• Resin’s role in ink: Resins determine key attributes of the final print, including gloss, adhesion, pigment distribution and press runnability, and act as the main binder providing dried film properties such as resistance and durability.

• System-specific resin chemistries:
  • Water-based inks: Typically use polyurethane or acrylic resins emulsified in water, forming a continuous film as water evaporates. Polymers like acrylic, PVA and water-based polyurethane are primary components.
  • Solvent-based inks: Rely on organic solvents (e.g. toluene, xylene, mineral spirits) as carriers, with polymers such as polyurethane, alkyd or epoxy forming tough, abrasion‑resistant coatings.
  • Energy‑curable inks (UV/EB): Use resins that polymerise upon exposure to UV or electron beam, forming a crosslinked network instead of drying via evaporation or absorption.

• Technology trade‑offs:
  • Solvent-based resins: Fast drying, good wetting and adhesion on a wide variety of substrates, but high VOC levels can pose environmental concerns if not managed.
  • Water-based resins: Low VOC content, reduced air pollution and eco‑friendly profile, with capabilities continually advancing to deliver high‑performance inks.
  • Energy‑curable resins: Rapid cure, excellent durability and efficient production, as illustrated by BASF’s Laromer® oligomers and reactive diluents.

• Water-based platforms (BASF Joncryl®):
  • Joncryl FLX, Joncryl BRC: Water‑based resin technologies gaining adoption as converters update portfolios, supporting low VOC and high performance in flexible packaging and related applications.
  • Joncryl DPS: Targeted at digital printing; supports improved colour strength, jetting stability and productivity, making digital more viable in packaging and labels.

• Solvent-based resin components:
  • Polymers: Polyurethane, alkyd, epoxy.
  • Solvents: Toluene, xylene, mineral spirits as common carriers, contributing to robust, abrasion‑resistant films when VOCs are properly controlled.

• Energy-curable resin systems:
  • Binder systems for UV and EB inks that solidify via fast chemical reaction when exposed to external energy, producing long‑lasting polymer networks with high durability.

Printing performance factors: 

Functional coatings: 

Digital printing:

• Packaging and graphic arts demand:
  • Growth in 2026 is strongest in packaging, especially food and e‑commerce applications, where sustainability, regulatory compliance and high‑purity systems are top priorities.
  • Flexible packaging and labels are driving the fastest growth, fuelled by the expansion of food, beverage and consumer goods sectors and the rise of e‑commerce.

• Role of inks in sustainability:
  • Conventional solvent-based inks can involve complex disposal, hidden costs and significant VOC emissions.
  • Water-based inks offer low VOC content, emitting few to no VOCs during printing and drying, which is a major sustainability advantage.
  • There is heightened demand for resins that support sustainable packaging and comply with rapidly evolving global regulations.

• Emerging bio-based and renewable resins:
  • Improvements in resin chemistry are enabling bio-based and renewable resins from plant‑based feedstocks.
  • These resins are designed to match conventional performance (flexibility, durability, adhesion) while being more recyclable, biodegradable or sourced from renewables, reducing environmental footprint.