Water-Based Printing Inks Market Report 2026

The water-based printing inks market size has grown steadily in recent years. It will grow from $12.03 billion in 2025 to $12.52 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth of printing industry, expansion of packaging sector, increasing textile production, availability of water based formulations, rising environmental awareness.

The water-based printing inks market size is expected to see steady growth in the next few years. It will grow to $15.15 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to stricter environmental regulations, growth in sustainable packaging, increasing digital printing adoption, advancements in ink chemistry, rising demand for non toxic inks. Major trends in the forecast period include growing adoption of eco friendly printing inks, increasing use in packaging applications, rising demand from textile printing, expansion of digital printing technologies, rising focus on low voc ink formulations.

The expanding e-commerce industry is expected to drive the growth of the water-based printing inks market going forward. E-commerce refers to the buying and selling of goods and services over the internet or other electronic platforms. As e-commerce companies depend heavily on packaging to safeguard products during shipping and delivery, water-based printing inks play a crucial role in printing labels, logos, and product information on packaging materials. The increasing volume of online sales generates substantial demand for printed packaging, thereby supporting the growth of the water-based printing inks market. For example, in August 2023, the United States Census Bureau, a U.S.-based government agency, reported that e-commerce sales in the second quarter of 2023 grew by 7.5% (±1.4%) compared to the same quarter in 2022, while overall retail sales increased by 0.6% (±0.4%). Additionally, online sales accounted for 15.4% of all retail sales during that quarter. Therefore, the rapid expansion of the e-commerce sector is fueling growth in the water-based printing inks market.

Major companies in the water-based printing inks market are introducing innovative products such as direct-to-film (DTF) inks to expand their customer base, increase sales, and boost revenue. Direct-to-film printing is a technology that involves applying ink directly onto a film, which can then be transferred to various surfaces. For example, in June 2023, DuPont, a U.S.-based chemical company, launched Artistri P1600, a line of DTF pigment inks. This product offers the advantage of requiring less ink during profiling, which improves productivity and prolongs machine cleanliness. Artistri P1600 inks are versatile and suitable for applications such as printing on cotton, blends, and polyester, providing printers with a premium solution for producing vibrant, consistent prints on a range of textiles. These inks are an ideal choice for DTF printers aiming to deliver professional-quality results across multiple fabric types.

In May 2024, AstroNova, Inc., a U.S.-based electronics manufacturer, acquired MTEX NS for $26.6 million (EUR 24.3 million). This acquisition strengthens AstroNova’s position in the color digital package printing market by integrating advanced printing technologies and expanding its portfolio of industrial-grade printing solutions. MTEX NS, a Portugal-based company, produces digital printing equipment and solutions, including water-based printing inks.

Major companies operating in the water-based printing inks market are DIC Corporation, Flint Group, Siegwerk Druckfarben AG & Co. KGaA, Sakata INX, Toyo Ink SC Holdings Co. Ltd., T & K Toka Co. Ltd., Huber Group, Tokyo Printing Ink Mfg. Co. Ltd., Nazdar Ink Company, Daihan Ink, Bauhinia Ink, DAS Water Based Ink, Zhejiang Yongzai Chemical, Shanghai Si-Lian Industrial General Company, Dolphin Inks Pvt. Ltd., Matsui Chemical (International), Altana Corporation, Sun Chemical Group, Colorgraf SpA, BRANCHER Tremblay, Encres Dubuit, INX International France S.A.S., Brigal SA, Chimigraf Iberica S.L., SICPA Holding SA, Wikoff Color Corporation, DEERS I Co. LTD., Ahbar Industries, Al Sama Ink Company, United Ink Production Co. Ltd., Magna Colours.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the water-based printing inks market in 2025. Western Europe was the second-largest region in the global water-based printing inks market analysis. The regions covered in the water-based printing inks market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the water-based printing inks market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The water-based printing inks market consists of the sales of different types of water-based printing inks such as high solid acrylic, discharge, low-solids, medium solids, wet on dry, and wet on wet systems. Values in this market are factory gate values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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