Industry pins hopes on return to economic growth after downturn puts squeeze on print-market sales
Ink manufacturers and their customers - particularly those in the publishing segment - are more than ready to turn the page, shake off the effects of economic malaise, and move on to a brighter chapter in their collective fortunes.
Unfortunately, however, assessments of the industry's current health and near-term prognosis appear to suggest that ink sales volumes aren't likely to recover dramatically in the near term. Barring a major surge in economic growth as a whole - and a subsequent expansion in print advertising and other key end-use markets - ink makers are giving the outlook a realistic reading. The prevailing view is that growth may return late this year, but that the industry should expect a gradual opening of the spigot - not a gusher.