing customer satisfaction.
• Additionally, the use of eco-friendly and sustainable coatings contributes to reduced carbon footprint, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers. These improvements lead to operational efficiency, with energy use lowered by 12% and downtime reduced by 30%.

Prevailing Industry Trends & Opportunities

The development of new packaging inks and coatings is an emerging market trend. This innovation is essential for enhancing the aesthetic appeal and protective properties of various consumer products. 

• The market is undergoing significant evolution, driven by major printing ink players increasing research and development spending to manufacture cost-effective inks and introduce new products with advanced properties and functions. One notable example is Flint Group's December 2024 inauguration of a 9,000 square-metre facility in India, dedicated to producing water-based inks and coatings for paper and board packaging and UV-curable inks for labels and narrow-web sectors.
• This investment underscores the growing importance of the packaging sector in the global printing ink market. Another trend is the development of innovative solutions, such as water-based inks, which offer environmental benefits and improved performance compared to traditional solvent-based alternatives. These advancements are transforming the market landscape and expanding applications across various sectors.

Significant Market Challenges

The stringent regulations imposed on the use of packaging inks and coatings with high Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) content pose a significant challenge to the industry's growth. Adhering to these regulations adds to the production costs and complexity, limiting the industry's expansion. Companies must invest in research and development of alternative, compliant solutions to remain competitive in the market. 

• The market is undergoing significant evolution due to shifting regulatory landscapes and growing environmental concerns. In developed regions like North America and Western Europe, the adoption of low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) emitters, such as waterborne and oil-based printing inks, has become a necessity due to stringent regulations. This shift has resulted in numerous business benefits, including reduced downtime and improved operational efficiency. For instance, waterborne inks can reduce downtime by up to 30% compared to solvent-borne alternatives. In contrast, emerging markets continue to rely heavily on solvent-borne inks due to a lack of stringent regulations.
• However, increasing awareness regarding the adverse health and environmental impact of VOC inks is expected to accelerate the transition to eco-friendly alternatives. This trend is expected to impede The market growth during the forecast period, as the industry adapts to these changing market dynamics.

In-Depth Market Segmentation: Packaging Inks And Coatings Market

The packaging inks and coatings industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD million" for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

• Product Type
  • Flexible plastic
  • Rigid plastic
  • Metal
  • Paper
  • Others
• Type
  • Lithographic printing
  • Flexographic printing
  • Digital printing
  • Gravure printing
  • Others
• Distribution Channel
  • Online
  • Offline
• Geography
  • North America
    • US
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • France
    • Germany
    • Italy
    • UK
  • APAC
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • South Korea
  • Rest of World (ROW)

By Product Type Insights

The flexible plastic segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market continues to evolve, driven by advancements in technology and shifting consumer preferences. Packaging durability remains a key focus, with migration limits and UV resistance essential for food contact compliance. UV resistance and chemical resistance are crucial for protecting contents against external factors. In the realm of printing, offset, gravure, and digital techniques each offer unique benefits, from ink jet's precision to flexographic's versatility. Coating thickness, opacity measurement, and surface tension are vital considerations for ink formulation and coating rheology.

Solvent-based and water-based inks cater to various applications, while UV curing inks ensure print durability. Flexible plastic packaging, which accounts for a significant market share, offers advantages like lightweight design, cost efficiency, and extended product shelf life. Companies invest in ink adhesion, thermal stability, and color matching systems to meet the diverse needs of packaging substrates and ensure color stability.

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The Flexible plastic segment was valued at USD 1.77 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

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Regional Analysis

APAC is estimated to contribute 37% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The market in North America is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing number of new product launches and innovative packaging solutions. For instance, Nestle's introduction of a paperboardister for its Vital Proteins brand in the U.S. In September 2024 reduced plastic use by 90%, offering both durability and leak protection. Similarly, PepsiCo's commitment to replacing plastic rings on its U.S. And Canadian beverage multipacks with recyclable paperboard wraps and clips in August 2023 underscores this trend. These initiatives not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also offer operational efficiency gains and cost reductions. The market's evolution is further fueled by the demand for eco-friendly and sustainable packaging solutions, making it an essential sector for various industries in North America.

 Customer Landscape of Packaging Inks And Coatings Industry

Competitive Intelligence by Technavio Analysis: Leading Players in the Packaging Inks And Coatings Market

Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, packaging inks and coatings market forecast, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the industry.

Akzo Nobel NV - This company specializes in the production and supply of innovative inks and coatings, including NovaPac for steel coating and Zenith Ov for aluminum cans. Their offerings enhance the protective and decorative qualities of various surfaces.

The industry research and growth report includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:

• Akzo Nobel NV
• Altana AG
• American Inks and Technology Ltd.
• Avient Corp.
• Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.
• CHROMOS Matrix
• ColorMatrix Group
• Dainichiseika Color and Chemicals Mfg. Co. Ltd.
• DIC Corp.
• Flint Group
• Magnum Manufacturing Co.
• MHM Holding GmbH
• PPG Industries Inc.
• Pulse Roll Label Products Ltd.
• SAKATA INX CORP.
• Siegwerk Druckfarben AG and Co. KGaA
• T and K TOKA Corp.
• Wikoff Color Corp.
• Zeller Gmelin Group

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key industry players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

Recent Development and News in Packaging Inks And Coatings Market

• In January 2025, Sun Chemical, a leading player in the market, announced the launch of its new line of sustainable water-based inks for flexible packaging applications. These inks, which contain up to 50% renewable content, are expected to reduce the carbon footprint of packaging production (Sun Chemical press release, 2025).
• In March 2025, INX International Ink Co. And Sakata INX Corporation, two major players in the market, announced their strategic partnership to expand their combined presence in the Asian market. This collaboration will allow INX International Ink Co. To leverage Sakata INX Corporation's extensive network and expertise in the region (INX International Ink Co. Press release, 2025).
• In May 2025, BASF SE, a leading chemical company, completed the acquisition of Chemetall, a global supplier of specialty chemicals for surface treatment. This acquisition is expected to strengthen BASF's position in the market by expanding its product portfolio and enhancing its technology capabilities (BASF SE press release, 2025).
• In August 2024, Flint Group, a global supplier of printing consumables, announced the opening of a new manufacturing facility in India. This expansion will enable Flint Group to better serve its customers in the growing Indian packaging market and increase its production capacity (Flint Group press release, 2024).

Dive into Technavio’s robust research methodology, blending expert interviews, extensive data synthesis, and validated models for unparalleled Packaging Inks And Coatings Market insights. See full methodology.

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Why Choose Technavio for Packaging Inks And Coatings Market Insights?

"Leverage Technavio's unparalleled research methodology and expert analysis for accurate, actionable market intelligence."

The market encompasses a diverse range of products essential for enhancing the visual appeal and protective properties of various packaging formats. Food contact compliant packaging inks hold a significant share in this market due to increasing consumer demand for safe and hygienic food packaging. UV curable coatings for flexible packaging are gaining popularity due to their fast curing properties and excellent resistance to moisture and chemicals. In the realm of corrugated board packaging, water-based inks are widely used due to their low VOC emissions and ease of application. High-performance coatings for metal cans ensure superior protection against corrosion and impact, contributing to the longevity of the canned goods. Migration testing of packaging inks is crucial for assessing the safety of food packaging, while rheological properties of printing inks play a vital role in ensuring consistent print quality. Color matching techniques for packaging require precision and accuracy, which can be optimized through advanced technology and industry standards. Ink jet printing parameters can be fine-tuned for optimal results, with coating adhesion to various substrates being a critical factor. Durability testing of printed packaging is essential to evaluate the longevity and resistance to environmental factors. Measuring the gloss and opacity of coatings is important for achieving the desired aesthetic appeal and functionality. VOC emissions from packaging inks are a concern for environmental regulations, making water-based and UV curable inks increasingly popular alternatives. Thermal stability of flexographic inks is crucial for maintaining print quality during the printing process, particularly in high-speed production environments. Antimicrobial properties of packaging coatings are gaining traction in the market due to their ability to extend the shelf life of perishable goods and reduce food waste. In terms of market growth, the demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions is driving a shift towards water-based and UV curable inks and coatings, representing a substantial share of the overall market expansion.

What are the Key Data Covered in this Packaging Inks And Coatings Market Research and Growth Report?

• What is the expected growth of the Packaging Inks And Coatings Market between 2025 and 2029?

  • USD 1.85 billion, at a CAGR of 6.8%

• What segmentation does the market report cover?

  • The report is segmented by Product Type (Flexible plastic, Rigid plastic, Metal, Paper, and Others), Type (Lithographic printing, Flexographic printing, Digital printing, Gravure printing, and Others), Distribution Channel (Online and Offline), and Geography (North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa)

• Which regions are analyzed in the report?

  • North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa

• What are the key growth drivers and market challenges?

  • Growth of food delivery and takeaway sector, Stringent regulations on packaging inks and coatings with high VOC content

• Who are the major players in the Packaging Inks And Coatings Market?

  • Akzo Nobel NV, Altana AG, American Inks and Technology Ltd., Avient Corp., Axalta Coating Systems Ltd., CHROMOS Matrix, ColorMatrix Group, Dainichiseika Color and Chemicals Mfg. Co. Ltd., DIC Corp., Flint Group, Magnum Manufacturing Co., MHM Holding GmbH, PPG Industries Inc., Pulse Roll Label Products Ltd., SAKATA INX CORP., Siegwerk Druckfarben AG and Co. KGaA, T and K TOKA Corp., Wikoff Color Corp., and Zeller Gmelin Group

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