Matsui International
Matsui International is a family-owned specialty inks manufacturer founded in Kyoto in 1923, producing water-based screen printing inks, digital inkjet inks, and proprietary color-changing specialty pigments for textile printers, apparel decorators, and industrial indicator markets worldwide via a distributor-only go-to-market model.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1923
- HeadquartersGardena, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Matsui International does
Matsui International Co. Inc. is a family-owned specialty chemicals company that develops and manufactures color and ink products for textile printing and industrial applications. Founded in 1923 in Kyoto, Japan by Kenji Matsui, the company established its US operations in Los Angeles in 1987 (renamed Matsui International Co. Inc. in 1988) and today operates its US headquarters from Gardena, California, with primary manufacturing still anchored in Kyoto. Its product portfolio is organized into three core categories: Screen Printing Inks (water-based discharge, acrylic, hybrid, PMS color-mixing, water-resistant, silicone, digital screen, biomass, special effects, and additives); Inkjet/Digital Inks under the DigiAce brand for Piezo-type DTG and DTF applications; and Specialty Products encompassing thermochromic (Chromicolor®, Thermolock®), photochromic (Photopia®, Photolock®), hydrochromic (Aqua Indicator, Hydrochromic White), aromatic/functional granules, and moisture/condensation indicators built on proprietary microencapsulation technology.
The business sells exclusively through a worldwide distributor network — 20+ distributors in the United States, 6+ in Canada, and additional partners spanning Mexico, Central and South America, Europe (UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain), the UAE, and South Africa — and does not sell directly to end customers. Revenue streams comprise one-time sales of physical ink and pigment products across all three categories plus a recurring subscription component from the Matsui ColorMixer cloud-based Pantone color-matching platform. Target end customers include small and mid-sized textile screen printers and garment decorators (primary), industrial and consumer product manufacturers using color-changing materials for temperature verification, security, and packaging indicators, and packaging/consumer goods manufacturers requiring moisture and humidity indicator functionality. The company is privately held by the Matsui family (current President Masa Matsui) with no institutional investors, no parent company, and no disclosed funding rounds or M&A activity.
Matsui International firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Matsui International
- Legal name
- Matsui International Co. Inc.
- Website
- https://matsui-color.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1923
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Matsui International is a family-owned specialty inks manufacturer founded in Kyoto in 1923, producing water-based screen printing inks, digital inkjet inks, and proprietary color-changing specialty pigments for textile printers, apparel decorators, and industrial indicator markets worldwide via a distributor-only go-to-market model.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Matsui International industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Specialty Textile Printing Inks and Colorants
- NAICS
- Printing Ink Manufacturing (325910), Printing Ink Manufacturing (32591), Synthetic Dye and Pigment Manufacturing (32513)
- SIC
- Paints, Varnishes, Lacquers, Enamels & Allied Prods (2851)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Printing Inks (IMAEAHAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Digital & Specialty Inks (Inkjet, UV, Conductive) (IMAEAHAI), Dyeing, Printing & Finishing (Chemical & Mechanical) (CRAAAMAJ)
Keywords
Where Matsui International is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Gardena
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices7 records
Markets served
Matsui International business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Screen Printing Inks: Sale of water-based screen printing inks for textile applications including discharge inks, acrylic inks, hybrid inks, silicone inks, and specialty effect inks. Sold through distributor network.
- Inkjet/Digital Inks: Sale of DigiAce DTG and DTF inks for digital textile printing. Water-based pigment inks for Piezo-type inkjet heads.
- Specialty Color-Changing Products: Sale of thermochromic, photochromic, hydrochromic, and aromatic specialty products including masterbatches, AQ inks, markers, and functional granules for various industrial and consumer applications.
- Matsui ColorMixer Platform: Cloud-based color matching software platform provided as a service to customers, enabling Pantone matching and formula storage.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Alpha Color Series Starter Kit - Water-Based Discharge System |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Infinity Series Starter Kit - Water Base Hybrid Acrylic |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Neo Color Series - Concentrated Pigments |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Brite DC Neo Color Series |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels3 records
Matsui International product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Matsui International manufactures and sells water-based screen printing inks, digital (DTG/DTF) inkjet inks, and proprietary color-changing specialty pigments (thermochromic, photochromic, hydrochromic, aromatic, and indicator materials) for textile and industrial applications. The company also offers the Matsui ColorMixer cloud-based Pantone color matching platform and distributes exclusively through a worldwide network of authorized distributors.
Product overview
Matsui International is a manufacturer of color and ink products for textile printing, established in 1923 in Kyoto, Japan, with U.S. headquarters in Gardena, California. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio organized into three core categories: Screen Printing Inks (water-based systems including Discharge, Acrylic, Hybrid, PMS Color Mixing, Water Resistant Fabric, Digital Screen, Sustainable/Biomass, Silicone, Special Effects, and Additives), Inkjet Inks (DigiAce DTG and DTF digital printing inks), and Specialty Products (color-changing and functional materials including Thermochromic/Thermolock and Chromicolor, Photochromic/Photopia and Photolock, Hydrochromic, Aromatic/Functional Granules, and Indicators like Aqua, Moist, and Condensation). The product portfolio also includes the Matsui ColorMixer digital color matching platform. The company is recognized for pioneering eco-friendly water-based screen printing inks in the U.S. market and holds certifications including OEKO-TEX ECO PASSPORT and ZDHC Level 3 for sustainability compliance.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Matsui ColorMixer: Digital ink matching technology tool for achieving Pantone PMS and custom colors consistently
- Chromicolor
- Thermolock
- Photopia
- Photolock
- Aqua Indicator
- Hydrochromic White
- Aroma Granule
- DigiAce
- Biomass
- Yama Silicone
- Unimark
Products and services
- Water-Based Screen Printing Inks Comprehensive portfolio of water-based screen printing inks for textiles including discharge, acrylic, hybrid, PMS color mixing, water-resistant, silicone, sustainable (biomass), and special-effect ink systems, plus additives. Sold through authorized distributors to commercial print shops, apparel decorators, and fashion manufacturers.
- DigiAce Inkjet Inks (DTG and DTF) Water-based pigment inks for Piezo-type inkjet applications in textile printing, including GE11 formulations for Ricoh and Starfire heads, and 4DK for Epson heads. OEKO-TEX ECO PASSPORT certified. Patented in 2013.
- Chromicolor (Reversible Thermochromic Inks) Reversible temperature-sensitive color-changing colorant available in AQ Ink, PE/PP Concentrate, Silicone Compound, Gravure NC Base, and PVC Concentrate forms, with 11 colors. Originally introduced in 1983.
- Thermolock (Irreversible Thermochromic Pigments) Irreversible temperature-sensitive color-changing colorant that decolors above a set temperature and never returns to color under normal conditions. Available as PE/PP Concentrate, AQ Ink, and Marker. BPA-free. Used for temperature indicators, security products, and sensors. Added to product line in 2006.
- Photopia (Reversible Photochromic Pigments) Light-sensitive pigments that change color under UV/sunlight and revert in the dark. Available as PE/PP Concentrate, AQ Ink, and Powder. BPA- and formaldehyde-free.
- Photolock (Irreversible UV-Sensitive Ink) Irreversible UV-sensitive color-change ink for screen printing or plastic molding. Changes from colorless to blue to dark blue based on accumulated UV exposure. Available in Photolock M (minute) and Photolock H (hour) sensitivities.
- Aqua Indicator (Moisture-Sensitive Material) Moisture-sensitive material that changes from white to various hues upon exposure to moisture. Available as Gravure Ink NC Base, Flexo Ink, Hot Melt, and SAP forms. Halogens-free and formaldehyde-free.
- Hydrochromic White Water-based binder for screen printing that changes reversibly from white to nearly transparent when wetted and back when dried. Soft hand feel, water resistance, and rubbing strength. OEKO-TEX Standard 100, CPSIA, and HR4040 compliant.
- Moist Indicator Humidity detection product using a water-soluble pigment that darkens as humidity increases and accumulates. Maintains color once changed. Used in packaging and quality assurance applications.
- Condensation Indicator Ink that indicates the history of condensation using a water-soluble pigment. Clear during frozen storage, turns darker during thawing, and maintains color even after refreezing.
- Functional Granule Proprietary NF-grade formaldehyde-free microencapsulation of essential oils providing antibacterial, aromatic, and deodorizing effects for textile and industrial use.
- Aroma Granule AQ Ink NF Grade Formaldehyde-free fragrance microcapsules for scratch-and-sniff textile printing. Standard scents include Lavender NF, Lemon NF, Rose NF, Ambrosia NF, Bouquet NF, Soft Floral NF, Elegant Floral NF, Eucalyptus NF, and Menthol NF, with custom fragrances available.
- Biomass Sustainable Printing Inks Plant-based water-based PU or Acrylic printing pastes including Biomass Stretch Clear and Biomass Stretch White, developed as part of the company's sustainability commitment and aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals. Introduced in 2022.
- Water-Based Screen Printing Starter Kits Starter kits for transitioning to water-based screen printing inks, available in Alpha Color Series (water-based discharge), Infinity Series (water-base hybrid acrylic), Neo Color Series (concentrated pigments), and Brite DC Neo configurations.
- Matsui ColorMixer Cloud Platform Cloud-based digital color matching system providing Pantone PMS and custom color matching, algorithm-driven formulations, and formula storage. Embedded Pantone CMS library, accessible on any device via cloud hosting at app2.matsui-color.com.
- Unimark Transfer Paper Transfer paper product line entered into the US market in 1998 through partnership with Unimark USA; manufactured at Matsui's 7th plant in Kyoto.
Quantifiable outcome
- Biomass inks utilize plant-based resins contributing to reduced CO2 emissions and water savings
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Matsui International
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Matsui International technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature13 records
Matsui International partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
30 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Advanced Screen TechnologycoreAuthorized distributor for screen printing and digital ink products in Tempe, Arizona. Provides Matsui ink products to local screen printing businesses.
- McLogan Supply Co., Inc.coreAuthorized distributor with multiple locations across California (Chatsworth, Los Angeles, Santa Ana, San Diego) and Louisville, Kentucky. One of the largest Matsui distributors by geographic coverage.
- Rubenstein RB Digital Inc.coreAuthorized distributor for screen printing and digital ink products across Canada with locations in Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg, Vancouver, Saskatchewan, and Edmonton.
- Dynamic SupplycoreAuthorized distributor in Ontario, California serving the Southern California screen printing market.
- American EaglecoreAuthorized distributor in Walnut, California for screen printing and digital ink products.
- TexsourcecoreAuthorized distributor in Norcross, Georgia serving the southeastern US screen printing market.
- KolormatrixcoreAuthorized distributor in Atlanta, Georgia for screen printing ink products.
- MulticraftcoreAuthorized distributor with locations in Schaumburg, Illinois and Cleveland, Ohio serving the Midwest screen printing market.
- Northwest Graphic SupplycoreAuthorized distributor in Minneapolis, Minnesota serving the upper Midwest screen printing market.
- River City Graphic SupplycoreAuthorized distributor in Austin, Texas serving the Texas screen printing market.
- Reece SupplycoreAuthorized distributor with multiple Texas locations (Irving, San Antonio, Houston) and Harahan, Louisiana.
- Roeder IndustriescoreAuthorized distributor in Orlando, Florida serving the Florida and southeastern US screen printing market.
- Technical ServicecoreAuthorized distributor in Salt Lake City, Utah serving the western US screen printing market.
- Dynatech ServicescoreAuthorized distributor in Sparta, New Jersey serving the northeastern US screen printing market.
- T and J Printing Supply, Inc.coreAuthorized distributor with locations in Huntley, Illinois and Indianapolis, Indiana serving the Midwest screen printing market.
- WooHoo Screen Printing SuppliescoreAuthorized distributor in Aurora, Colorado serving the Colorado and Rocky Mountain region screen printing market.
- RC Screen Shop & Supply CocoreAuthorized distributor with locations in Portland, Oregon and serving Idaho and Montana regions.
- BRASCHEMICAL REPRESENTAÇÕES LTDAcoreSpecialty products distributor in Brazil serving the South American market with Matsui specialty color-changing products.
- CORNELIUS GROUP PLCcoreSpecialty products distributor in the UK (Bishops Stortford) serving the UK and broader European market with Matsui specialty color-changing products.
- ALFRED KOCHEN GmbH & CO. KGcoreSpecialty products distributor in Hamburg, Germany serving the German market with Matsui specialty color-changing products.
- CARBOCROM SRLcoreSpecialty products distributor in Milan, Italy serving the Italian market with Matsui specialty color-changing products.
- LAVOLLEE SAScoreSpecialty products distributor in Levallois-Perret, France serving the French market with Matsui specialty color-changing products.
- Color Center Xavier Simo Surinach / CESTISA SAcoreSpecialty products distributors in Spain (Color Center in Catalonia region, CESTISA SA in Barcelona) serving the Spanish market with Matsui specialty color-changing products.
- National Screen & Digital SupplycoreWorldwide distributor based in South Africa serving the African market with Matsui screen printing and digital ink products.
- The Ink GaragecoreWorldwide distributor based in Spain serving the European market with Matsui screen printing and digital ink products.
- George & Rubaih Trading Co. (L.L.C.)coreWorldwide distributor based in UAE serving the Middle East market with Matsui screen printing and digital ink products.
- Unimark USAcorePartnership established in 1998 for transfer paper market in the US. Matsui entered the transfer paper market through this partnership, expanding into the US transfer paper business.
- Genera SportswearminorGenera Sportswear applied Chromicolor™ color-changing technology to create 'Hyper Color' color-changing t-shirts that became a major hit in the US market in 1990, propelling Matsui's expansion.
- Sanrio Co., Ltd.minorSanrio introduced color-changing products applied with Chromicolor® in the US market in 1984. LICCA dolls with Chromicolor® became a major hit in the US.
- Mattel, Inc.minorMattel introduced color-changing diecast cars in the US in 1987 using Matsui's Chromicolor® color-changing technology.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves11 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Matsui International competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Nazdar: Manufacturer of screen printing inks including water-based and specialty formulations for textile, graphic, and industrial applications. Nazdar is the most direct comparable to Matsui in the textile screen printing ink category and overlaps in PMS color matching and distributor-led GTM.
- Avient (Wilflex): Avient's Wilflex brand is one of the leading water-based and plastisol screen printing ink portfolios for textile apparel decorators. Directly comparable in core product category (textile screen printing inks), serving the same apparel decorator and screen printing shop customer base.
- Marabu: German-based manufacturer of screen printing, pad printing, and digital inks including specialty water-based textile inks. Closely comparable in product breadth (screen printing + specialty) and overlapping textile and industrial ink customers across Europe and globally.
- International Coatings: Manufacturer of textile screen printing inks including water-based, discharge, and specialty inks for apparel decoration. Direct competitor in the same product category and customer segments as Matsui's core screen printing ink business.
- Chromatic Technologies Inc (CTI): Specialist manufacturer of color-changing inks and coatings (thermochromic, photochromic, hydrochromic). Highly comparable to Matsui's Chromicolor, Thermolock, Photopia, and Photolock specialty product lines, serving overlapping packaging, security, and consumer indicator applications.
- MagnaColours: UK-based manufacturer of water-based screen printing inks for textiles, with strong sustainability positioning and OEKO-TEX credentials. Directly comparable to Matsui in water-based textile inks, sustainable formulations, and apparel decorator customer segment.
- InkTec: Manufacturer of inkjet and digital printing inks including water-based pigment inks for textile DTG/DTF applications. Directly comparable to Matsui's DigiAce digital textile ink range and competes in the Piezo-type inkjet head ecosystem (Ricoh, Epson).
- LCR Hallcrest: Specialist manufacturer of thermochromic and color-changing inks and coatings for packaging, security, and consumer applications. Closely comparable to Matsui's Thermolock, Chromicolor, and Aqua Indicator specialty indicator product portfolio.
Broad incumbents
- Sun Chemical (DIC Corporation): World's largest printing ink manufacturer under DIC, with broad portfolios across packaging, commercial, and digital inks. Comparable at the product-level (printing inks) but operates at significantly larger scale across many segments beyond Matsui's textile specialty niche.
- Fujifilm Sericol (Fujifilm): Fujifilm's Sericol division is a major manufacturer of screen printing and digital inks including textile applications. Broad incumbent with much larger scale, R&D budget, and product breadth across printing technologies versus Matsui's specialty focus.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Matsui International social profiles
Digital presenceMatsui International compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance6 records
Matsui International financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Matsui International leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Matsui International subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries7 records
Matsui International funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Matsui International M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Matsui International
What does Matsui International do?
Matsui International manufactures and sells water-based screen printing inks, digital (DTG/DTF) inkjet inks, and proprietary color-changing specialty pigments (thermochromic, photochromic, hydrochromic, aromatic, and indicator materials) for textile and industrial applications. The company also offers the Matsui ColorMixer cloud-based Pantone color matching platform and distributes exclusively through a worldwide network of authorized distributors.
Is Matsui International a public or private company?
Matsui International is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Matsui International founded?
Matsui International was founded in 1923. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Matsui International based?
Matsui International is headquartered in Gardena, United States, in the North America region.
How does Matsui International make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Screen Printing Inks are the primary driver. The others are inkjet/Digital Inks, specialty Color-Changing Products and matsui ColorMixer Platform.
Who are Matsui International's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Nazdar, Avient (Wilflex), Marabu, International Coatings, Chromatic Technologies Inc (CTI), MagnaColours, InkTec and LCR Hallcrest. Broad incumbents are Sun Chemical (DIC Corporation) and Fujifilm Sericol (Fujifilm).
Does Matsui International have an API?
No public API is recorded for Matsui International.
What industry is Matsui International in?
Matsui International's product category is Specialty Textile Printing Inks and Colorants. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAEAHAG, Printing Inks, with a secondary code of IMAEAHAI, Digital & Specialty Inks (Inkjet, UV, Conductive). Its NAICS code is 325910 and its SIC code is 2851.