Inkjet Inks Set to Hit $13.3 Billion by 2031 as Eco-Friendly Formulations Take Over.

The global inkjet ink market is on track to grow from $9.9 billion to $13.3 billion by 2031, according to Smithers, but the real story lies in how inks are evolving under increasing regulatory and environmental pressure. Manufacturers are rapidly shifting toward water-based (aqueous) inks, which are gaining traction across textiles, commercial printing, books, and corrugated packaging—and now making strong inroads into food packaging due to their safer chemical composition, recyclability, and compliance with strict food-contact regulations. At the same time, radiation-cured inks remain vital in labels and visual communications, with a growing transition from conventional UV to energy-efficient LED UV technologies that reduce heat and power consumption. However, ongoing concerns over chemical migration and indirect food contact continue to limit UV ink adoption in packaging, highlighting a major industry shift where sustainability, safety, and compliance are now driving innovation as much as performance.