In late May 2023,we warmly welcomed the visit of our Russian clients who have been our partners for over a year and have expressed great satisfaction with our products. The visit is aimed at strengthening our cooperation and discussing long term development plans. During the visit,the Russian clients introduced their company to us,and we introduced our company to them,enhancing mutual understanding. We then invited the clients to visit our technology lab,resin,and ink production workshops,where we demonstrated our technology mastery,instrumental equipment,and production process. The clients were highly impressed with the depth of our technical knowledge and the efficiency of our production process. They recognized our company's strength and potential and expressed interest in exploring more cooperation opportunities. We look forward to continuing to work with our Russian partners to achieve a prosperous future together.

The printing industry is one of the most important industries in the world, and the demand for high-quality printing is on the rise. As a result, the market for printing ink has been expanding rapidly in recent years, and the competition in this industry is fierce. Currently, the lithographic ink market is one of the most prominent segments in the printing ink industry.   With the increasing awareness of environmental protection around the world, many companies are now seeking ways to reduce their environmental impact. In response to this trend, our company is proud to introduce a new, environmentally friendly product: mineral oil-free ink.   This new product is designed to meet the increasingly stringent requirements for environmentally friendly printing. In addition to being completely free of mineral oil, this ink is also low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious printers.   Our mineral oil-free ink has a number of other advantages over traditional ink. It has excellent adhesion to a wide range of substrates, including glossy and coated paper. It produces sharp, vibrant colors, and it dries quickly, reducing the time required for post-press operations.   We believe that our new mineral oil-free ink will be well received by the lithographic ink market. As more and more companies begin to prioritize environmental sustainability, this product will enable our customers to stay ahead of the curve and meet the latest environmental standards.   In summary, the lithographic ink market is currently experiencing rapid growth, and our company is proud to introduce a new product that meets the increasing demand for environmentally friendly printing. We are confident that our mineral oil-free ink will be well received by customers and help us lead the way in the evolving printing industry.

In 2023, our company participated in the PRINT CHINA Dongguan Exhibition. We exhibited a variety of products, including some new products. Our staff worked hard to promote our products and services. The atmosphere of the exhibition was very warm and friendly. During the exhibition, many customers visited our booth and showed great interest in our products. We had a lot of conversations with them and answered their questions patiently. At the same time, we also made good use of this opportunity to collect feedback from customers on our products and services. As a result, this exhibition was very successful for us. In addition, we also got a lot of orders from customers during the exhibition, which made us very happy. All in all, this exhibition was a great success for us and we are looking forward to more exhibitions like this in the future.  

Today Daihei Ink held a safety training and fire drill. All employees of the company participated in this activity. The purpose of this activity is to enhance employees' awareness of safety and fire prevention, so as to ensure the safety of personnel and property in the workplace. During the training, we were divided into several groups to watch the video about fire safety knowledge, which introduced the common causes of fires and how to prevent them. In addition, we also learned how to use fire extinguishers correctly and how to evacuate safely in case of emergency. At the same time, Daihei Ink also provided us with free fire-fighting equipment such as fire extinguishers and smoke detectors. The company's leaders also gave us a detailed explanation on how to use these equipments correctly in case of emergency. Afterwards, we had a fire drill exercise. We practiced evacuating from different places in an orderly manner according to our evacuation plan. The exercise was conducted under the guidance of professional firefighters who taught us what we should do when facing a real fire emergency situation. Through this activity, Daihei Ink has shown its concern for employee safety and humanistic care for its employees. We believe that with our joint efforts, we can create a safe working environment for everyone!  

Following the announcement by authorities in Saudi Arabia and countries across the Middle East, the holy month of Ramadan will start on Thursday, March 23.   There are about 1.9 billion Muslims around the world, approximately 25 percent of the world population. Indonesia has the world’s highest Muslim population, with some 230 million Muslims living in the country. Pakistan is second with about 212 million Muslims, followed by India (200 million), Bangladesh (150 million), and Nigeria (100 million).   Many Muslims around the world will prepare for a month of fasting and the festivities that come with it. During the month, observing Muslims wake up before sunrise to have a pre-fasting meal, or suhoor, and break their fast at sunset with iftar.   Why is Ramadan holy?   Muslims believe that Ramadan is the month when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad more than 1,400 years ago.   Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with the Muslim declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity, and performing the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca if physically and financially capable.   Daihei Ink wish our Muslim brothers Ramadan Mubarak and hope our printing industry can have a good start in this year.  

  Higher raw material, transportation costs are driving the latest round of price increases, and there are likely more to come.   The printing ink industry is well known for being reluctant to raise prices except when under pressure, as their printing customers are equally known for tight margins. However, recent comments are signaling that price increases are ahead.   It should be noted that not every ink company announces when prices are going up, but typically, higher costs from raw materials and/or transportation impact every company. Reports from Sun Chemical, Flint Group, Siegwerk, the National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers (NAPIM) and the European Printing Ink Association (EuPIA) are highlighting the challenges ahead for the ink industry.   EuPIA’s and NAPIM's Insights   It is not unusual to see ink companies offer statements about pricing pressures. EuPIA’s move in mid-February to provide its comprehensive analysis gives a serious perspective on what is happening within purchasing departments throughout the ink industry.   EuPIA pointed to “the increased cost of pigment raw materials, tightening upstream petrochemical supply chains, cost increases for vegetable oil derivatives and dramatically increased freight costs – due to the reduced availability of containers – are highlights of a myriad of destabilizing factors.”   One area of concern: TiO2. EuPIA reports that due to short supply, there are extended lead times. Petrochemicals are another challenge. Prices are rising, driving up costs for feedstocks and resins, as well as also impacting the cost of color pigments.   EuPIA also offered some interesting details on other issues. For example, vegetable oils and derivatives are facing higher costs, which impacts alkyd resins and esters.   “From Q4 2020 and continuing into 2021, there has been an astounding vegetable oil price rally to six-year highs due to several developments compounding together,” EuPIA wrote.   “Palm oil production is at a three-year low while palm oil stocks worldwide are at low levels; the soybean oil complex turned from a surplus to the deficit with unfavorable weather conditions in the US and drought damage in Latin America reducing both production & supplies - also Chinese imports and consumption has risen more sharply than expected. All these factors have impacted the cost of vegetable oils and their derivatives such as alkyd resins and esters which are the main backbone of paste ink used in both packaging and publication printing.”   The issue of containers being stranded at ports after shipping schedules were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic is also interesting. Per EuPIA:   “As a result, containers have been sent to ports around the world where they have become stranded; many containers are now in the wrong parts of the world or off-beat ports. The inequities between customer demand and short supply have resulted in a severe global shortage of freight capacity. For perspective, prices of containers between China and Europe have risen more than 400% since Q4 2020.”   NAPIM discussed its own concerns about the challenges facing the ink industry.   “The printing ink industry in North America is facing unprecedented challenges in raw material feed stocks, supplies and freight,” wrote John Copeland, executive director of NAPIM. “Virtually all raw material families for the printing ink industry, including oil, energy curable, solvent, and water-based systems have been greatly impacted.”   Ink Companies Report on Costs   As I mentioned above, not every ink company will announce higher costs, but when Sun Chemical, Flint Group and Siegwerk both take note of their concerns, you can figure the entire industry is in the same boat.   Effective March 15, 2021, Sun Chemical will increase North American prices across a range of products, including packaging and commercial sheetfed inks, coatings, and adhesives. The leading ink manufacturer cited short supply of petrochemicals, vegetable oils and derivatives, as well as higher international freight costs and increasing demand.   “These unprecedented dynamics have resulted in significant inflationary pressure which requires us to raise prices to offset these costs,” said Chris Parrilli, president of North American Inks, Sun Chemical, in announcing the rising ink prices. “We will remain focused on supplying our customers with best-in-class solutions.”   In addition, Sun Chemical Latin Anerica anounced 10% price increases on its sheetfed product and 5% on its energy curable portfolio.   “Due to recent market dynamics, we are forced to increase the prices to offset the raw material and transportation increases,” said Fernando Tavara, president, Sun Chemical Latin Americain anouncing the increases.   Effective April 1, 2021, Flint Group Packaging is planning on increasing prices of its inks and coatings. The company cited higher costs and tighter supply in numerous areas, including pigments, resins, solvents and freight. The compnay also announced increases for its Day blankets and Varn chemical products.   “The unusual set of supply chain conditions currently witnessed are some of the most severe I have seen,” Doug Aldred, president of Flint Group Packaging Inks, reported in announcing the inks and coatings price increases.  “Our business is facing substantial cost and availability headwinds, across multiple raw material categories. Resins, solvents and pigments (including titanium dioxide), are particularly problematic.”   “Regrettably, despite our tenacious efforts to offset cost and risk for our valued customers, the pronounced and prolonged pressure – experienced in some categories since mid-2020 – has forced us to act. Some raw materials, such as UV resins, additives and pigments, are reaching cost peaks not witnessed in the last ten years or more,” added Emmanuel Bareaud, president of Flint Group Narrow Web.   While Siegwerk did not mention price increases in its release, the packaging ink specialist pointed to many of the same root causes as Sun Chemical did, including higher pigment and petrochemical prices, supply issues for petrochemicals as well as higher freight costs.   “Already in 2021 we are seeing a combination of several factors which are interlinked with the COVID-19 crisis which has severely impacted the overall raw material supply chain,” said Dr. Arash Babai, director of global purchasing for Siegwerk, in the company’s release. “Our team is working hand-in-hand with our global supply chain to leverage its buying power and minimize risks to our customers.”   In particular, Siegwerk noted that TiO2, carbon blacks, metallics and colored pigments, and Dr. Babai said that Siegwerk has received price increase notices from multiple suppliers. In terms of petrochemicals, prices are rising for key ingredients including UV, acrylic and polyurethane resins and solvents.   Freight is an interesting category in that, in addition to transportation costs, Siegwerk noted that there is a shortage of shipping containers.   “While the overall situation is constantly changing, Siegwerk is devoting all available resources to ensure our supply to customers is uninterrupted,” Dr. Babai concluded.   Suppliers Issue Price Increases   On the supply side, there were some announcements of note that will impact the ink industry. Ingevity Corporation, a major resin producer, announced that it would be raising prices from 10% to 15% on all merchant and derivatized tall oil rosin and tall oil fatty acid products as of April 1, 2021.   These are critical raw materials for certain ink resins. In this case Ingevity cited both customer demand and higher raw materials costs.   On the specialty pigment side, ECKART announced its first price increase in a while, beginning March 1, 2021. Noting it has absorbed previous price increases through improving efficiency, the metallic and special effect pigment producer reported that recent above-average increases in chemical, transport and packaging costs is forcing it to raise prices on its pigments.       

  Print China 2023 5th International Printing Technology Exhibition of China Dates: 4/11/2023 - 4/15/2023 Venue: GD Modern International Exhibition Center, Dongguan, China   Our company will participate in the exhibition of  PRINT CHINA 2023 which hold in the Dongguan . Our company will exhibit a complete range of high-quality products, and launch various new products in line with the requirements of the trend of environmental protection, welcome our customers and friends to visit and negotiate .  The name of Fair: The 5th International Printing Technology Exhibition of China (Guangdong)--PRINT CHINA 2023 Booth NO.:  4B-1011.   Fair date: 11-15th,April,2023 Fair address: Guangdong Modern International Exhibition Center.    

Books – Why It is Becoming a Sellers’ Market   The e-book market (now around 10% of the total) had showed signs of stagnation for the last six years.   Sander Sondaal, Director Commercial Print Sales, Ricoh Graphic Communications, Ricoh Europe01.30.23       It was interesting to see the upbeat news on the growth in the number of independent bookshops in Great Britain and Ireland from the Booksellers Association. It reported that independent bookshop membership saw its sixth annual consecutive rise to 1,072 shops – the highest it has been for 10 years. It is up from 1,027 in 2021 and significantly higher than the 867 recorded in 2016.   It was individual booksellers in Ireland, as well as Sweden and Norway, that helped those countries enjoy the greatest growth in book sales in Europe according to a Statista study between 2019 and 2020. Growth for the latter two continued to remain strong in 2021. Sales revenue in Sweden was more than 2.1 billion Swedish kronor (E0.19 billion), up from the previous year’s 1.96 billion (E0.17 billion) and in Norway book market revenue grew from 5 billion Norwegian kroner (E0.47 billion) in 2019, to more than 5.9 billion Norwegian kroner (E0.55 billion).   Also enjoying growth has been Hungary where book sales have increased to more than pre-pandemic levels and Spain where sales revenue in 2021 was E2.58 billion, up almost six percent from E2.44 billion a year earlier.   With figures like that it is no surprise that Europe is home to four of the top five largest book publishers worldwide ranked by revenue. Statista reported that RELX Group, Bertelsmann, Pearson, and Wolters Kluwer each generated between E3.7 billion and E5.5 billion worldwide in 2020.   Increasingly these sales are achieved with a broader catalogue of short run publications. According to European Book Publishing Statistics from the Federation of European Publishers (FEP), around 13.4 million different titles, including 3 million in digital format, were stocked in 2021.   This figure was lifted by a surge in different formats of digital publishing, the digitization of back catalogs, the growth of print on demand services and the rise in self-published titles. The countries reporting the largest output of new titles were Germany, Spain, Italy, Great Britain, and France.   The federation reported that the e-book market (now around 10% of the total) had showed signs of stagnation for the last six years while Statista pointed to a subdued annual growth rate of 2.26% for e-book revenue and a projected market volume of E2.52bn by 2027.   Physical books continue to remain the most popular choice. In fact, 65% of respondents preferred physical books over e-books, or audio-books, because of their look, feel, and smell, according to a survey by renewable pulp and paper manufacturer Stora Enso. The majority of readers enjoy engaging a number of senses for a more pleasurable experience.   So, there are opportunities in the way the book market is evolving for adaptable publishers and book manufacturers.   Supporting responsive and flexible production of short run or on demand books are digital web fed inkjet and digital sheet fed technologies. With software solutions that drive intelligent and effective workflow and maximize efficiencies they can meet fluctuating demand and cost efficiently deliver varying run lengths. They can also streamline production by efficiently organizing and batching incoming orders.   Agile book production has the ability to answer today’s book publishing needs and successfully shape future growth. Are you ready to help write that next chapter?