The low migration inks market size is projected to be worth US$ 1.4 billion in 2023. The market is likely to surpass US$ 2.8 billion by 2033. It is expected to showcase growth at an impressive CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period.
Low migration inks are formulated in such a way that they do not leach from the substrate into the product which is in contact with it. This valuable feature might open up a wide array of opportunities for these inks.
Such an attribute can be utilised in several versatile sectors. A few of these include food, beverage, medical, and pharmaceuticals, where there exists a high risk of infirmity due to contamination.
There are strict regulations in place to ensure that food packaging materials do not contain harmful chemicals or substances that can migrate into the food. Low migration inks are specially formulated to comply with these regulations.
These inks are designed to prevent the migration of ink components into food or beverage products. Stringent norms are hence expected to drive low migration ink sales by 2033.
Consumers are becoming more conscious about the safety and quality of the food they consume. They are more likely to choose products that are packaged with materials that do not pose a risk to their health. Low migration inks are seen as a safer and healthier option, which is bolstering their demand.
Brand owners are increasingly aware of the importance of protecting their brand image and reputation. Use of low migration inks can help to ensure that their products are compliant with new regulations. These inks also do not pose any health risks if applied, thereby augmenting demand.
Demand for sustainable packaging solutions is growing due to concerns over the environmental impact of packaging waste. Low migration inks are often used in conjunction with eco-friendly packaging materials such as paper or cardboard. These can help to create a fully recyclable or biodegradable packaging solution, further boosting sales.
Creation of new ink formulations and technologies has led to the development of low migration inks that offer better performance and print quality. This has further increased their popularity among packaging manufacturers and printers, which would accelerate the market.
Drivers Propelling Low Migration Inks Demand Worldwide
- Stringent government regulations banning the use of toxic substances in various packaging formats is set to augment low migration ink demand.
- Rising awareness among modern consumers about potential risks associated with the use of harmful or toxic chemicals in food packaging is likely to spur demand.
- Low migration inks are increasingly gaining popularity as they aid in providing a long shelf life to various products.
- Demand for low migration ink is anticipated to surge among food manufacturers as they strive to offer safe products to their customers.
- Increasing competitiveness amid rising numbers of new entrants globally is set to result in the emergence of hygienic food products, thereby driving the market.
Challenges for Low Migration Inks Manufacturers/Companies:
- Rate of migration for low migration ink in contact with fatty foods is more prominent, rendering them less applicable for the same.
- Polyethylene and polypropylene packaging films have a relatively low barrier, making low migration inks less effective.
- Inkjet printers using low migration inks need to work with a lower level of molecular weights, which can intensify the risk of leaching into products and limit sales.
- Rate of migration of harmful or volatile substances increases around two times with each temperature rise of 10°C, inhibiting low migration ink demand in the food service sector.
Upcoming Opportunities in the Low Migration Inks Industry:
- Increasing demand for low migration inks in emerging economies across Latin America and South East Asia would offer lucrative investment opportunities to manufacturers.
- Developing low migration inks with little to no odor so that the smell of the ink does not imprint on packaged products can boost sales.
- Low migration inks with faster printing and drying speeds can ramp up the production of end products, which would open the door to new opportunities.
- Expansion of the cosmetics industry is set to help low migration ink suppliers to increase their sales all over the world.
- As the population pins more focus on their appearance, the cosmetics industry is set to use uncontaminated & safe products such as low migration inks and spur demand.
Latest Low Migration Inks Market Trends:
- Use of recycled or recyclable contents in low migration inks is set to gain momentum in light of awareness about the effects of packaging on the environment.
- Increasing use of low migration inks for non-food applications such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and tobacco industries would push demand.
- Utilizing the new technology of UV LED curing for printing with low migration inks would help to operate at a lower cost and make printed designs last longer.
- Development of low migration inks that prevent migration of toxic chemicals through gas-phase to provide a superior solution for heat-and-eat food items would elevate demand.
Country-wise Insights
Why is the United States Showcasing High Low Migration Ink Demand?
The United States low migration inks industry size is anticipated to surpass a valuation of US$ 471.3 million by 2033. It is likely to flourish at a CAGR of 5.4% from 2023 to 2033.
As low migration inks are increasingly being used to print on pharmaceutical packaging, their demand is expected to witness steady growth in the country. The United States is home to one of the largest pharmaceutical markets in the world. It also houses numerous food retailers, further fuelling low migration ink sales in the country.
Would China be a Prominent Hub for Low Migration Inks Manufacturers?
China low migration inks market is estimated to exceed a valuation of US$ 294.5 million by the end of 2033. It is set to expand 2.2 times its current market size in the forecast period.
The country is considered to be one of the top food manufacturers in the world. Demand for low migration inks in China is projected to skyrocket with rising awareness among millennials about food safety. Government agencies are also creating awareness programs to mitigate migration of toxic substances from primary packaging into foodstuff.
