As the security printing industry evolves to meet threats with smarter, more complex solutions, the focus shifts to the specialized ink manufacturers at the forefront of this technological arms race. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the China Optically Variable Ink Industry—a blend of global security ink specialists, established chemical giants, and innovative domestic players defining the future of document and product authentication.

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China Optically Variable Ink Market – View in Detailed Research Report

🔟 10. Wikoff Color Corporation

Headquarters: Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
Key Offering: Custom-formulated Security & Specialty Inks, OVI components

While primarily known for its commercial printing expertise, Wikoff Color engages in the security ink segment with custom solutions that can incorporate optically variable effects. In China, they serve select high-end packaging and label applications requiring anti-counterfeiting features, working closely with converters.

Market Initiatives in China:

• Supplies specialized ink systems to security label producers
• Focus on integrating OVI with other print technologies for packaging
• Technical partnership model for bespoke security ink needs

9️⃣ 9. Tokyo Printing Ink

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Security Inks, OVI for Banknotes and Documents

Tokyo Printing Ink (TPI) is a significant regional supplier of security printing inks, including optically variable products. Their strong presence in East Asia supports China’s secure document supply chain, contributing advanced ink formulations for regional banknote and passport programs.

Market Initiatives in China:

• Strategic supply agreements with Chinese state-owned security printing entities
• R&D focused on Asia-Pacific specific color-matching and durability standards
• Active participation in regional security document technology forums

8️⃣ 8. Royal Dutch Printing Ink Factories Van Son

Headquarters: Oosterhout, Netherlands
Key Offering: Security and Specialty Printing Inks

Van Son’s heritage in high-quality printing inks extends into the security field. They provide optically variable inks among their portfolio to the packaging and label market in China, catering to brands looking to protect products like premium spirits, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals from counterfeiting.

Market Initiatives in China:

• Targets the growing luxury and FMCG packaging market
• Emphasizes press compatibility and ease of application for brand owners
• Distributes through established local printing and converting channels

7️⃣ 7. T&K TOKA Corporation

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Optical Security Inks, Offset & Intaglio OVI

T&K TOKA, part of the DIC Group, possesses strong technological capabilities in manufacturing optical security pigments and inks. They are a respected supplier for banknote and security document printers globally, with a steady supply footprint into the sophisticated Chinese security printing market.

Market Initiatives in China:

• Provides core OVI pigments and finished inks for high-security printing
• Long-standing relationships with China Banknote Printing and Minting Corporation (CBPMC)
• Invests in R&D for next-generation color-shifting and machine-readable features

6️⃣ 6. Siegwerk Druckfarben AG & Co. KGaA

Headquarters: Siegburg, Germany
Key Offering: Security Inks for Packaging, OVI for Brand Protection

Siegwerk, a global leader in packaging inks, has developed a focused security inks division. Their OVI solutions for China are primarily channeled towards high-end consumer goods packaging, helping multinational and domestic brands combat illicit trade and build consumer trust.

Market Initiatives in China:

• Extensive network serving packaging converters across China
• Customized color-shifting solutions integrated with track-and-trace technologies
• Strong sustainability profile with compliant solvent and resin systems

Download FREE Sample Report:
China Optically Variable Ink Market – View in Detailed Research Report

5️⃣ 5. Flint Group

Headquarters: Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Key Offering: Security Printing Inks, OVIs for Banknotes and Tax Stamps

Flint Group’s Security & Brand Protection division is a major force in government and commercial security printing. They provide a comprehensive range of OVIs and related technologies to China’s banknote and official document printers, as well as for tax banderoles on tobacco and alcohol.

Market Initiatives in China:

• Strategic supplier to the Chinese government’s secure print programs
• Operates a dedicated security ink production and technology hub in the region
• Pioneers in combining OVI with forensic markers for multi-layer security

4️⃣ 4. Sun Chemical

Headquarters: Parsippany, New Jersey, USA
Key Offering: SunSecurity™ Inks, full range of OVI solutions

Sun Chemical, a subsidiary of DIC Corporation, is one of the world’s largest producers of printing inks and pigments, with a formidable global security segment. Their SunSecurity portfolio includes highly advanced OVIs supplied to both government and commercial markets in China.

Market Initiatives in China:

• Critical supplier of inks and pigments for China’s Renminbi banknote series
• Offers solutions for ID documents, tax stamps, and high-security packaging
• Leads innovation in photochromic and thermochromic inks alongside OVI

3️⃣ 3. Kao Collins Inc.

Headquarters: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: Industrial Inkjet Inks, including specialty Security Inks

Kao Collins specializes in digital inkjet inks and has developed formulations that can carry optically variable pigments. Their role in China is growing with the rise of digital printing for variable data, serialization, and security features on labels and packaging.

Market Initiatives in China:

• Enables digital printing of security features for on-demand and track & trace applications
• Partners with Chinese digital press manufacturers and label converters
• Focuses on the convergence of digital print agility with high-level authentication

2️⃣ 2. Gleitsmann Security Inks

Headquarters: Leipzig, Germany
Key Offering: High-security OVI and specialty inks for banknotes and documents

Gleitsmann is a German specialist entirely focused on security inks for central banks and government printers. Renowned for their technical excellence and reliability, they are a key technology partner and supplier to the Chinese security printing industry, particularly for high-denomination notes and passports.

Market Initiatives in China:

• Long-term contractual supplier for core security features
• Extensive R&D collaboration on custom optical effects and durability
• Maintains stringent quality and supply chain security protocols

1️⃣ 1. SICPA

Headquarters: Prilly, Switzerland
Key Offering: SICPA® Optically Variable Ink (OVI®), comprehensive secure authentication solutions

SICPA is the undisputed global leader and the pioneer of OVI technology. Its OVI® brand is the industry standard and is a central security feature on China’s currency, passports, and other vital documents. The company’s deep-rooted partnership with Chinese authorities makes it the dominant and most influential player in the market.

Market Initiatives in China:

• Primary technology and ink supplier for the People’s Bank of China banknote series
• Provides integrated solutions combining OVI with covert markers, serialization, and digital verification platforms
• Continuous innovation in next-generation optically variable devices (OVDs) and pigments

Get Full Report Here:
China Optically Variable Ink Market – View in Detailed Research Report

🔮 Outlook: The Future of Optically Variable Ink in China is Digital and Integrated

The China Optically Variable Ink market is undergoing a profound transformation. While traditional OVI remains a cornerstone of document security, the industry is rapidly innovating towards digital integration, multifunctional features, and eco-friendly formulations to meet new regulatory and market demands.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Shift towards Digital-Enabled OVI: Development of OVI features that can be authenticated via smartphone apps, linking physical security with digital platforms.
• Rising Demand in Brand Protection: Accelerated adoption by premium Chinese and international brands in cosmetics, electronics, and luxury goods to combat sophisticated counterfeits.
• Domestic Innovation: Increased R&D investment by Chinese chemical and material companies to develop proprietary OVI pigments, aiming for greater supply chain independence.
• Sustainability Focus: Development of water-based and energy-curable OVI systems to align with China’s stringent environmental policies.

Get Full Report Here:
China Optically Variable Ink Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies shaping this market are not just supplying inks—they are providing the foundational security layer for national sovereignty, economic integrity, and consumer trust in one of the world’s most dynamic and demanding markets.