Printing Ink and Toner Industry

Report Highlights

• The printing ink and toner industry in the U.S. is expected to reach $6.44 billion in 2003 and should rise at an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 6.2% to reach $8.685 billion by 2008.
• The dominant product, lithographic ink, is projected to achieve sales of $1.75 billion in 2003 and will rise at an AAGR of only 1% during the period.
• Flexographic inks will rise at an AAGR of 4.4% to $1.214 billion in 2008.
• Letterpress inks are losing ground to more advanced printing processes and sales are expected to decrease through 2008.
• The toner market is expected to rise from $1.72 billion in 2003 to $2.34 billion in 2008 at an AAGR of 6.35%.

INTRODUCTION

New digital technology has changed the ink industry in many ways. Once not so long ago, printed material was the predominant means of communicating text and images. Now people rely more and more on the worldwide web to share online information. This digital sharing of information has become a formidable means of communication. Does this enhanced technology affect the market demand for ink? Yes, somewhat. On the other hand, the digital revolution has enhanced printing processing and ink manufacturing by making them more efficient. Also, the World Wide Web has given printers a new advertising and communication medium.

The printing press operation is benefiting from digital technology, in which computerized controls allow operators to minimize waste ink. The need for quicker- turnaround to satisfy more demanding customers means presses must be run faster and harder. Therefore, ink formulations must be developed that offer new features, higher quality and better performance. The new digital economy is also revolutionizing the printing industry with a move away from traditional printing methods, such as letterpress and lithographic printing processes, to technology that involves quicker methods, such as ink jet.

This BCC study provides up-to-date information on the market for printing inks and toners. The importance, and resulting integrity, of this report lies in its uniqueness in correlating the synergies of both printing inks and toner to provide an overall product market that relates to the entire printing industry as the end-user.

Because today’s printed material is produced by a wide variety of end users e.g., traditional commercial press operators, quick printing establishments, in-house production in large and small es and the home user, all ink and toner products are analyzed to give a comprehensive picture of what is being produced and used for the mélange of printed material that encompasses society’s great need for information and effective communications.

SCOPE OF STUDY

The report provides coverage of:

• Raw material for ink and toner production in the U.S., including
      - pigments
      - resins
      - vehicles and additives
      - ink products
• New technology and processing developments
• Manufacturer and customer perspectives
• Major product manufacturer profiles
• End-use markets, with forecasts to 2008
• International opportunities.

METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES

This report is based on an examination and calculation of information from a variety of sources in order to obtain data that are balanced in regard to historical statistics and future predictions. This study forecasts the market's growth through 2005 and includes data for manufacturer sales, end-use product sales, and the effects of market dynamics, regulation, and technology.

The study assesses the importance of development and marketing on institutional and commercial levels. Information is provided in terms of manufacturers' products, sales, and other vital information. Applications are reviewed in terms of projected product sales, and potential markets and customers. Market forecasts are expressed in current dollar values and market share percentages, which are forecasted through 2005.

Values for commodity products are also expressed in current price and weight ratios. Informational sources are also included that will enlighten the reader about market potentials based on environmental regulations and new technologies. Data is calculated for current dollar values, and is calculated for the years 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2008 in order to form comprehensive historic, present, and forecasted data analyses.

This study is based on extensive research from a number of sources. These include government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), trade journals, and publications. Technical information was provided by manufacturers, patent examinations, and interviews with those involved in the industry, such as manufacturers, legislators, and researchers.

ANALYST CREDENTIALS

Throughout her career as a researcher, analyst, and writer, Leslie Burk has gained knowledge and expertise in a variety of industrial, , environmental, and recreational fields. Past experience includes association with es in both small and corporate environments, with an emphasis on the presentation and synthesis of data and information for a variety of recipients, including the general public, public and government officials, and industrial representatives.

In regard to her particular experience in the field of waste treatment, she was employed by Allied Waste Industries, one of the largest national waste companies. She dealt with issues pertaining to landfill activity, industrial and special waste markets, regulations, and other waste management activities.

Burk has researched and written a variety of reports for various commercial markets, including a comprehensive review of the global telecommunications and financial markets. These reports included detailed information concerning the migration from government owned and monopolized industries to liberalized and privatized commercialization. Furthermore, she has reported on the market for environmental biotechnology products for Communications Co., Inc. (BCC).