For manufacturers and formulators, the economics of the Printing Inks business require careful balancing of raw-material costs, performance attributes and regulatory burdens. As traditional substrates such as paper and board are supplemented by films, foils and flexible packaging, ink systems must evolve accordingly. 
However, growth doesn’t come without headwinds: pressure on raw material pricing, increasing regulatory demands (especially regarding VOCs, heavy-metal content and recyclability), and the shift toward sustainability all weigh on margins. In this context, ink suppliers who can deliver high-performance products while supporting circular economy goals are likely to stand out.