Packaging Inks and Coatings Market Report 2026

The packaging inks and coatings market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $5.21 billion in 2025 to $5.5 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth of packaged food and beverages, expansion of retail packaging, rising use of plastic packaging, demand for brand differentiation, growth of printing technologies.

The packaging inks and coatings market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $6.84 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing sustainability regulations, growth of flexible packaging demand, advancements in ink formulation, rising e-commerce packaging needs, expansion of food safety standards. Major trends in the forecast period include rising demand for sustainable packaging inks, growing adoption of high barrier coatings, increasing use of low migration inks, expansion of flexible packaging applications, focus on enhanced visual and tactile effects.

The growing popularity of e-commerce is expected to propel the growth of the packaging inks and coatings market going forward. E-commerce involves the buying and selling of goods and services online, supported by digital payment systems and electronic transaction platforms. Packaging inks and coatings are essential in this sector as they ensure product protection, enhance brand visibility, and improve consumer satisfaction by providing durable, high-quality, and visually appealing packaging. For instance, in November 2023, according to the US Census Bureau, a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. retail e-commerce sales reached approximately $271.7 billion in the third quarter of 2023, reflecting a 0.9% increase from the previous quarter. E-commerce sales accounted for 14.9% of total retail sales in the same period. Therefore, the growing popularity of e-commerce is driving the expansion of the packaging inks and coatings market.

Major companies operating in the packaging ink and coatings market are introducing innovative solutions such as water-based inks to meet sustainability goals and reduce environmental impact. Water-based inks use water as the primary solvent, making them safer and more eco-friendly compared to solvent-based inks that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). For instance, in January 2024, Sun Chemical Corporation, a US-based chemicals company, launched the SunStrato AquaLam Gen2 Ink Series - a water-based ink system designed for high-quality laminated and retortable flexible packaging. This innovative ink line offers improved printability and stronger bonding while reducing VOC and CO₂ emissions by 18-20% compared to traditional solvent-based inks.

In September 2024, Stahl Holdings B.V., a Netherlands-based coatings company, acquired Weilburger Graphics for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition strengthens Stahl’s packaging coatings capabilities, expands its presence in the European packaging sector, and enhances its offerings in high-growth areas such as food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. WEILBURGER Graphics GmbH is a Germany-based manufacturer specializing in varnishes, inks, and adhesives for packaging and graphic arts applications, with a strong focus on sustainability through advanced water-based and energy-cured coatings.

Major companies operating in the packaging inks and coatings market are Fujifilm Corporation, PPG Industries Inc., Arkema S.A, Axalta Coatings Systems, Sun Chemical, ALTANA AG, Flint Group, Sakata INX Corporation, Siegwerk Druckfarben AG & Co. KGaA, Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Mfg. Co. Ltd., Toyo Ink SC Holdings Co. Ltd., Huber Group, T&K TOKA Corporation, Tokyo Printing Ink Mfg. Co. Ltd., Zeller+Gmelin GmbH & Co. KG, Nazdar Company, Wikoff Color Corporation, INX International Ink Co., Marabu GmbH & Co. KG, Epple Druckfarben AG, Doneck Euroflex S.A., Paragon Inks, Van Son Holland Ink Corporation, Pulse Roll Label Products Ltd., BCM Inks, RUCO Druckfarben.

North America was the largest region in the packaging inks and coatings market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the packaging inks and coatings market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the packaging inks and coatings market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The packaging inks and coatings market consists of sales of UV (ultraviolet) inks, direct food contact inks, water-based inks, scratch-off inks, and specialty formulations. 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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