Solvent market still worth $2bn in the face of emerging technologies

Written by Colin Gillman | 13 January 2012

According to a recent InfoTrends/FESPA survey, wide format solvent inkjet is under attack as a production technology as more print service providers intend to invest in UV-curable and durable aqueous inkjet in the future than intend to invest in either eco-solvent inkjet or solvent inkjet.

InfoTrends also advises solvent inkjet manufacturers to diversify their product offerings to stave off losses. In other words develop eco friendly print solutions or lose out to emerging technologies.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom on the solvent front. Far from it in fact as InfoTrends believes there is still growth in the low-end of the market on a worldwide basis, particularly for print-and-cut devices.

Low-end solvent inkjet remains a strong solution for small print shops and entry-level establishments, or as an accompaniment to other devices. Also, while technological development resources are shifting away from robust or high-end solvent, there are global suppliers still actively developing technology for the low-end or “eco”-solvent segment.

Further good news for eco solvent producers is the projected value of the global wide format solvent inkjet printer and supplies market for 2015 is valued at more than $2 billion, so there remains opportunity for these suppliers to continue to operate profitably in what is deemed the most lucrative end of the market.

Sales of entry level roll fed eco-solvent wide format machines continued to outstrip those of higher end systems in the UK, and several dealers that we spoke with were reporting above average sales for the last quarter of 2011 and were highly confident of seeing growth in 2012.

The manufacturers of eco-solvent wide format printers that we spoke with continue to remain tight lipped about possible aqueous inkjet developments, although it is anticipated that at least one manufacturer announce a solution, or make a strong technology announcement, at FESPA Digital in Barcelona next month.
www.infotrends.com