Global flexo printing inks have bright future

While the flexo market is showing maturity in North America and Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia and South America are also growing. Since the growth of packaging inks often reflects the GDP growth rate of a country, CCI expects that many developing markets will drive strong packaging growth (sometimes in double digits). Kent Shah pointed out: "This trend may be shown in China, India, certain South American countries (such as Brazil) and some Middle Eastern markets."

Mike Impastato said: “Printing growth in North America and Western Europe will be equivalent to the growth rate of GDP. In these regions, the market is mature and there is little possibility of rapid growth. But in Eastern Europe, Asia and South America, the printing industry has huge opportunities for rapid development. I hope to The near-double-digit growth in these areas will be seen in the next few years, and the high growth rate in these areas will depend on many economic and social factors, but the printing industry must increase faster than in North America, but there is one thing: the total number of prints in North America and Western Europe. It will still lead the world in the foreseeable future."

Chris Parrilli said: "Because of the huge installed capacity, gravure is still the preferred printing process in Europe and Japan. Although flexo printing has attracted the attention of some printers, there are indications that its growth will not be faster than in North America."

Jim Freid said: “Although we currently do not have a manufacturing base outside of North America, we have found that the demand for high-quality flexographic products in those regions, particularly in Latin America and Asia, is growing at a much faster rate than that of the United States. The local currency is relatively strong against the U.S. dollar. At present, some Asian countries have an import tariff rate of 60% five years ago. We have recently noticed that tariffs have been reduced by 30%. Tariffs are still high, but a 50% drop is enough to allow us to enter boldly. China, with a population of 1.5 billion, is a non-negotiable place."

Many advances in flexo printing have brought a tremendous boost to flexographic printing.

Mike Impastato, vice president of North American Packaging at Flint Ink, believes that the latest development in giant flexo printing is computer-to-plate (CTP).

Mike said: "This technology brings better fidelity to flexo printing customers. Although the use surface has spread, it is still emerging and will continue to develop, and will continue to increase the competitiveness of flexo printing."

Jim Freid, product manager for ink and coating products at Wikoff Color, said: “With the anilox roller manufacturers offering more stable lines with 1,000 or even higher screens, photopolymer manufacturers can produce smaller and smaller dots. The material has enabled flexographic printing to replace offset and gravure in certain markets. The flexo-printing economy has provided the only best economic benefits when printers increase their output."
Niklas Olsson, global brand manager for narrow-width operations at AkzoNobel Ink, is confident in Flexo. Niklas said: "Flexo printing technology continues to improve, printers know more, and end-users are increasingly optimistic about flexographic products, only view its advantages, give up the old Huang calendar, flexo printing future is bright."