The UV-curable ink market has shown significant growth in recent years, with a high annual compound growth rate. Among them, the surge in demand from the packaging and printing sector has been the primary driving force. The specific analysis is as follows:

### **I. Market Size and Growth Trends**

1. **Global Market**

- In 2024, the global market size for UV-curable inks was approximately US$5.25 billion (about RMB 37.5 billion), accounting for 15% of the total global ink market.

- The projected market size for 2025 is expected to grow to US$6.84 billion (approximately RMB 48.8 billion), representing an 18% year-on-year increase, with the market share rising to 18%.

- In the long term, from 2019 to 2027, the global UV ink market is expected to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.77%, with the market size projected to reach US$3.57 billion by 2027.

2. **Chinese Market**

- In 2024, the Chinese UV ink market reached a size of 5.744 billion yuan, accounting for 15.3% of the global market; production totaled 139,400 tons, while demand amounted to 135,800 tons.

- From 2018 to 2024, the Chinese UV ink market experienced a compound annual growth rate of 9.9%. The average market price declined from a relatively high level in 2018 to approximately RMB 42,300 per ton in 2024, reflecting a dual trend of market expansion and cost optimization.

### **II. Core Drivers Behind the Surge in Demand in the Packaging and Printing Industry**

1. **Driven by Environmental Policies**

- Globally, restrictions on VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions are becoming increasingly stringent. UV-curable inks, which do not produce harmful substances during the curing process, have emerged as an ideal alternative to conventional solvent-based inks.

- The “Implementation Plan for Innovative Development of the Fine Chemical Industry (2024–2027),” jointly issued by nine Chinese government departments including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, explicitly identifies UV inks as a key area for enhancing the supply of green products, further promoting technological upgrades and market adoption within the industry.

2. **Outstanding performance advantages**

- **Curing Speed**: UV ink achieves “second-level curing” through ultraviolet irradiation, significantly shortening the production cycle and boosting printing efficiency.

- **Print Quality**: Vibrant colors, abrasion resistance, water resistance, and lightfastness ensure the durability of printed materials in challenging environments.

- **Application Versatility**: Can be printed on a variety of materials including paper, plastic, metal, and glass, meeting the diverse needs of the packaging industry.

3. **Expansion of Downstream Application Scenarios**

- **Food and Beverage Packaging**: UV inks offer antibacterial, moisture-resistant, and temperature-resistant properties, meeting food safety standards.

- **Pharmaceutical Packaging**: High adhesion and chemical resistance ensure that drug information remains clearly legible over the long term.

- **High-end consumer goods packaging**: Demand for personalized customization is on the rise. UV inks enable the printing of intricate designs and thick labels, enhancing the added value of products.

### **III. Technological Innovation and Industrial Chain Collaboration**

1. **Upgraded Solidification Technology**

- LED cold-light curing technology replaces traditional mercury lamps, offering higher energy efficiency, longer lifespan, lower heat generation, and adjustable spectrum, thereby significantly enhancing curing efficiency and product quality.

- Integrated curing systems (such as the Shu Yin Tong Mofang series flatbed UV printers) enable simultaneous inkjet printing and curing, ensuring stable adhesion of the ink layer.

2. **Material Innovation**

- The application of new light-curing materials, eco-friendly solvents, and high-performance specialty resins enhances the ink’s weather resistance, scratch resistance, and lightfastness.

- Low-energy UV inks reduce energy consumption and further promote widespread adoption.

3. **Intelligence and Digitalization**

- The intelligent control system simplifies the operation process, supports remote monitoring and automatic maintenance, and reduces operation and maintenance costs.

- Digital printing technology is driving the application of UV inks in personalized and small-batch orders, meeting the market’s need for rapid response.

### **IV. Regional Markets and Competitive Landscape**

1. **Regional Differences**

- **European and American Markets**: These markets place great emphasis on environmental protection and sustainable development, with high demands for the quality and performance of UV inks. The high-end market segment accounts for a significant share.

- **Asian Markets**: Emerging economies such as China and India are experiencing robust demand, and cost advantages coupled with policy support are driving rapid growth in the mid-to-low-end market.

- **Southeast Asia and India**: With rapid economic growth and enormous consumption potential, these regions have become key areas for companies seeking to expand into overseas markets.

2. **Corporate Competition**

- **International Brands**: Such as Epson, HP, and Canon, which dominate the high-end market thanks to their accumulated technology and strong brand presence.

- **Local Enterprises**: Such as Yongguang Shares and Jiangyin Huaxin, are gradually expanding their market share through cost-performance advantages and market adaptability, and are accelerating technological upgrades driven by environmental protection policies.