TEIKOKU PRINTING INKS MFG.CO., LTD.

What TEIKOKU PRINTING INKS MFG.CO., LTD. does

Teikoku Printing Inks Mfg. Co., Ltd. (帝国インキ製造株式会社) is a privately held Japanese manufacturer of functional screen printing inks, founded in 1895 in Tokyo and controlled by the Sawanobori family since 1944. The company designs and produces specialty inks that combine decorative and functional properties — including high-definition fine-line printing (100µm-level accuracy), stealth printing to conceal LiDAR and proximity sensors, infrared transmittance, electromagnetic wave shielding (0.1MHz–90GHz with up to 99% reflection), mirror-effect finishes, UV curing, and halogen-free/Low-VOC formulations. Its core product platforms span the XER, XIP-HF, XGL-HF, and XFM high-definition ink series; IRX-HF and MRX-HF functional inks; MIX-HF, MIR Mirror, STELLA, and Luminova specialty inks; and a portfolio of UV-curable inks and binders (IMB series) for film insert molding (FIM/IMD) processes. Manufacturing is anchored at the Yamanashi plant (37,464 sq. m. since 2019) with additional production in China (Zhejiang Caihuang, Pinghu), India (Pune), Thailand, and Malaysia, and a European presence added through the 2021 acquisition of Germany's Marabu GmbH & Co. KG.

The company monetizes through one-time sale of inks, binders, and related printing materials and equipment to industrial OEM and tier-supplier customers, with pricing held privately and only the SP Color Guide (587 colors, ¥20,000 per two-volume set) publicly listed. Distribution is sales-led via 7 domestic Japanese offices (Tokyo HQ, Mitaka, Osaka, Shizuoka, Tohoku, Chubu) and 5 overseas offices, with proposal-based technical selling backed by the T3C Technical Center laboratory in Mitaka. Customer segments are organized by vertical: primary demand comes from automotive/motorcycle (meters, navigation, LiDAR concealment, emblems) and home appliance/IoT (rice cookers, refrigerators, sensor faucets, TVs, toilets), with secondary demand from smartphone/tablet/smartwatch, sensor-integrated security and IoT devices, and game/amusement applications (VR headsets, slot machines, pachinko).

The business is supported by a deep patent portfolio (206 published applications and 64 registered patents as of January 2022, including JP5901860 for high-definition ink and JP3151606 for mirror ink), ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications across most manufacturing sites, and an R&D infrastructure dedicated to substrate-specific functional ink chemistry. Strategic direction is shaped by the 2024 transition of Tahei Sawanobori from Representative Director to Chief Executive Advisor, with Nobunari Sawanobori continuing as President and COO; no external institutional capital is involved.

Name

TEIKOKU PRINTING INKS MFG.CO., LTD.

Legal name

Teikoku Printing Inks Mfg. Co., Ltd.

Website

https://teikokuink.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1895

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Teikoku Printing Inks Mfg. Co., Ltd. is a 130-year-old Japanese specialty manufacturer of functional screen printing inks serving automotive, home appliance, smartphone, sensor, and gaming OEMs via 12 global offices and 5 plants, including a German subsidiary acquired in 2021.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Specialty Printing Inks

NAICS

Printing Ink Manufacturing (325910), Printing Ink Manufacturing (32591)

SIC

Pens, Pencils & Other Artists' Materials (3950)

akta.pro primary industry

Digital & Specialty Inks (Inkjet, UV, Conductive) (IMAEAHAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Printing Inks (IMAEAHAG), Security, Tamper-Evident & Track-and-Trace Printing (IMALAKAJ)

Keywords

• Screen printing inks
• Functional inks
• UV curable inks
• High definition inks
• Electromagnetic shielding inks

Headquarters

HQ city

Tokyo

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices12 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Screen Inks Sales: Primary revenue from manufacturing and selling screen printing inks including functional inks, high-definition inks, UV inks, and specialized inks for various substrates (plastic, glass, metal, paper).
2. Printing Materials and Equipment: Sales of printing-related materials, equipment, and PAD printing inks.
3. Carbon Inks and Desensitizing Inks: Production and sale of carbon inks and desensitizing inks.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

TEIKOKU PRINTING INKS MFG.CO., LTD. is a Japanese manufacturer that develops, formulates, and sells screen printing inks for substrates including plastic, glass, metal, and paper. Its product line centers on functional inks — high-definition inks for fine-line printing down to 100µm, UV-curable inks, and specialty inks such as IR-transmittable, electromagnetic-wave-shielding, mirror, pearl, and phosphorescent grades — supplied to manufacturers in the automotive, home appliance, smartphone, gaming, and sensor industries.

Product overview

Teikoku Printing Inks Mfg. Co., Ltd. is a screen printing ink manufacturer with over 125 years of history, offering a comprehensive portfolio of functional inks for plastic, glass, metal, and paper substrates. The core product lines include the High Definition Ink series (XER, XIP-HF, XGL-HF, XFM) enabling 100μm-level fine line and solid printing simultaneously; functional inks such as IRX-HF (infrared transmittable), MRX-HF (electromagnetic wave shielding), MIX-HF (high transparency), and MIR Mirror Inks (metallic plating effect); and UV-curable inks. These products serve diverse applications including automotive (meters, LiDAR sensors, emblems), home appliances (IoT devices), smartphones/tablets, sensors (security cameras, door locks), and gaming (pachinko, slot machines, VR headsets).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• XER Ink Series High-definition screen printing ink designed for ultra-fine line printing, supporting line widths down to 100µm. Targeted at electronics and sensor manufacturers requiring precision printing on substrates used in automotive, home appliance, and smartphone applications.
• XIP-HF Ink Series High-definition ink formulated for film insert molding (in-mold) applications, providing durability and adhesion during the molding process. Used by manufacturers producing decorated plastic components for consumer electronics and appliances.
• XGL-HF Ink Series High-definition screen printing ink for glass substrates, providing durable decorative and functional coatings. Used in home appliance panels, automotive glass decoration, and architectural glass applications.
• XFM Ink Series Thermoforming-compatible high-definition ink that withstands post-print forming processes. Suited for molded plastic components used in automotive interiors, appliance housings, and consumer electronics.
• IRX-HF Ink Series Infrared-transmittable high-definition ink that allows IR signals to pass through printed layers. Designed for sensor covers, remote-control windows, and IR-sensitive electronic components.
• MRX-HF Ink Series Electromagnetic-wave shielding high-definition ink that attenuates EMI/RFI when printed onto enclosures or substrates. Used in electronic device housings and components requiring electromagnetic compatibility.
• MIX-HF Ink Series High-transparency ink series for screen printing where clarity and color fidelity are required. Used in display panels, decorative glass, and electronic display components.
• MIR Mirror Ink Series Mirror-effect decorative ink that produces reflective metallic finishes when screen printed. Used for decorative panels on consumer electronics, automotive trim, and home appliances.
• STELLA Ink (Pearl) Pearlescent decorative ink delivering a lustrous finish for premium surfaces. Targeted at cosmetics packaging, consumer electronics exteriors, and decorative panels.
• Luminova Phosphorescent Ink Phosphorescent (afterglow) ink that absorbs light and emits a glow in the dark. Used for safety signage, watch dials, novelty items, and decorative electronics.
• UV Ink Series UV-curable screen printing inks that harden rapidly under ultraviolet light, increasing throughput and reducing energy use. Used in industrial printing lines for plastics, glass, and metals.
• UV Clear Ink Series UV-curable transparent protective and overprint inks used as clear coatings or varnish layers for printed surfaces.
• GLS-HF Ink Series High-definition ink designed for screen printing on glass sheets, providing adhesion and clarity. Used in architectural and appliance glass applications.
• SP Color Guide A color-matching reference tool sold to printers and manufacturers to assist in selecting TEIKOKU ink colors. Priced per unit (¥1,000) rather than inquiry-based.
• Grass Ink Environmentally conscious screen printing ink positioned around sustainable manufacturing and reduced environmental impact. Sold to manufacturers seeking greener ink alternatives.
• High Quality and High Definition Screen Printing Ink High quality, high definition screen printing ink for advanced printing applications. Used by manufacturers in automotive, electronics, and decorative industries.
• IMB Binder Series Binder series for functional materials, used as a base vehicle for formulating custom functional inks. Sold to manufacturers needing tailored binder chemistry.
• PET Black Ink Series Black ink formulated specifically for printing on PET (polyethylene terephthalate) substrates. Used in membrane switches, labels, and electronics components.
• PSA Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Pressure-sensitive adhesive formulated for screen printing applications, used in label and graphic overlay production.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100µm fine line printing accuracy within 100-116µm (vs 140µm with conventional inks)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and major.

• NS Advantech Co., Ltd. (NSアドバンテック株式会社)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 May 2023Collaboration partner for wood-grain stealth printing technology demonstration at Smart Sensing 2023 exhibition. NS Advantech provided expertise in decorative printing integration with sensor-compatible inks.
• Nisshinbo Microdevices Co., Ltd. (日清紡マイクロデバイス株式会社)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 May 2023Collaboration partner for touchless sensors and distance measuring sensors. Demonstrated non-contact products using Teikoku's sensor-compatible inks at Smart Sensing 2023.
• Elevisor Japan Co., Ltd. (株式会社エレバイザージャパン)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 May 2023Collaboration partner for non-contact button applications. Provided expertise in elevator button and interface technology integration.
• Toa Electronics Co., Ltd. (東亜エレクトロニクス株式会社)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 May 2023Collaboration partner for non-contact button technology. Provided electronic components and system integration expertise.
• Marabu GmbH & Co. KGcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021German company acquired by Teikoku Printing Inks in 2021. Marabu is a German printing ink manufacturer, expanding Teikoku's European presence and capabilities.
• Sericol Group of UKmajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 1972Licensing partnership established in 1972. Teikoku obtained license from Sericol Group of UK, the world's largest screen printing ink manufacturer, to begin manufacturing screen printing ink in Japan.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Nazdar Ink Technologies: US-based manufacturer specializing in screen printing inks, digital inks, and functional inks for industrial applications. Directly comparable as a specialty screen ink manufacturer serving automotive, electronics, and graphic arts customers with UV and specialty ink product lines.
• Marabu GmbH & Co. KG: German printing ink manufacturer specializing in screen, digital, and pad printing inks. Although now a wholly-owned Teikoku subsidiary, it remains a relevant peer in product portfolio and target markets, particularly in European automotive and industrial applications.
• Toyo Ink (Artience Co., Ltd.): Japanese printing ink and chemicals manufacturer (formerly Toyo Ink Mfg.) producing offset, gravure, screen, and functional inks globally. Closely comparable product portfolio and Japanese heritage, with similar focus on automotive, packaging, and electronics ink applications.
• RUCO Druckfarben: European manufacturer of screen printing inks, pad printing inks, and specialty coatings. Comparable to Teikoku in product type (screen printing inks) and target customers (industrial, automotive, electronics), with complementary geographic coverage in Europe.
• Sakata INX Corporation: Japanese-headquartered manufacturer of printing inks (offset, gravure, screen, and digital) with global operations. Directly comparable to Teikoku as a Japanese ink maker serving packaging, commercial printing, and specialty functional ink markets with similar customer verticals (automotive, electronics, packaging).

Broad incumbents

• Flint Group: Global printing ink and printing plate manufacturer serving packaging, commercial, and label markets worldwide. Comparable in screen printing ink capabilities and customer verticals but operates at significantly larger scale with broader geographic coverage.
• Hubergroup: German-headquartered global printing ink and specialty chemicals manufacturer serving packaging, commercial, and newsprint markets. Comparable in screen and offset ink capabilities and international manufacturing footprint, though with broader portfolio than Teikoku.
• DIC Corporation: Japan's largest printing ink manufacturer and parent of Sun Chemical, with extensive global operations across graphic arts, packaging, electronics, and specialty materials. Comparable in end markets (automotive, electronics, packaging) but much larger scale and broader portfolio than Teikoku.
• Fujifilm Sericol (Fujifilm): Fujifilm acquired Sericol (the UK firm that originally licensed technology to Teikoku in 1972), making it a relevant comparable for industrial screen and UV ink capabilities at global scale. Comparable in screen printing ink heritage and electronics/industrial customer base.

Emerging players

• Epple Druckfarben AG: German-based printing ink manufacturer specializing in offset, UV, and specialty inks. Comparable as a European specialty ink peer focused on packaging, labels, and industrial applications with similar regulatory compliance focus (low-migration, food-safe formulations).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/teikoku-printing-inks-mfg.co.-ltd.

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about TEIKOKU PRINTING INKS MFG.CO., LTD.