INTRODUCTION
REASONS FOR THE STUDY AND ITS IMPORTANCE
This study contributes information and data that provide a "total picture" of the ink and toner production industry. This information will include comprehensive data concerning actual ink and toner production and use in printing processes. Indeed, ink material production and printing process go hand in hand. Technological and economical changes in either industry affect both segments.
The study intends to correlate data that has been calculated from many sources, such as government statistical information, researchers, ink and printing industry organizations, economic analysts, and those manufacturers that participate in this market. The objective of this study is to give those involved with and interested in ink production a look at manufacturers, products, regulations, academic and commercial developments, and international markets.
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY AND ITS CONTRIBUTION
This study's objective is to provide up-to-date information regarding the market for printing inks and toners. The importance and resulting integrity of this report lies in its uniqueness in correlating the synergies of both printing inks and toner to provide an overall product market that relates to the entire printing industry as the end user. Many reports that solely discuss printing inks or toner fail to provide product data that correlates to the entire printing product industry. Because today's printed material is produced from a wide variety of sources (e.g., traditional commercial press operators, quick-print establishments, in-house production in large and small businesses, and home users), all ink and toner products need to be analyzed in order to come up with a comprehensive picture of what is being produced and used for this mélange of printed material that encompasses our great need for information and effective communication.
AUDIENCE FOR THE REPORT
This study should be of interest to anyone involved directly in the ink and printing industry, or anyone interested in industrial markets. Manufacturers who are included in the chemical supply chain, both downstream and upstream, will find vital data and analyses on how the market is transitioning for a more competitive marketplace. Those in ink-making management and operations will find this study useful for information concerning new processes and development that help create more-efficient standards. This report will also give printers insightful information into alternative product choices and the reasons why alternative chemical products are excellent choices.
Likewise, those participating in research and development activities through academic institutions, government programs, or private-sector initiatives are presented with new developments and technological advances in potential new products and applications. Investors, banks, legislators, and others that require information about ink markets, new technology, and market potential will be able to use this study to assess the economic and environmental benefits of this emerging chemical industry segment.
SCOPE AND CONTENT OF THE REPORT
This study contains comprehensive data concerning raw materials for ink and toner production-such as pigments, resins, vehicles, and additives-for ink products for every printing process. It also contains end-products data produced from publishing and commercial printing sectors. Insightful information will be provided from the perspective of the manufacturer and the customer. Major product manufacturers are profiled, and end-use markets are reviewed. Information concerning new technologies and process developments are extensively discussed. Detailed forecasts and analyses provide vital market information on product sales, cost-savings alternatives, and international opportunities in a comprehensive manner.
Market forecasts are included for all product categories for U.S. production as well as global production. The historical and current significance of government regulations, patents, and research and development (R&D) will be reviewed for their vital roles that affect ink-production market dynamics, with an emphasis on future product sales. Information concerning U.S. exports and leading globalized companies will be analyzed.
METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES
This report is based on an examination and calculation of information from a variety of sources in order to obtain data that are balanced in regard to historical statistics and future predictions. This study forecasts the market's growth through 2005 and includes data for manufacturer sales, end-use product sales, and the effects of market dynamics, regulation, and technology.
The study assesses the importance of development and marketing on institutional and commercial levels. Information is provided in terms of manufacturers' products, sales, and other vital information. Applications are reviewed in terms of projected product sales, and potential markets and customers. Market forecasts are expressed in current dollar values and market share percentages, which are forecasted through 2005.
Values for commodity products are also expressed in current price and weight ratios. Informational sources are also included that will enlighten the reader about market potentials based on environmental regulations and new technologies. Data is calculated for current dollar values, and is calculated for the years 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2008 in order to form comprehensive historic, present, and forecasted data analyses.
This study is based on extensive research from a number of sources. These include government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), trade journals, and publications. Technical information was provided by manufacturers, patent examinations, and interviews with those involved in the industry, such as manufacturers, legislators, and researchers.