Global Ink Resins Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• In October 2021, Eastman Chemical Company announced that the company and some of its subsidiaries entered a definitive agreement to sell its adhesive resins assets and business to Synthomer PLC for a total cash consideration of USD 1 billion.
• In March 2022, Major technologies involved are oil-based, solvent-based, water-based, and UV-curable-based. It has several printing processes: lithography, gravure, flexography, and other.

The global ink resins market is segmented by type, with modified resin, acrylic, cellulose, polyamide, polyurethane, hydrocarbon, and others playing significant roles. Modified resins are widely used in the ink industry due to their versatility and ability to be adapted to different types of printing processes. Acrylic resins are gaining traction due to their excellent adhesion properties and environmental benefits, making them suitable for eco-friendly applications. Polyamide resins are essential in the production of high-quality inks for various substrates, while polyurethane resins offer enhanced durability and flexibility. Hydrocarbon resins, with their strong bonding capabilities, remain crucial in providing optimal ink quality, and other resins continue to innovate to meet emerging market needs.

By application, the market spans several industries, including printing and publishing, flexible packaging, corrugated cardboards, cartons, and others. The printing and publishing sector remains a primary driver for ink resins, as the demand for high-quality prints in newspapers, books, and magazines continues. Flexible packaging has seen significant growth due to the rise in e-commerce and consumer preference for lightweight, cost-effective packaging materials. The corrugated cardboard and carton segment is growing in line with the global demand for sustainable packaging solutions, driven by increasing environmental awareness. The “others” category captures the wide range of niche applications, including industrial and specialty printing.

In terms of process, the ink resins market is divided into lithography printing, flexography printing, gravure printing, and others. Lithography printing, commonly used for high-volume commercial printing, relies on ink resins that ensure sharp images and fine details. Flexography printing, particularly popular in packaging and labeling, requires resins that can provide excellent performance on non-porous substrates. Gravure printing, widely used in high-quality, long-run print jobs such as magazines and packaging, demands ink resins that deliver uniform ink transfer and vibrant colors. The “others” category includes specialized processes, like screen printing, where different resin formulations are required to meet specific application needs.

Geographically, the global ink resins market is spread across several key regions, including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. North America and Europe are mature markets with strong demand driven by the growing emphasis on high-quality printing and sustainable packaging. The Asia Pacific region is witnessing rapid growth, fueled by increased industrialization, rising e-commerce activities, and expanding packaging sectors. The Middle East and Africa are emerging markets with increasing demand for printing solutions, while Latin America is seeing moderate growth due to the rise in consumer goods production and packaging needs.

Global Ink Resins Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Ink Resins Market has been segmented by Type, Application, Process and Geography.

Global Ink Resins Market, Segmentation by Type

The Global Ink Resins Market is segmented by Type into Modified Resin, Acrylic, Cellulose, Polyamide, Polyurethane, Hydrocarbon, and Others.

The global ink resins market is divided by type into several categories, each with distinct characteristics and applications. Modified resins are commonly used for their ability to improve the adhesion and durability of inks, making them ideal for various printing processes. Acrylic resins, known for their excellent weather resistance and transparency, are widely used in outdoor printing applications, providing high-quality finishes and long-lasting results.

Cellulose resins, derived from natural sources, are gaining popularity due to their eco-friendly properties and biodegradability. These resins are primarily used in gravure and flexographic printing, offering high-solids content for improved printing performance. Polyamide resins are valued for their chemical resistance and flexibility, making them suitable for ink applications in packaging and industrial printing where durability is essential.

Polyurethane resins provide superior hardness and abrasion resistance, which is ideal for inks used in high-traffic printing applications, such as labels and packaging. Hydrocarbon resins, typically derived from petroleum, offer low cost and excellent compatibility with various solvents, which make them widely used in the production of inks for packaging materials. Other types of resins also exist, each tailored for specific printing technologies, adding to the diversity and adaptability of the global ink resins market.

Global Ink Resins Market, Segmentation by Application

The Global Ink Resins Market is segmented by Application into Printing and Publishing, Flexible Packaging,Corrugated Cardboards and Cartons, and Others.

In the Printing and Publishing segment, ink resins are crucial for achieving high-quality prints in books, magazines, newspapers, and other printed materials. The resins used in this application must ensure excellent color accuracy, durability, and print consistency. With the increasing demand for high-definition prints and advanced graphics, the need for specialized ink resins that can meet these requirements is driving innovation in this segment.

Flexible Packaging is another significant application area, where ink resins play a vital role in enhancing the performance and appearance of packaging materials. Flexible packaging, used extensively in food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods, requires resins that offer strong adhesion, resistance to environmental factors, and vibrant colors. As the trend towards convenient and eco-friendly packaging solutions grows, the demand for advanced resins that can accommodate various substrates and ensure packaging integrity continues to rise.

In the Corrugated Cardboards and Cartons segment, ink resins are essential for printing on packaging materials that are often subjected to rough handling and environmental stress. Resins used in this application must provide good adhesion, print durability, and resistance to wear and tear. Additionally, the Others category encompasses various niche applications where specialized ink resins are used, such as in textiles, industrial printing, and promotional materials. This segment highlights the versatility of ink resins and their ability to cater to diverse and evolving market needs.

Global Ink Resins Market, Segmentation by Process

The Global Ink Resins Market is segmented by Process into Lithography Printing, Flexography Printing, Gravure Printing, and Others.

In Lithography Printing, ink resins are designed to provide high-quality, detailed images with excellent color fidelity and sharpness. Lithography, commonly used for high-volume printing such as newspapers, magazines, and packaging, requires resins that ensure smooth ink transfer and consistent print results. The focus is on achieving fine line clarity and uniform ink application, which are crucial for producing high-resolution prints.

Flexography Printing uses fast-drying, flexible resins that are suitable for a variety of substrates, including plastics, metals, and paper. This process is widely used in packaging, labels, and flexible materials. The resins for flexographic printing must offer good adhesion, quick drying, and resistance to smudging, which is essential for maintaining print quality during high-speed production. The ability to adapt to different substrates and maintain color consistency is key to successful flexographic printing.

Gravure Printing, often used for high-quality, long-run printing such as in magazines and packaging, requires ink resins that provide excellent transfer and durability. Gravure printing involves engraving ink onto a substrate using engraved cylinders, making it critical for the resins to maintain uniform viscosity and flow. The resins must also ensure that the printed material withstands handling and environmental conditions. The Others category includes various specialized printing processes like screen printing and digital printing, which have unique resin requirements based on their specific application and performance needs.

Global Ink Resins Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Ink Resins Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Global Ink Resins Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

The Global Ink Resins Market is segmented geographically into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. In North America, the market is driven by advanced printing technologies and a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability. The United States and Canada are key players, with significant demand for high-performance and eco-friendly ink resins across various applications, including packaging, publishing, and commercial printing. Regulatory pressures and consumer preferences for environmentally responsible products further shape the market dynamics in this region.

Europe represents a mature market with a focus on stringent environmental regulations and high-quality printing requirements. Countries like Germany, France, and the United Kingdom lead in adopting advanced resin technologies to meet the growing demand for sustainable and efficient printing solutions. The European market is characterized by a strong emphasis on compliance with environmental standards, driving the innovation of low-VOC and bio-based resins. Additionally, the diverse industrial base, including automotive, consumer goods, and pharmaceuticals, contributes to the robust demand for specialized ink resins.

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region in the ink resins market, driven by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and increasing consumer spending. Countries such as China, India, and Japan exhibit high demand for ink resins due to their expanding packaging and publishing sectors. The region's growth is fueled by the adoption of modern printing technologies and rising investments in infrastructure and consumer goods. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are emerging markets where growing economic development and expanding industrial activities are driving the demand for ink resins. Local market dynamics are influenced by regional economic conditions, industry growth, and the increasing need for high-quality printing solutions.