[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.”
Empowering Textile Micro-Factories
The rise of textile micro-factories is driving a shift in manufacturing landscapes worldwide, revolutionizing industries with their agile, sustainable, and hyper-efficient production models.
These relatively small and agile production centers define textile industry innovation. The micro-factories offer flexibility and efficient operations. Their rapid response to market needs, waste reduction, and sustainability focus align with regulatory and consumer requirements.
As micro-factories reshape the textile landscape, Kao Collins is a driving force, offering advanced ink formulations and expertise to support this opportunity.
Inkjet technology is fundamentally reshaping textile manufacturing within micro-factories. Kao Collins emphasizes the role of inkjet in reducing production timelines, costs, and environmental impact.
Inkjet technology supports the textile industry’s effort to meet strict new or emerging environmental regulations. Water-based pigment inks serve as a cornerstone, enabling textile production aligned with stringent regulations in the U.S. and EU by minimizing water usage and eliminating post-treatment procedures.
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.
Eco-Friendly Beauty Packaging and Industry 4.0 Round out 2024 Trends
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.
Furthering sustainability goals, 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
Contact Kristin Adams at kadams@kaocollins.com for more information about Kao Collins.
ABOUT KAO COLLINS
Kao Collins, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S., provides solutions for the inkjet industry around the world, offering a full line of inks, services, and technical support. The company formulates and manufactures innovative inkjet inks for the leading thermal, piezo, and continuous printing systems. Since 1990 Kao Collins has helped customers, OEMs, integrators, and print service providers reduce costs and increase productivity with high-performance inks.
ABOUT KAO
Kao creates high-value-added products that enrich the lives of consumers around the world. Through its portfolio of over 20 leading brands such as Attack, Bioré, Goldwell, Jergens, John Frieda, Kanebo, Laurier, Merries and Molton Brown, Kao is part of the everyday lives of people in Asia, Oceania, North America, and Europe. Combined with its chemical division, which contributes to a wide range of industries, Kao generates about 1,500 billion yen in annual sales. Kao employs about 35,000 people worldwide and has more than 120 years of history in innovation. Please visit the Kao Group website for updated information.