Global Gravure Ink Market Description

The global Gravure Ink market is a key segment of the printing inks industry, supporting high-speed, high-volume printing applications that require superior color strength, consistency, and image reproduction quality. Gravure inks are specially formulated low-viscosity inks designed for gravure printing processes, where engraved cylinders transfer ink directly onto substrates. This printing method is widely used for flexible packaging, labels, decorative laminates, and publication printing due to its ability to deliver sharp images and uniform ink coverage over long print runs.

In 2025, the Gravure Ink market demonstrated stable growth, driven primarily by the expanding flexible packaging sector and rising consumption of packaged food, beverages, and consumer goods. Gravure printing remains a preferred technology for large-scale packaging production because of its efficiency, durability of print cylinders, and superior print aesthetics. The market is closely linked to trends in packaging design, brand differentiation, and material innovation, particularly in plastic films such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP).

Technological advancements in resin chemistry, pigment dispersion, and solvent systems have significantly improved ink performance while addressing environmental and regulatory challenges. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on low-VOC, water-based, and alcohol-based gravure inks to comply with stricter environmental norms and sustainability goals. As packaging converters and brand owners seek high-quality printing solutions with reduced environmental impact, the gravure ink market continues to evolve toward cleaner and more efficient formulations.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Gravure Ink Market

The COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the Gravure Ink market. During the early stages of the outbreak, disruptions in manufacturing operations, labor availability, and supply chains affected ink production and distribution. Demand from non-essential sectors such as publications, decorative printing, and luxury packaging declined temporarily due to reduced consumer spending and advertising activity.

However, the packaging segment showed strong resilience. Increased demand for packaged food, pharmaceuticals, hygiene products, and e-commerce shipments significantly supported gravure ink consumption. Flexible packaging, which relies heavily on gravure printing for high-quality graphics, experienced sustained demand throughout the pandemic. As economies reopened and industrial activity normalized, delayed printing projects resumed, enabling a steady recovery in overall market demand. The pandemic reinforced the importance of packaging reliability and supply chain continuity, strengthening the long-term outlook for gravure inks.

Global Gravure Ink Market Segmentation

The Gravure Ink market is segmented by type, application, and region, reflecting differences in solvent systems, substrate compatibility, and end-use requirements.

By Type, the market is segmented into Water Type Gravure Ink, Alcoholic Type Gravure Ink, Benzene Type Gravure Ink, and Petrol Type Gravure Ink. Water-based gravure inks are gaining increasing traction due to their low environmental impact, reduced VOC emissions, and compliance with regulatory standards. Alcoholic type gravure inks offer fast drying and good adhesion, making them suitable for high-speed printing applications. Benzene type and petrol type gravure inks represent traditional solvent-based formulations that deliver excellent print quality and drying performance but face declining adoption due to environmental and health concerns. While solvent-based inks continue to hold a significant share in certain regions, the long-term trend favors water-based and low-solvent alternatives.

By Application, the market is segmented into Printed PE, Printed PP, and Others. Printed PE represents a major application segment, widely used in food packaging, consumer goods, and industrial packaging due to polyethylene’s flexibility and durability. Printed PP is also a significant segment, supported by demand for high-clarity, moisture-resistant packaging in food and pharmaceutical applications. Other applications include printed paper, aluminum foils, and specialty films used in labels, laminates, and decorative printing. Growth across these segments is driven by increasing demand for visually appealing, high-performance packaging materials.

Regional Analysis of the Gravure Ink Market

Asia-Pacific dominates the global Gravure Ink market, supported by large-scale packaging manufacturing, rapid urbanization, and strong growth in consumer goods and food processing industries. Countries such as China, India, Japan, and Southeast Asian nations serve as major production and consumption hubs, benefiting from cost-effective manufacturing and expanding domestic markets.

Europe represents a mature market characterized by high-quality printing standards, strong regulatory oversight, and increasing adoption of sustainable ink formulations. North America maintains a stable market position, driven by demand from food packaging, pharmaceuticals, and consumer product labeling. South America and the Middle East & Africa are emerging markets, where growth in packaged food consumption, retail modernization, and industrial printing is gradually increasing gravure ink demand.

Key Players in the Gravure Ink Market with DROT Analysis

Epple Druckfarben benefits from strong formulation expertise and European market presence. Product quality is a strength, while limited global scale is a constraint. Sustainable ink development presents opportunity.

Zeller+Gmelin leverages advanced chemical know-how and customized solutions. Technical innovation is a strength, while regional concentration poses a challenge.

XSYS Print Solutions focuses on integrated printing technologies. System-level expertise is a strength, while dependence on printing cycles is a risk.

Flint Ink has a strong global footprint and broad ink portfolio. Brand recognition is a strength, while raw material price volatility is a threat.

Sakata Ink benefits from strong Asia-Pacific presence and process innovation. Regional dependence is a limitation, while packaging growth offers opportunity.

SICPA emphasizes high-value and specialty inks. Innovation is a strength, while higher cost structures can limit volume penetration.

Toyo Ink leverages advanced pigment and resin technologies. Strong R&D is a key advantage, while regulatory complexity remains a challenge.

Siegwerk Group is a global leader with extensive packaging ink solutions. Sustainability focus is a major strength, while competitive pricing pressure persists.

Huber Group benefits from diversified ink offerings and long industry experience. Portfolio breadth is a strength, while transition costs to greener inks are a challenge.

Sericol International focuses on high-performance inks. Niche positioning is a strength, while scale limitations affect competitiveness.

T&K Toka emphasizes gravure and specialty inks. Product specialization is a strength, while global expansion remains limited.

Micro Inks benefits from cost competitiveness and emerging market exposure. Innovation capability is improving, offering growth potential.

Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals leverages pigment expertise and material integration. Technical depth is a strength, while diversification complexity is a challenge.

Ruco Druckfarben focuses on high-quality gravure inks. Customization capability is a strength, while scale constraints remain.

Other players such as Royal Dutch Printing Ink Van Son, Inctec, Encres Dubuit, Brancher Company, Cromos S.A., Sanchez S.A. de C.V., Rieger Inks, and Dainippon Ink & Chemicals strengthen market competition through regional presence, niche applications, and specialized formulations.

Gravure Ink Market Value Chain Analysis

The gravure ink value chain begins with raw material sourcing, including pigments, resins, solvents, and additives. Chemical suppliers provide these inputs to ink manufacturers, who formulate gravure inks through dispersion, blending, and quality control processes. Value is added through color consistency, adhesion performance, drying speed optimization, and regulatory compliance.

Finished inks are supplied to printing houses, packaging converters, and brand owners through direct sales and distributor networks. Downstream value creation occurs during the printing process, where gravure inks enable high-quality graphics, brand differentiation, and functional performance on packaging substrates. Technical support, color management services, and formulation customization further enhance value across the chain.

Global Gravure Ink Market Outlook

The global Gravure Ink market outlook for 2026–2036 remains positive, supported by sustained growth in flexible packaging, food and beverage consumption, and branded consumer goods. While digital and flexographic printing technologies continue to evolve, gravure printing retains a strong position in high-volume, high-quality packaging applications.

Future market growth will be shaped by innovation in water-based and low-VOC inks, compliance with environmental regulations, and increasing demand for recyclable and sustainable packaging solutions. Although challenges such as raw material price volatility and regulatory pressure persist, ongoing technological advancement and expanding packaging demand position the gravure ink market for steady long-term growth within the global printing industry.