BCM INKS
BCM Inks manufactures water-based flexo printing inks, varnishes, blending systems, and proprietary Color ConneXion color management software for corrugated packaging printers across the US, Mexico, and South America, serving major consumer brands.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1988
- HeadquartersCincinnati, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What BCM INKS does
BCM Inks is a privately held, family-owned manufacturer of water-based flexo printing inks and varnishes, founded in 1988 in Cincinnati, Ohio by David Callif and now led by his son Robert Callif as President. The company produces custom-formulated inks for corrugated packaging printers, with branded lines including Eekoflex and Eekoflex II (sustainable inks made from paper pulpmaking byproducts, Swiss Ordinance compliant), Superflex (high-efficiency inks for fine graphics), Xtra (high-strength filler-free inks), and Digital primers/varnishes for single-pass digital presses. BCM also sells specialty products (UV varnishes, Metallics, Pearlescents, Secure-a-Flex anti-counterfeiting, Scent-a-Flex microencapsulated fragrances, Conductive Black for static dissipation), proprietary Color ConneXion color management software, and three tiers of ink blending systems (MicroBlend manual, VersiBlend automated, MstrBlend II high-capacity).
The business model combines custom ink sales, hardware sales of blending equipment, and free software (Color ConneXion) that locks customers into BCM's ink chemistry stack. Go-to-market is sales-led via technical sales representatives providing on-site consultation, pre-engineering, and press-side support, complemented by industry association involvement (AICC), training programs, and an online portal (MyInkIQ). Approximately 80% of customers use BCM blending systems, producing recurring consumable ink demand. BCM operates a US headquarters in Loveland, Ohio, a manufacturing facility in Monterrey, Mexico (opened 2019), and a distribution partnership with Davis Graphics in Santiago, Chile (started 2024) serving the broader Americas market. The company holds ISO 9001:2015 certification, the Sony Green Partnership (first North American ink company), and DuPont Packaging Innovation Gold recognition, and serves printers producing packaging for brand owners including Walmart, Nike, Procter & Gamble, Heinz, Ferrero, Hershey, and Zara.
BCM INKS firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- BCM INKS
- Legal name
- BCM Inks
- Website
- https://bcminks.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1988
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- BCM Inks manufactures water-based flexo printing inks, varnishes, blending systems, and proprietary Color ConneXion color management software for corrugated packaging printers across the US, Mexico, and South America, serving major consumer brands.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
BCM INKS industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Printing Inks and Varnishes for Corrugated Packaging
- NAICS
- Printing Ink Manufacturing (325910), Printing Ink Manufacturing (32591), Paint and Coating Manufacturing (325510)
- SIC
- Paints, Varnishes, Lacquers, Enamels & Allied Prods (2851)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Printing Inks (IMAEAHAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Packaging Inks (IMAEAHAH), Flexible Packaging Printing & Decoration (Flexo, Gravure, Digital, Cold Foil) (IMALABAM), Flexible Packaging Printing (Film/Poly/Paper Print) (IMALAKAG)
Keywords
Where BCM INKS is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Cincinnati
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
BCM INKS business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Custom Inks and Varnishes: BCM Inks produces customized water-based flexo printing inks and varnishes for corrugated packaging printers. Every ink is formulated to meet specific customer requirements, including color matching, substrate compatibility, and performance characteristics. Products include Eekoflex, Superflex, Xtra, Digital primers/varnishes, and specialty inks.
- Ink Blending Systems: Sale of ink blending equipment (MicroBlend, VersiBlend, MstrBlend II) to printing facilities. These systems enable customers to blend inks on-site, reducing finished ink costs by approximately 25% compared to purchasing pre-mixed inks. Systems range from manual base model to fully automated high-capacity units.
- Color ConneXion® Software: Proprietary color management software provided free of charge to blending system customers with unlimited seat licenses. Generates recurring value through customer lock-in and ink formula supply requirements.
- Training Services: Industry training programs for press operators, press assistants, customer service representatives, and sales teams. Programs include Basic Ink Training, Understanding Color, Selling Graphics, CSR training, and Essential Principles of Water Based Flexo Ink (offered in English and Spanish to AICC members).
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom ink formulations - pricing varies by specification |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
BCM INKS product offering
Product offeringCore offering
BCM Inks manufactures and sells custom-formulated water-based flexo printing inks and varnishes for the corrugated packaging industry. Its offerings span five core ink lines (Eekoflex, Eekoflex II, Superflex, Xtra, Digital), a suite of specialty inks and varnishes (UV Varnishes, Metallics, Pearlescents, Secure-a-Flex, Scent-a-Flex, Conductive Black), three ink blending systems, the proprietary Color ConneXion color management software, and technical training programs for press operators and customer service teams.
Product overview
BCM Inks is a manufacturer of water-based inks and varnishes for the corrugated packaging industry, offering a portfolio of product lines and supporting services. The core product portfolio includes five ink and varnish sub-brands: Eekoflex and Eekoflex II (sustainable eco-friendly inks made from paper pulpmaking byproducts), Superflex (high-efficiency inks for fine graphics), Xtra (high-strength inks free of fillers), and Digital Primers and Varnishes (for single-pass digital presses). Specialty products include UV Varnishes, Metallics, Pearlescents, Secure-a-Flex (anti-counterfeiting), Scent-a-Flex (fragrance-releasing), and Conductive Black (static-dissipating). The company also offers Color ConneXion, a proprietary cloud-based color management software for corrugated printers, and three blending systems (MicroBlend, VersiBlend, MstrBlend II) ranging from manual to fully automated. Supporting services include technical training programs. Founded in 1988, BCM serves customers in the U.S., Mexico, Central America, and South America.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Color ConneXion®: First color management software for corrugated printers, offered free to blending system customers.
- Eekoflex
- Eekoflex II
- Superflex
- Xtra
- Digital
- Scent-a-Flex™
- Secure-a-Flex
- MicroBlend
- VersiBlend
- MstrBlend II
Products and services
- Eekoflex and Eekoflex II Inks and Varnishes Sustainable water-based flexo inks and varnishes made from a byproduct of the paper pulpmaking process for corrugated printers; Eekoflex II is Swiss Ordinance Compliant and contains no heavy metals with little to no VOCs, saving 3 gallons of petroleum and 60 pounds of CO2 per 450-pound drum.
- Superflex Inks High-efficiency water-based flexo inks ideal for high graphics printing with fine line screen anilox rolls on coated substrates, with resoluble tack, minimal plate washing, optimal drying speed for vacuum transfer presses, and minimal dot gain.
- Xtra Inks and Varnishes High-strength inks designed to print on kraft, mottled, or bleached white board, free of fillers such as clay, resulting in higher strength, better rub resistance, and non-abrasive properties to anilox rolls or doctor blades.
- Digital Primers and Varnishes Primers and overprint varnishes designed for single pass digital presses, printing on a myriad of substrates with low maintenance and excellent fluidity. One-part primer system eliminates inconsistencies of two-part systems, with fast-drying varnishes producing high gloss, satin, or matte looks and FDA-compliant options.
- Specialty Inks and Varnishes Specialty inks and varnishes for corrugated printers including fast-curing UV overprint varnishes, metallic inks for display and POP, pearlescent faux-metallic inks, Secure-a-Flex anti-counterfeiting ink/varnish, patented Scent-a-Flex microencapsulated fragrance ink, and Conductive Black static-dissipating ink.
- Color ConneXion Color Management Software Proprietary cloud-based color management software purpose-built for corrugated printers, featuring CEILAB-based color matching, 24-hour color proof turnaround, brand color management, live color readings, press-side monitoring, and suggested color adjustments. Offered free with unlimited seats to blending system customers.
- Ink Blending Systems (MicroBlend, VersiBlend, MstrBlend II) On-site ink blending equipment for corrugated printing facilities, ranging from the manual MicroBlend (7-10 min per 50 lb batch) to the fully automated VersiBlend (5-7 min) and MstrBlend II (4-6 min), with 2-gram accuracy and integrated ink formula and inventory management.
- BCM Training Programs Training programs for corrugated industry professionals delivered by BCM's sales/technical directors, including Basic Ink Training (in-person or virtual), Understanding Color, Selling Graphics, Ordering Color (CSR training), and Essential Principles of Water Based Flexo Ink (free virtual training for AICC members in English and Spanish).
Quantifiable outcome
- Press speed increase of 30%
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use BCM INKS
Customer profileNamed customers17 records
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
BCM INKS technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
BCM INKS partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, strategic, notable, flagship and minor.
- Davis GraphicscoreDavis Graphics, located in Santiago, Chile, distributes BCM Inks products throughout South America starting in 2024. Enables faster delivery and local support for South American markets.
- BCM Inks de MexicocoreManufacturing facility in Monterrey, Mexico opened in 2019 to serve the Mexican and Central American markets. Provides faster delivery and response time for regional customers.
- Clemson UniversitystrategicLongstanding partnership with Clemson University's corrugated graphics program, one of only a few in the country. BCM created the Werner Sattler/BCM Inks Scholarship in 1994 in memory of their late technical director and has awarded over 70 scholarships. Company provides inks to Clemson for free for student projects and is actively involved in programming and recruitment.
- AICC (The Independent Packaging Association)coreBCM Inks has been involved with AICC since the company's inception. Created original training modules about inks for AICC's Packaging University, offered free to members in English and Spanish. Supporter of AICC's Foundation for Packaging Education dedicated to training professionals in corrugated and related industries.
- Close the LoopnotableCollaborative partner in winning the Gold award at the 25th DuPont Awards for Packaging Innovation. Nature of collaboration relates to sustainable packaging solutions.
- Sony CorporationflagshipBCM Inks was the first North American-based ink company to receive the Certificate of Green Partnership from Sony Corp. The certificate recognizes BCM's establishment of an environmental management system that complies with Sony's stringent environmental standards.
- Flexography Trade Association (FTA)minorMember of the Flexography Trade Association, a corrugated industry professional organization.
- International Corrugated Packaging Association (ICPF)minorMember of the International Corrugated Packaging Association, a corrugated industry professional organization.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
BCM INKS competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Siegwerk: Global provider of printing inks, coatings, and related services for packaging and labels, with a focus on sustainable and water-based ink systems. Closely overlapping with BCM on sustainability and corrugated packaging.
- Flint Group: Major global supplier of printing inks and coatings for packaging, including a strong water-based flexo line for corrugated printers. Directly competes with BCM on inks, varnishes, and press-side technical service.
- Sun Chemical: World's largest producer of printing inks and pigments, with a broad water-based flexo portfolio for packaging including corrugated. Most direct competitor to BCM Inks globally and across the Americas.
- INX International Ink Co. Third-largest ink manufacturer globally, with a significant water-based and flexo ink offering for corrugated and paper packaging. Competes head-to-head with BCM in the US and increasingly in Latin America.
- Wikoff Color Corporation: Privately held, family-owned printing ink manufacturer with deep roots in flexo and water-based inks for corrugated and folding carton. Highly comparable in business model, ownership, and customer focus to BCM.
- Huber Group: Specialty printing inks and coatings manufacturer with a strong water-based and UV portfolio for packaging. Competes with BCM in flexo and specialty inks for corrugated and folding carton.
Emerging players
- Nazdar SourceOne: Manufacturer of specialty inks including screen, digital, and some flexo inks, with strong North American presence. Overlaps with BCM's specialty ink offer (metallics, security, UV) rather than flagship water-based flexo.
Broad incumbents
- Sakata INX: Global ink manufacturer with a sizable packaging ink business including water-based flexo for corrugated and folding carton. Competes with BCM in selected regions and end-uses.
- T&K Toka (Toyo Ink): Large Japanese-based global ink and coatings manufacturer with a broad packaging and graphics ink portfolio. Adjacent competitor in flexo/water-based inks and a broader packaging inks suite.
Regional players
- Aldoro Industria de Tintas: Brazilian-based manufacturer of printing inks and coatings, including water-based flexo for corrugated packaging. Comparable to BCM in product family but primarily a Latin American regional competitor.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
BCM INKS social profiles
Digital presenceBCM INKS compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
BCM INKS financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
BCM INKS leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
BCM INKS subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
BCM INKS funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
BCM INKS 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 BCM INKS
What does BCM INKS do?
BCM Inks manufactures and sells custom-formulated water-based flexo printing inks and varnishes for the corrugated packaging industry. Its offerings span five core ink lines (Eekoflex, Eekoflex II, Superflex, Xtra, Digital), a suite of specialty inks and varnishes (UV Varnishes, Metallics, Pearlescents, Secure-a-Flex, Scent-a-Flex, Conductive Black), three ink blending systems, the proprietary Color ConneXion color management software, and technical training programs for press operators and customer service teams.
Is BCM INKS a public or private company?
BCM INKS is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was BCM INKS founded?
BCM INKS was founded in 1988. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is BCM INKS based?
BCM INKS is headquartered in Cincinnati, United States, in the North America region.
How does BCM INKS make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Custom Inks and Varnishes are the primary driver. The others are ink Blending Systems, color ConneXion® Software and training Services.
Who are BCM INKS's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Siegwerk, Flint Group, Sun Chemical, INX International Ink Co., Wikoff Color Corporation and Huber Group. Nazdar SourceOne is listed as an emerging player. Broad incumbents are Sakata INX and T&K Toka (Toyo Ink). Aldoro Industria de Tintas is listed as a regional player.
Does BCM INKS have an API?
No public API is recorded for BCM INKS.
What industry is BCM INKS in?
BCM INKS's product category is Printing Inks and Varnishes for Corrugated Packaging. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAEAHAG, Printing Inks, with a secondary code of IMAEAHAH, Packaging Inks. Its NAICS code is 325910 and its SIC code is 2851.