The Global Waterbased Inks for Flexo Printing Market was valued at USD 8.92 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 11.87 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.8% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This robust growth is primarily fueled by escalating environmental regulations, the global shift away from solvent-based inks, and rising demand for sustainable packaging, especially in the food and beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors.
As the packaging industry accelerates its transition towards more environmentally responsible practices, the focus intensifies on the key manufacturers developing high-performance, low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) ink solutions. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Waterbased Inks for Flexo Printing Industry—a diverse mix of global chemical giants, specialty ink manufacturers, and sustainability pioneers who are defining the future of flexible packaging and printing.
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🔟 1. Flint Group
Headquarters: Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Key Offering: EkoCure® ANCORA, NovaCure™ waterbased inks
Flint Group is a global leader in the printing and packaging industry, offering a comprehensive portfolio of waterbased flexo inks. Their solutions are engineered for high-speed printing on a variety of substrates, including paper, film, and foil, with a strong emphasis on reducing environmental impact.
Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:
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Development of low-VOC and VOC-free ink systems
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Investment in renewable raw materials and bio-based resins
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Global production facilities adhering to stringent environmental standards
9️⃣ 2. DIC Corporation
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Aqua-Bright™ series, SunGraphic waterbased inks
DIC Corporation is a major global player in pigments and printing inks. Their waterbased flexographic inks are renowned for excellent color strength, printability, and fast drying times, serving diverse applications from corrugated boards to flexible packaging.
Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:
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Active R&D in bio-derived and compostable ink technologies
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Commitment to achieving carbon neutrality across its operations
8️⃣ 3. Sakata Inx
Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: SP XG, VIVIDIA waterbased ink series
Sakata Inx specializes in high-quality printing inks with a significant focus on waterbased technologies for flexo printing. Their products are designed to meet the demanding requirements of food-safe packaging and high-graphic applications.
Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:
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Pioneering heavy metal-free and non-toxic ink formulations
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Expansion of waterbased ink production capacity in Asia and the Americas
7️⃣ 4. Siegwerk
Headquarters: Siegburg, Germany
Key Offering: MiraFlex® Water, eco-friendly waterbased inks
Siegwerk is one of the world’s leading providers of printing inks for packaging, with a deep commitment to circular economy principles. Their waterbased flexo inks are optimized for recyclability and compatibility with modern waste streams.
Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:
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Strategic focus on inks designed for recyclable and compostable packaging
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Global partnerships with brand owners to drive sustainable packaging innovation
Download FREE Sample Report:
Global Waterbased Inks for Flexo Printing Market – View in Detailed Research Report
6️⃣ 5. Toyo Ink
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Liojet W, Beni-Bright AW waterbased inks
Toyo Ink SC Holdings Co., Ltd. offers advanced waterbased ink solutions for flexographic printing, emphasizing vibrant color reproduction and excellent adhesion on challenging substrates. Their R&D focuses on enhancing performance while minimizing ecological footprints.
Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:
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Development of waterbased inks with high renewable content
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Initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and water usage in manufacturing
5️⃣ 6. Nazdar Ink Company
Headquarters: Lenexa, Kansas, USA
Key Offering: Nazdar 5700 Series, AquaTrans™ waterbased inks
Nazdar is a leading manufacturer and supplier of specialty inks, with a strong presence in the North American flexo printing market. Their waterbased inks are known for reliability, consistency, and performance across a wide range of applications, including tags, labels, and flexible packaging.
Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:
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Focus on formulating inks that simplify de-inking and recycling processes
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Investment in regional manufacturing to reduce supply chain emissions
4️⃣ 7. T&K Toka
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Hydrofit, HyPlus waterbased flexo inks
T&K Toka specializes in high-performance printing inks, with significant expertise in waterbased technologies for the flexographic process. The company serves a global clientele, particularly strong in the Asian market for packaging and publication printing.
Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:
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Development of environmentally friendly inks compliant with international food contact regulations
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Continuous improvement of manufacturing processes for greater energy efficiency
3️⃣ 8. Huber Group
Headquarters: Ettlingen, Germany
Key Offering: JETABOUNTY®, HuberFlex waterbased inks
The Huber Group is a major European manufacturer of printing inks, with a comprehensive portfolio for flexographic printing. Their waterbased inks are engineered for high opacity, sharpness, and runnability on high-speed presses.
Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:
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Implementation of closed-loop systems in production to minimize waste
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Strong emphasis on product safety and compliance with EU packaging directives
2️⃣ 9. PolyOne (Now Avient)
Headquarters: Avon Lake, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: ColorMatrix™, Smartbatch™ liquid colorants and ink systems
Following its acquisition by Avient, the former PolyOne color and ink business continues to be a key supplier of advanced colorant technologies. Their expertise includes waterbased dispersions and ink systems tailored for flexo printing on plastics and films.
Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:
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Leadership in developing solutions that enhance package recyclability
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Providing lightweighting and material reduction solutions for packaging
1️⃣ 10. Swan Coatings
Headquarters: Bury, United Kingdom
Key Offering: AquaPro, Swan-water flexo inks
Swan Coatings is a prominent UK-based manufacturer specializing in waterbased and UV flexographic inks. They are particularly known for their high-quality inks used in the label and narrow web printing sectors, offering excellent print fidelity and environmental credentials.
Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:
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Formulation of biodegradable and compostable ink options
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Active participation in industry consortia promoting sustainable printing practices
Read Full Report:
Global Waterbased Inks for Flexo Printing Market – View in Detailed Research Report
🌍 Outlook: The Future of Flexo Printing Is Waterbased and Sustainable
The waterbased inks for flexo printing market is in the midst of a significant transformation. While traditional solvent-based inks still hold a share in certain applications, the industry’s momentum is irrefutably shifting towards eco-friendly, high-performance waterbased alternatives, driven by technological advancements and regulatory pressures.
📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:
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Accelerated regulatory phase-out of VOC-emitting inks in North America and Europe
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Rising demand for compostable and recyclable packaging, boosting waterbased ink adoption
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Technological innovations improving waterbased ink drying speeds and adhesion on non-porous films
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Strategic collaborations between ink manufacturers, brand owners, and converters to develop circular packaging solutions
Read Full Report:
Global Waterbased Inks for Flexo Printing Market – View in Detailed Research Report
The companies listed above are not only supplying essential materials for the global printing industry—they are fundamentally enabling the sustainable evolution of packaging and communication.
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