The Chemistry Behind the Future of Printing

In the world of industrial printing, inkjet technology is no longer a peripheral curiosity—it is now a central force driving innovation. While the headlines are often dominated by machinery and print speeds, the real alchemy of inkjet printing lies in the chemistry that makes it possible.

Few understand this better than Susanne Struck, Global Head of Printing Inks at Evonik Coating Additives, a specialist division of the German chemicals giant. A chemist by training, she has spent decades in the coatings and inks industry. Speaking on the Future Print Podcast, she outlined how Evonik, a name perhaps unfamiliar to many outside the industry, is shaping the evolution of inkjet printing from behind the scenes.

Click on the image for a link to the podcast interview

The Invisible Engine of Inkjet Printing

The industrial inkjet market has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. Once confined to office printers and small-scale applications, inkjet is now making inroads into commercial printing, packaging, textiles, and even automotive coatings. Susanne Struck describes the technology’s expansion into areas historically dominated by conventional printing techniques. “Inkjet started with home and office applications, then signage, and now it is successfully penetrating packaging, decorative printing, and textiles,” she explains.

Yet for all its promise, inkjet printing faces a host of technical challenges—chief among them the formulation of the inks themselves. The ink must not only be stable and vibrant but also adhere to diverse substrates while maintaining durability and safety standards. This is where Evonik’s expertise comes into play. The company’s additives enhance ink performance, ensuring proper wetting, dispersion, and adhesion. “We provide the raw materials that allow ink manufacturers to achieve the desired performance,” says Susanne Struck. “Pigment wetting and dispersing additives, for example, help create stable dispersions and colorful inks.”

The Science of Sustainability

Sustainability is a defining concern across industries, and printing is no exception. With regulatory scrutiny increasing, particularly in Europe, companies must ensure that their inks comply with stringent food safety and environmental standards. “We have been focusing on food contact compliance and sustainability for a long time,” says Susanne Struck. “Customers appreciate additives that are multifunctional—suitable for both decorative and packaging applications while ensuring safety.”

One major trend in packaging is the shift towards monomaterials and recyclability. Traditional multi-layer packaging, while effective, is difficult to recycle due to its composite structure. Evonik has responded by developing additives that improve the recyclability of printed substrates. “We recently introduced a co-binder that enhances the recyclability of solvent-borne inks, allowing faster and more complete separation during recycling,” she explains.

These innovations are not limited to paper and plastic. Ceramics, textiles, and even automotive components are now benefiting from advanced inkjet solutions. Evonik, through its broad technology portfolio, is well positioned to serve these evolving markets.

The Expanding Inkjet Frontier

Beyond traditional applications, the inkjet industry is increasingly exploring unconventional territories. Direct-to-shape printing, for instance, allows printing on curved or irregular surfaces, eliminating the need for labels or additional packaging. Automotive and white goods manufacturers are also investigating inkjet as a means of applying decorative and protective coatings with greater precision.

Susanne Struck sees these developments as part of a broader shift in manufacturing processes. “Inkjet’s non-impact nature provides greater freedom in how color and coatings are applied,” she notes. “It’s particularly useful for complex shapes where traditional methods struggle.”

Another frontier is the potential use of inkjet technology in automotive coatings. While not strictly within the realm of traditional printing, jetting coatings rather than spraying them could revolutionize the sector. “If you could jet coatings in a highly controlled manner, car manufacturers could offer more customization without additional cost or waste,” Susanne Struck suggests. The concept is still in its early stages, but the interest is evident.

The Competitive Landscape

Evonik is not alone in this space. The industrial inkjet market is crowded with competitors offering specialty chemicals and additives. What sets Evonik apart, Susanne Struck argues, is its deep technological foundation and ability to leverage expertise across different sectors. “We don’t just throw coatings products over the fence and try to sell them for inks,” she says. “We develop tailored solutions that address the specific needs of printing applications.”

Another key differentiator is Evonik’s regulatory expertise. With governments and industries pushing for higher sustainability standards, companies that proactively develop compliant solutions have a competitive edge. “Our regulatory teams work alongside our developers from the start to ensure products meet food safety and environmental requirements,” she explains.

The Future of Inkjet Printing

Looking ahead, Susanne Struck predicts that inkjet technology will continue its upward trajectory, though not without challenges. The printing industry is undergoing structural changes, particularly in packaging, where the demand for more sustainable solutions could reshape market dynamics. “We may see a reduction in overall ink volumes as packaging becomes simpler,” she notes. “But at the same time, new types of coatings and inks for recyclable materials will drive innovation.”

For Evonik, adapting to these shifts means expanding its focus beyond color inks to include barrier coatings and functional additives that enhance recyclability. As regulations tighten and consumer expectations evolve, the chemical backbone of inkjet printing will only become more critical.

“Inkjet has an enormous future,” Susanne Struck concludes. “And chemistry will remain at the heart of its success.”

As inkjet technology continues to redefine printing, it is the unseen science of additives and coatings that will dictate its future. While printheads and machinery may take the spotlight, the industry’s true transformation is happening at the molecular level.