Gravure printing inks remain a critical component of the UK printing industry, valued for their precision and consistency in high-volume applications, particularly in packaging and rotogravure printing. While facing competition from flexography and digital printing, gravure holds a strong position in specialized markets like high-quality labels and flexible packaging .

The UK gravure ink market features specialized players who offer high-performance solutions. Doneck Euroflex U.K., for example, provides PMA Euro-Matt, a highly pigmented matte printing ink specifically for the external printing of carrier bags and flexible packaging in gravure and flexographic processes. These inks are engineered to offer good wrinkle recovery, abrasion resistance, and heat seal resistance, ensuring smooth processing and vibrant color properties .

Gravure printing inks traditionally consist of colorants, binders, solvents, and additives, but environmental concerns have driven significant innovation towards solvent-free and solvent-reduced ink systems. The UK market is increasingly adopting water-based and UV-curable gravure inks to meet stricter VOC emission regulations and cater to the demand for sustainable packaging . The pursuit of high image resolution, color vibrancy, and durability remains paramount in gravure applications, with manufacturers focusing on inks that deliver consistent performance on high-speed gravure presses for long print runs.

For detailed gravure ink market analysis, visit UK Printing Inks Market Report.