[CINCINNATI, OHIO, January 8, 2024] – Kao Collins, a leading industrial inkjet manufacturer, has revealed the 2024 trends for the industrial inkjet printing sector.
The 2024 trends highlight the opportunities for industrial equipment and ink manufacturers to help other industries meet increasingly stringent sustainability requirements and productivity goals.
Chris Rogers, Vice President, Partnerships & Business Development at Kao Collins, said: “Understanding and acting upon annual trends is critical for our industry’s sustained success. It’s not just about keeping up. It’s about shaping our path forward.”
EU and UK Regulations Pushing Eco-Friendly Packaging in the Beauty Industry
The EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), UK’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) are reshaping the landscape of beauty packaging and pushing a significant overhaul in packaging design for increased recyclability, use of recycled content, and adherence to strict environmental labeling standards.
The beauty industry is turning to inkjet technology for eco-friendly ink solutions compatible with sustainability goals. Kao Collins recognizes the pressing need for compliance without compromising quality.
"As the beauty industry navigates packaging regulations, we recognize the imperative to support compliance with a continuing commitment to sustainability. Our focus remains unwavering: providing eco-friendly ink solutions that meet regulatory demands without sacrificing the excellence our consumers expect,” Rogers said.
Beauty brands worldwide are exploring sustainable packaging solutions that require sustainable inks to meet these regulatory challenges. Kao Collins leads by offering eco-friendly ink options, such as water-based or LED-curable inks, aligning with sustainability criteria while maintaining superior quality.
Textile Micro-Factories and Industry 4.0 Round out 2024 TrendsInkjet technology fundamentally reshapes textile manufacturing within micro-factories, which are seen as a path toward improved sustainability. Kao Collins emphasizes the role of inkjet in reducing production timelines, costs, and environmental impact.
Water-based pigment inks play a pivotal role in promoting textile production that meets the pressure from regulators in the U.S. and EU by minimizing water usage and eliminating post-treatment procedures.
In collaboration with leading printer OEMs and innovative technology integrators, Kao Collins fuels the growth of inkjet technology in micro-factories. Supplying high-quality inks compatible with printing equipment ensures sustainability and productivity.
Furthering production efficiency that supports sustainability, the rise of Industry 4.0 technologies like IoT and AI is revolutionizing industrial inkjet printing.
Kao Collins highlights this final trend by showcasing how IoT, AI, and robotics optimize processes, adapt swiftly to market demands, and drive data-driven decision-making. The company's commitment to embracing disruptive technologies propels inkjet printing toward unparalleled precision, productivity, and sustainability.
By leveraging chemistry and materials science expertise, Kao Collins looks to formulate the next generation of inks that meet the demands of Industry 4.0-enabled printers.
“When looking at the history of printing, the relatively young digital printing sector stands to make giant leaps,” Rogers said.
The 2024 trends underscore the shift towards sustainability-driven solutions. As a leading inkjet ink manufacturer, Kao Collins advances eco-friendly inks and partnerships that fuel industry innovation.
Read More About the Trends
kaocollins.com/inktank/2024-trends-for-the-inkjet-printing-industry/.
Contact Kristin Adams at kadams@kaocollins.com for more information about Kao Collins.