Forecast Period | 2026-2030 |
Market Size (2024) | USD 2.83 Billion |
Market Size (2030) | USD 3.7 Billion |
CAGR (2025-2030) | 5.49% |
Fastest Growing Segment | Flexography Process |
Largest Market | Europe |
Market Overview
Global Low Migration Inks Market was valued at USD 2.83 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 3.7 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 5.49%. Low migration inks are specialized inks that are specifically
designed to minimize ink migration in specific packaging conditions, such as
cosmetics, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverages.
These inks are formulated to reduce the risk of ink contamination in the
packaged products or contents when they come into contact with conventional
inks. Factors such as external gases or heat exposure, water contamination, and
moisture can cause ink migration, where the ink printed on the substrates
transfers to the other side. The high utilization of low migration inks in
various applications, including food and beverages, cosmetics, and
pharmaceuticals, is driving the growth of the low migration inks market
globally. There is a growing awareness of the issues surrounding ink migration
in packaged food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products, which further
contributes to the market growth. The growing demand for clean-label and natural products is significantly boosting the low migration inks market.
According to a recent report by Nosto, 68% of consumers seek products labeled as “clean,” and 59% are influenced by “natural and organic” claims. This trend is particularly strong in the beauty and cosmetics industry, where product safety and packaging integrity are critical. The global natural beauty and cosmetics market is projected to reach USD 59 billion by 2031, highlighting strong growth potential. To align with consumer expectations and meet regulatory requirements, manufacturers are increasingly adopting low migration inks for packaging. These inks minimize the risk of chemical contamination, supporting brand credibility and product safety in industries such as cosmetics, personal care, food, and pharmaceuticals.
Manufacturers are increasingly adopting low
migration inks due to regulations on printing inks aimed at protecting
consumers from potential health risks associated with contamination from
printed food materials and other substances. The demand for lightweight
packaging in the food and beverages industry also drives the low migration inks
market. The implementation of
global food safety standards, the rapid growth of the packaged food and
beverages sector, increasing demand for cosmetics and personal care products,
rising awareness, changing lifestyles, and higher disposable income are all
factors positively impacting the low migration inks market. Additionally, the
growing utilization of low migration inks in the digital printing process and
the enforcement of stringent regulations on personal hygiene and cosmetics
products create profitable opportunities for market players in the forecast
period.
Key Market Drivers
Growing Demand of Low
Migration Inks in Food & Beverage Industry
The
global low migration inks market is experiencing a significant boost, primarily
driven by the increasing demand from the food and beverage industry. As health
and safety regulations become more stringent, there is a growing need for inks
that do not migrate or move from packaging materials into the product they
contain. This has led to a surge in demand for low migration inks, which are
specifically formulated to minimize the risk of unintentional transfer.
Low
migration inks are designed with specific ingredients that ensure the ink does
not seep through the packaging material into the food or beverage product.
These inks are carefully formulated to maintain stability under various
conditions such as heat, light, and moisture. The use of these inks is becoming
increasingly important in maintaining the safety and quality of packaged food
and beverages. The projected global population growth to 9.7 billion by 2050, along with rising incomes and urbanization, is expected to increase food production demand by 70% to 110%. This surge is driven by shifting dietary patterns, particularly increased consumption of animal-based products in developing countries, necessitating greater agricultural output and food packaging. To ensure food safety and minimize contamination risks amid rising production, the demand for low migration inks in food packaging is accelerating. These inks help prevent ink transfer and chemical leaching into consumables, supporting regulatory compliance and consumer safety. As the need for secure, high-volume packaged food grows, low migration inks are becoming essential in maintaining product integrity throughout the global food supply chain.
With
consumers becoming more health-conscious and regulatory bodies imposing
stricter guidelines on food safety, the food and beverage industry is under
immense pressure to use safe and compliant packaging materials. This has
significantly increased the demand for low migration inks. They are now
extensively used for printing on food packaging, labels, and wrappers to
prevent contamination and ensure product safety. International
regulatory bodies, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), have established stringent guidelines
regarding the use of inks for food packaging. Low migration inks meet these
regulations, making them a preferred choice for companies looking to comply
with these standards.
The growing demand for low migration inks in the food and beverage
industry is a key driver of the global low migration inks market. With the
rising health consciousness among consumers and stricter regulatory guidelines,
this demand is expected to continue, further propelling the growth of the
market. As the industry evolves and technology advances, low migration inks
will continue to play a vital role in ensuring the safety and integrity of
packaged food and beverages.
Growing Demand of Low
Migration Inks in Pharmaceutical Industry
The
global low migration inks market is experiencing significant growth, primarily
driven by the increasing demand from the pharmaceutical industry. As
regulations on pharmaceutical packaging become more stringent and concerns over
product safety continue to rise, there is a growing need for inks that do not
transfer from packaging materials into the products they contain, thus fueling
the rising demand for low migration inks.
Low
migration inks are specifically designed with ingredients that ensure the ink
remains stable and does not migrate or seep through the packaging material into
the pharmaceutical product. These inks are formulated to withstand various
conditions, including light, heat, and moisture. Their use has become
increasingly important in maintaining the safety and quality of packaged
pharmaceuticals.
With
patients becoming more health-conscious and regulatory bodies imposing stricter
guidelines on pharmaceutical safety, the industry is under immense pressure to
use safe and compliant packaging materials. This has significantly increased
the demand for low migration inks, which are now extensively used for printing
on pharmaceutical packaging, labels, and wrappers to prevent contamination and
ensure product safety. International
regulatory bodies, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and
European Medicines Agency (EMA), have established stringent guidelines
regarding the use of inks for pharmaceutical packaging. Low migration inks meet
these regulations, making them the preferred choice for companies aiming to
comply with these standards.
Also, the growing demand for low migration inks in the pharmaceutical
industry serves as a key driver for the global low migration inks market. With
the rising health consciousness among patients and the implementation of
stricter regulatory guidelines, this demand is expected to continue, further
propelling the growth of the market. The use of low migration inks not only
ensures product safety but also contributes to the overall integrity of the
pharmaceutical packaging process.
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Key Market Challenges
Rise in Cost Considerations
Low
migration inks are specifically designed to minimize the risk of unintentional
transfer of inks from packaging materials into the products they contain,
ensuring the safety and quality of the packaged goods. These inks are
formulated with carefully selected ingredients that offer excellent stability
under various storage and transportation conditions. By incorporating advanced
technology and implementing stringent manufacturing processes, low migration
inks provide an effective solution to prevent ink migration, maintaining the
integrity of the packaged products.
However,
the production of low migration inks involves the use of advanced technologies
and rigorous testing procedures to ensure their safety and effectiveness. The
raw materials used in their formulation are often more expensive than those
used in conventional inks, as they need to meet strict regulatory requirements
and quality standards. These factors significantly contribute to the higher
production costs of low migration inks, which are then passed on to the end
consumers. The successful implementation of low migration inks requires specialized
equipment and trained personnel to handle and apply these inks correctly. The
additional operational costs associated with the use of specialized equipment
and trained staff can further contribute to the overall costs of using low
migration inks.
Despite
the growing demand for low migration inks driven by increasing consumer
awareness and regulatory requirements, the higher costs associated with their
use can pose a challenge to their widespread adoption, particularly for small
and medium enterprises (SMEs). The additional financial burden of using low
migration inks may limit the ability of SMEs to switch to these safer and more
reliable inks, hindering market growth and potentially affecting their
competitiveness. While low migration inks offer significant benefits in terms of
product safety and quality, their higher production costs and the need for
specialized equipment and training pose challenges for their widespread
adoption, particularly among smaller businesses. Efforts to address these
challenges and make low migration inks more accessible and affordable can
further promote their use and enhance consumer protection in various industries.
Key Market Trends
Growing Advancements in Ink
Formulations
In
recent years, the development of advanced ink formulations has emerged as a
major and influential trend in the low migration inks market. These
breakthrough advancements aim not only to improve the performance and safety of
low migration inks but also to ensure their compliance with the stringent
regulations imposed by food and drug administration’s worldwide.
The
latest formulations being developed are focused on enhancing the overall
performance of low migration inks by bolstering their resistance to various
environmental factors such as light, heat, and moisture. These factors play a
crucial role in maintaining the integrity and quality of the packaged products.
Moreover, the ongoing advancements in ink formulations are also dedicated to
improving printability, adhesion, and color strength, all of which are vital
aspects contributing to packaging aesthetics.
Safety
remains a paramount concern, particularly when it comes to product packaging
for consumables like food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals. Therefore,
significant strides are being made in formulating low migration inks by
employing safer and more sustainable ingredients. For instance, new
formulations are being developed with properties such as low-odor and low-VOC
(volatile organic compounds) characteristics, making them even safer for use in
packaging applications. The growing advancements in ink formulations represent a key and
transformative trend in the global low migration inks market. With a relentless
focus on continuous innovation and development, these advancements are poised
to further drive the growth of the market, offering not only safer but also
more effective and efficient solutions for product packaging.
Segmental Insights
Process Insights
Based
on the category of process, the flexography process segment emerged as the
fastest growing segment in the global market for Low Migration Inks in 2024. The
flexography printing process is widely preferred over other printing methods
for several reasons. Firstly, it is known for its superior features, including
its economical nature, fast processing time, wide range of applicability, and
non-toxicity. Unlike other printing techniques, flexography utilizes flexible
plastics and rubber plates, allowing for high-quality imaging.
The
use of flexography extends to various packaging items such as paper and plastic
containers, metal foils, envelopes, tape, and more. This is primarily due to
its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. As a result, the demand for flexography
in bulk printing procedures continues to rise across industries.
With
its numerous advantages over alternative printing processes, the applicability
of flexography is steadily growing. As a result, the flexography segment is
expected to experience rapid growth during the forecast period. The combination
of its superior features, versatility, and robust demand positions flexography
as a leading choice in the printing industry.
End User Insights
The
others segment was projected to experience rapid growth during the forecast period.
The demand for low migration inks for packaging applications is experiencing
rapid growth due to their superior features, including negligible printing ink
transfer, maintenance of appearance and flavor, and excellent adhesion
properties. These advantages are driving the increased demand for low migration
inks across various industries, such as food and beverage and pharmaceuticals.
The
food and beverage sector, in particular, is witnessing significant growth,
fueled by the rising demand for packaged food items like ready-to-eat meals,
packaged dairy products, and packaged fruits and vegetables. This surge in
demand can be attributed to shifting lifestyles and consumer preferences. For
instance, according to the China Chain Store & Franchise Association, the
food and beverage sector in China reached a staggering USD 595 billion in
revenue, reflecting a notable increase of 7.8% from 2018..
With
the flourishing growth observed in major industries such as food and beverage
and pharmaceuticals, the demand for packaging applications utilizing low
migration inks is expected to continue its rapid rise throughout the forecast
period.
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Regional Insights
Europe emerged as the dominant region in
the Global Low Migration Inks Market in 2022, holding the largest market share
in terms of value. The rising demand for low migration inks in this region is
influenced by various restrictions and policies on the usage of toxic printing
inks for food packaging, labeling, and other applications. Governments and
regulatory bodies, such as the European Union Printing Inks Association
(EUPIA), have implemented stringent guidelines, like the GMP Regulation (EC)
No. 2023/2006 and Framework Regulations (EC) No. 1934/2004, to ensure the
safety and quality of printing inks used in food packaging. These regulations
have further emphasized the favorability of low migration inks due to their
features, such as negligible diffusion with the packaged products.
In addition, the food and beverage
industry in Europe is experiencing rapid growth, driven by factors like the
high demand for packaged food items, increasing frozen food production, and the
rising popularity of ready-to-eat food. According to the Department for
Environment Food & Rural Affairs, the gross value added by the food
industry in the UK witnessed a significant increase of 4.3% in 2019, following
a 5.4% increase in 2018. Moreover, the food sector in Europe has seen a
remarkable growth rate of 49.4% between the years 2009 and 2019.
Therefore, the strong and steadily
increasing demand for low migration inks in the food and beverage industry in
Europe is anticipated to fuel the growth of the market in the region during the
forecast period.
Recent Developments
- On November 1, 2024, INX Group Limited, a subsidiary of Sakata INX, announced the acquisition of Coatings & Adhesives Corporation (C&A) . This strategic acquisition led to the formation of INX International Coatings and Adhesives, which will operate alongside INX International Ink Co. under a unified management. C&A’s expertise in specialty coatings enhances INX’s ability to deliver advanced, low migration ink and coating solutions tailored to the packaging industry. This development reflects rising demand for safe, regulatory-compliant packaging, particularly in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The acquisition supports INX’s commitment to innovation and sustainable packaging, positioning the company as a key player in meeting stringent global standards for product safety.
- In 2024, the Low Migration Inks Market saw key product launches from major industry players. INX International introduced INXhrc RC, a new UV/LED low-migration ink developed from renewable materials, in December. Announced via SpecialChem, this product is specifically formulated for plastic and foam-based food packaging, expanding INX's portfolio of natural-based inks and aligning with growing demand for sustainable and food-safe printing solutions.
- In 2024, Siegwerk highlighted its commitment to food packaging safety at Labelexpo 2024 by showcasing a comprehensive range of low-migration inks, including water-based, solvent-based, UV, and electron beam (EB) solutions. As reported by PrintWeekIndia, these inks are designed to meet stringent regulatory and sensory standards across a variety of substrates, reinforcing Siegwerk’s position in the safe packaging ink segment.
- In
April 2022, Toyo Printing Inks, Inc announced a significant development in
their LP-9000 TOYO LIFE PREMIUM FOOD LO/LM series of offset. This series has
successfully passed the INGEDE drinkability criteria, making it a suitable
choice for various applications in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical
industries. With this achievement, Toyo Printing Inks, Inc has further
solidified its position as a reliable provider of high-quality ink solutions.
- In
September 2021, Gallus and Heidelberg collaborated to develop the Labelfire
UVLM ink series, a breakthrough in food contact packaging. The UV curing
technology used in the Labelfire has been meticulously optimized to enhance the
migration properties of the ink film. This innovation not only ensures the
safety and compliance of food packaging but also opens up new possibilities for
vibrant and eye-catching designs.
- In
July 2020, SCHELLING AG took a significant step forward by producing
applications with low migration compliance for the food and pharma segment.
Using their cutting-edge hybrid printing press, SCHELLING AG has not only met
the stringent requirements of the industry but also contributed to the growth
prospects of the market. This achievement underlines their commitment to
delivering safe and reliable solutions for the food and pharmaceutical sectors.
Key Market Players
- AGFA-Gevaert
NV
- Epple Druckfarben AG
- FUJIFILM Corporation
- HAPA AG
- HP Development Company, L.P.
- hubergroup Deutschland GmbH
- INX International Ink Co.
- Kao Collins Corporation
- Marabu GmbH & Co. KG.
- MHM Holding GmbH
|
By Process
|
By
End User
|
By
Region
|
- Flexography
Process
- Gravure
Process
- Offset
Process
- Digital
Process
|
- Food & Beverages
- Pharmaceutical
- Cosmetics & Personal Care
- Others
|
- North
America
- Europe
- Asia
Pacific
- South
America
- Middle
East & Africa
|
Report Scope:
In this report, the Global Low Migration Inks
Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the
industry trends which have also been detailed below:
- Low Migration Inks Market, By Process:
o Flexography Process
o Gravure Process
o Offset Process
o Digital Process
- Low Migration Inks Market, By End User:
o Food & Beverages
o Pharmaceutical
o Cosmetics & Personal Care
o Others
- Low Migration Inks Market, By Region:
o North America
§ United States
§ Canada
§ Mexico
o Europe
§ France
§ United Kingdom
§ Italy
§ Germany
§ Spain
o Asia-Pacific
§ China
§ India
§ Japan
§ Australia
§ South Korea
o South America
§ Brazil
§ Argentina
§ Colombia
o Middle East & Africa
§ South Africa
§ Saudi Arabia
§ UAE
§ Egypt
Competitive Landscape
Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Low
Migration Inks Market.
Available Customizations:
Global Low Migration Inks Market report with the
given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a
company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for
the report:
Company Information
- Detailed analysis and profiling of additional
market players (up to five).
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