Kao Collins
Kao Collins Corporation is a US-based B2B industrial inkjet ink manufacturer founded in 1994 and headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, operating as a subsidiary of Kao Printing Solutions within the broader Kao Corporation group. The company formulates specialty inks across six chemistry platforms and sells compatible formulations for twelve major printhead brands, alongside the X-BAR inline print module, serving industrial manufacturing and packaging customers globally.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1994
- HeadquartersCincinnati, United States
- Headcount5,001–10,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Kao Collins does
Kao Collins Corporation is a US-based B2B industrial inkjet ink manufacturer founded in 1994 and headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, operating as a subsidiary of Kao Printing Solutions within the broader Kao Corporation group (a major Japanese chemical conglomerate established in 1887). The company formulates and supplies specialty inkjet inks across six chemistry platforms — water-based, solvent-based, UV curable, LED curable, EB curable, and bio-based mineral oil-free (MOF) — branded as LUNAJET, SIGMA, NEXXO, and MOF, alongside the X-BAR inline print module as its flagship hardware offering.
The company sells compatible ink formulations for twelve major printhead brands (HP, Brady, Dimatix, Ricoh, Konica Minolta, Kyocera, Xaar, Colordyne, SII Printek, Kodak, Xerox, and Epson), enabling industrial customers to source consumables that fit installed equipment. Beyond consumables, Kao Collins offers printhead refurbishment, controller repair, custom ink formulation, color matching, bulk ink supply systems, and white-label/private-label services for OEM partners. Product differentiators include SIGMA's 12-hour decap time, NEXXO's curved-surface 2D code printing, and Eco Print Approved sustainability certifications on the MOF and eco-friendly lines.
Kao Collins generates revenue through industrial ink sales (consumables, usage-based), custom formulation services (professional services), white-label/OEM partnerships (licensing/royalty structure), printhead refurbishment and controller repair services, X-BAR hardware sales, and bulk ink supply systems. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed, reflecting project-style B2B contracts. Distribution runs through three channels: direct enterprise sales, an authorized global distributor network, and OEM/white-label partnerships. The company operates regionally in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Brazil, with primary verticals in industrial manufacturing and packaging, and secondary applications in textile and security printing.
Kao Collins firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Kao Collins
- Legal name
- Kao Collins Corporation
- Website
- https://collinsink.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1994
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 5,001–10,000 employees
- Short description
- Kao Collins Corporation is a US-based B2B industrial inkjet ink manufacturer founded in 1994 and headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, operating as a subsidiary of Kao Printing Solutions within the broader Kao Corporation group. The company formulates specialty inks across six chemistry platforms and sells compatible formulations for twelve major printhead brands, alongside the X-BAR inline print module, serving industrial manufacturing and packaging customers globally.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Kao Collins industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Inkjet Inks
- NAICS
- Printing Ink Manufacturing (325910)
- SIC
- Paints, Varnishes, Lacquers, Enamels & Allied Prods (2851), Printing Trades Machinery & Equipment (3555)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Digital & Specialty Inks (Inkjet, UV, Conductive) (IMAEAHAI)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Printing Inks (IMAEAHAG)
Keywords
Where Kao Collins is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Cincinnati
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Kao Collins business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Industrial Ink Sales: Sale of proprietary ink formulations including water-based, solvent-based, UV curable, LED curable, and EB curable inks for industrial printing applications
- Custom Ink Formulation Services: Bespoke ink development services for OEM partners and industrial customers with specific printing requirements, including regulatory compliance and sustainability needs
- White-Label/Private Label Inks: OEM partners receive high-performance white-label inks that meet unique printing requirements, sold under partner branding
- Printhead Refurbishment Services: Printhead refurbishment, controller repair, and technical support services for industrial printing equipment
- X-BAR Print Module: Sale of inline print module equipment for industrial printing operations
- Bulk Ink Supply Systems: Large-volume bulk ink supply systems for high-volume industrial printing operations
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Kao Collins product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Kao Collins manufactures and supplies proprietary industrial inkjet ink formulations — including water-based (LUNAJET), solvent-based (SIGMA), UV curable, LED curable, EB curable, and bio-based mineral oil-free (MOF) inks — for packaging, marking & coding, food-grade, textile, and security printing applications. The company also sells the X-BAR inline print module hardware and offers supporting services including custom ink formulation, white-label/private label programs, printhead refurbishment, controller repair, color matching, bulk ink supply, and technical support.
Product overview
Kao Collins is an industrial inkjet ink manufacturer offering a comprehensive portfolio of specialty inks and printing solutions. The core product is the X-BAR Print Module for inline industrial printing, complemented by multiple ink product lines including LUNAJET (water-based), SIGMA (solvent-based with 12-hour decap), NEXXO (curved surface printing), and MOF (mineral oil-free eco-friendly). Inks are categorized by formulation type (Water-Based, Solvent-Based, UV Curable, LED Curable, EB Curable, Bio-Based MOF), by substrate (Metal, Glass, Cardboard, Plastic Bottles, Wood, Textiles, Leather), and by application (Packaging, Marking & Coding, Food-Grade, Textile, Security). The company also offers services including Printhead Refurbishment, Controller Repair, Technical Support, Custom Ink Formulation, White-Label/Private Label services, Color Matching, and Bulk Ink Supply. An InkAnswers searchable index tool helps customers identify appropriate ink products.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- LUNAJET: Eco-friendly, water-based pigment ink for industrial printing applications.
- SIGMA
- NEXXO
- MOF
- X-BAR
Products and services
- LUNAJET
Quantifiable outcome
- 12-hour decap time with SIGMA solvent-based ink - eliminates wiping and purging downtime
Companies that use Kao Collins
Customer profileSegments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Kao Collins technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Kao Collins partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- OEM Partners (White-Label)coreOEM partners receive high-performance white-label inks from Kao Collins that meet unique printing requirements, ensure regulatory compliance, and support sustainability initiatives. Partners can offer these inks under their own branding to add value for their customers.
- Ink DistributorscoreGlobal network of authorized ink distributors who resell Kao Collins industrial ink products to end customers across multiple regions including US, Canada, Brazil, and Mexico markets.
- Kao ChimigrafcorePart of the Kao Printing Solutions family alongside Kao Collins, providing global coverage and shared R&D capabilities in inkjet printing technologies.
- Kao APS JapancorePart of the Kao Printing Solutions family, representing the Japan operations and contributing to global ink development capabilities.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Kao Collins competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- INX International Ink Co. One of the largest North American ink manufacturers, with a sizable inkjet ink portfolio spanning solvent, water-based, and UV-curable formulations for packaging, marking/coding, and industrial printing. Directly comparable in product breadth, customer segments, and formulation technology to Kao Collins.
- Sakata INX: Japanese-based global ink manufacturer with a comprehensive inkjet portfolio for packaging, labels, and industrial printing. Sister-country peer to Kao Collins and a fellow Japanese-headquartered competitor, with comparable chemistries and OEM/private-label models.
- Nazdar Ink Technologies: US-based specialist in screen, digital, and inkjet inks for industrial and graphic applications. Comparable niche focus on industrial inkjet ink formulations and customization services targeting similar packaging and marking/coding customers.
- Sun Chemical: Global leader in printing inks and pigments with an extensive inkjet product line serving packaging, commercial, and industrial markets. Competes head-to-head across formulation chemistries and substrate coverage, and is the largest independent comparator in industrial inkjet.
- Wikoff Color Corporation: US-based specialty ink manufacturer focused on printing inks for packaging, labels, and industrial applications. Comparable in custom formulation capabilities and vertical focus on packaging/marking inks, with a regional North American footprint similar to Kao Collins.
- Toyo Ink SC Holdings: Japanese printing ink manufacturer with significant industrial inkjet and packaging ink operations. Closely comparable as a Japan-based ink specialist with global reach and a similar focus on packaging and specialty industrial inks.
- Marabu GmbH & Co. KG: German manufacturer of screen, pad, and digital printing inks with strong industrial inkjet offerings, particularly UV and water-based formulations. Comparable in formulation breadth, substrate versatility, and custom/private-label services.
Emerging players
- Memjet: Inkjet technology company focused on high-speed commercial and industrial printing systems with proprietary printheads and OEM partnerships. Adjacent competitor in industrial inkjet, often partnering with ink formulators, making it a relevant emerging peer for market positioning.
Broad incumbents
- DuPont (Specialty Inks & Printing): Diversified specialty chemicals giant with historical and ongoing inkjet ink and materials businesses for industrial and packaging printing. Competes as a broader portfolio incumbent with deeper R&D resources, particularly in advanced and conductive inkjet chemistries.
- Fujifilm (Ink & Printing Solutions): Diversified imaging and materials company with a substantial industrial inkjet ink business (including legacy Sericol). Competes broadly in inkjet formulations for packaging and industrial print while also making printheads and presses, creating overlapping but wider-portfolio competition.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Kao Collins social profiles
Digital presenceKao Collins compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Kao Collins financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Kao Collins leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Kao Collins funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Kao Collins 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 Kao Collins
What does Kao Collins do?
Kao Collins manufactures and supplies proprietary industrial inkjet ink formulations — including water-based (LUNAJET), solvent-based (SIGMA), UV curable, LED curable, EB curable, and bio-based mineral oil-free (MOF) inks — for packaging, marking & coding, food-grade, textile, and security printing applications. The company also sells the X-BAR inline print module hardware and offers supporting services including custom ink formulation, white-label/private label programs, printhead refurbishment, controller repair, color matching, bulk ink supply, and technical support.
Is Kao Collins a public or private company?
Kao Collins is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Kao Collins founded?
Kao Collins was founded in 1994. It employs 5,001 to 10,000 people.
Where is Kao Collins based?
Kao Collins is headquartered in Cincinnati, United States, in the North America region.
How does Kao Collins make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Industrial Ink Sales are the primary driver. The others are custom Ink Formulation Services, white-Label/Private Label Inks, printhead Refurbishment Services, X-BAR Print Module and bulk Ink Supply Systems.
Who are Kao Collins's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are INX International Ink Co., Sakata INX, Nazdar Ink Technologies, Sun Chemical, Wikoff Color Corporation, Toyo Ink SC Holdings and Marabu GmbH & Co. KG. Memjet is listed as an emerging player. Broad incumbents are DuPont (Specialty Inks & Printing) and Fujifilm (Ink & Printing Solutions).
Does Kao Collins have an API?
No public API is recorded for Kao Collins.
What industry is Kao Collins in?
Kao Collins's product category is Industrial Inkjet Inks. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAEAHAI, Digital & Specialty Inks (Inkjet, UV, Conductive), with a secondary code of IMAEAHAG, Printing Inks. Its NAICS code is 325910 and its SIC code is 2851.