Guangzhou, China: The 2024 Asia Ink Expo (AIE) is set to take place from October 16 to 18, 2024, at the Guangzhou Airport Exhibition Hall. As the most influential ink industry event in Asia, this year’s expo comes at a pivotal time when environmental sustainability is becoming increasingly crucial for industries worldwide. Titled “Green Ink · Colorful World,” the expo aims to foster discussions on the advancement of environmentally friendly printing inks, particularly the rising prominence of water-based inks.
With governments around the world implementing stringent environmental protection policies, the ink industry is witnessing a significant shift towards sustainable practices. Water-based inks, due to their low organic solvent content, are emerging as a viable solution to reduce volatile organic compound (VOCs) emissions. A recent report by the international research institution Smithers highlights that global consumption of water-based printing inks reached 492,000 tons in 2022, generating sales of $5 billion. This market is on a promising growth trajectory, with an anticipated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.1%, projected to reach 572,000 tons by 2027.
The expo will gather ink manufacturers, printing bag companies, ink distributors, and raw material suppliers, alongside international buyers, to explore the latest innovations in water-based inks. In addition to traditional printing ink producers, innovative enterprises are also stepping up to launch a new generation of water-based products, enhancing technical capabilities and product quality to meet growing demand. The European printing sector is on the forefront of this shift, actively encouraging the use of environmentally friendly printing inks through policy support and industry advocacy.
In addition to showcasing the latest in ink technology, the 2024 AIE will host a series of special activities, including the Asia Ink Industry Chain Technical Exchange Meeting, the Ink Summit Forum, the Ink Night event, and the Full Color Ink Speed Printing Challenge. These events aim to provide platforms for knowledge exchange and collaboration, allowing industry pioneers to explore the full potential of transitioning from oil-based to water-based inks.
The 2024 AIE is not only an exhibition; it is a celebration of innovation and sustainable practices in the printing industry. It stands as a testament to the collective effort of stakeholders committed to promoting green development and aligning with global sustainability goals.
