Report Code : CVMI2501260 | Published Date : March 3, 2025
1 | Market Overview
Photoinitiators are chemical compounds that absorb UV or visible light and initiate polymerization in radiation-curable systems. These critical additives are used in inks, adhesives, coatings, and 3D printing resins, enabling instant curing and environmentally friendly processing. As industries seek energy-efficient, low-VOC technologies, photoinitiators are becoming integral to advanced materials, packaging, electronics, and healthcare sectors.
The market segments into free-radical and cationic photoinitiators, with further classifications into Type I (unimolecular cleavage) and Type II (bimolecular hydrogen abstraction). Hybrid systems that combine dual-cure mechanisms are also gaining traction.
2 | Market Size and Forecast
Year |
Market Value (USD Million) |
Notes |
2019 |
820 |
Driven by offset printing and UV coatings |
2024 |
1,095 |
CAGR 6.0% (2019–2024) |
2031 |
2,070 |
Projected CAGR 9.6% (2024–2031) |
3 | Primary Market Drivers
- Rising demand for UV-curable coatings and adhesives
- Expansion of inkjet and flexographic printing technologies
- Growth of 3D printing in healthcare and prototyping
- Regulatory push for low-VOC and energy-saving curing systems
- Increase in smart packaging, electronics, and wearable devices
4 | Market Challenges
- Raw material pricing volatility (e.g., benzophenone derivatives)
- Light penetration limitations in thick substrates
- Health and safety concerns over certain aromatic photoinitiators
- Regulatory pressure on migration in food and pharma packaging
5 | Competitive Landscape
Company |
Est. 2024 Share |
Competitive Strengths |
Recent Move |
IGM Resins |
23% |
Global leader in UV photoinitiator solutions |
Released new low-odor and LED-optimized photoinitiators |
Lambson (Arxada) |
16% |
Specialty free-radical and water-based systems |
Expanded into bio-based and hybrid Type I/II initiators |
BASF SE |
14% |
R&D in ink and high-speed curing systems |
Developed multifunctional photoinitiator for low-energy LED |
Tianjin Rianlon |
12% |
Low-cost APAC supplier with global reach |
Increased capacity for acyl phosphine oxide-based PI |
Others |
35% |
Regional players and niche chemistry firms |
Serving packaging, flexo printing, and electronics |
6 | Market Segmentation
By Type
- Type I (Acylphosphine Oxides, Benzoin Ethers)
- Type II (Benzophenones, Amines)
- Cationic Photoinitiators
- Dual-Cure and LED-Optimized Systems
By Application
- Printing Inks – 30%
- Coatings (Wood, Plastic, Metal) – XX%
- 3D Printing Resins – XX%
- Adhesives & Sealants – XX%
- Electronics & Optics – XX%
- Others – XX%
7 | Regional Analysis
- Asia-Pacific (47%) – Fastest growth due to printing, electronics, and flexible packaging
- Europe (XX%) – Focus on sustainable, food-compliant photoinitiators
- North America (XX%) – 3D printing and automotive coating applications
- Latin America (XX%) – Inkjet packaging and UV-cured labels
- Middle East & Africa (XX%) – Demand in smart labeling and cosmetics packaging
8 | Technology and Innovation
- LED-activated PI systems for low-energy curing
- Migratory-resistant PI for food-grade applications
- Bio-based and water-compatible photoinitiators
- Multifunctional initiators for rapid cure and color stability
- Deep-cure initiators for thick and complex geometries
9 | Regulatory Environment
Compliant with REACH, TSCA, EU Framework Regulation (EC 1935/2004), and the Swiss Ordinance on food packaging chemicals, photoinitiators in food contact must adhere to migration limits (e.g., ≤10 ppb) and be included in positive lists.
10 | Recent Developments (Q4 2023 – Q2 2025)
- Q4 2023 – IGM launched LED-boosted Type I/II hybrid for flexible packaging inks
- Q1 2024 – BASF introduced low-migration PI for blister packs and pharma labels
- Q4 2024 – Lambson debuted photo-initiators for waterborne UV coatings
- Q2 2025 – Tianjin Rianlon expanded plant to support 3D printing resin growth
11 | Strategic Outlook
Success in the photoinitiator market depends on LED curing compatibility, safety in food and pharma, and versatility of resins. Opportunities exist in digital printing, tailored 3D printing formulations, and PI systems aligned with energy-saving mandates.
12 | Methodology
Market estimates are derived from photopolymer resin sales, UV equipment installation data, and interviews with over 100 printers, coating formulators, and chemical buyers. Forecasts are adjusted for regulatory, packaging, and 3D printing trends.
Reasons To Buy

Scope

Key Players
- IGM Resins
- Tianjin Jiuri New Materials Co. Ltd.
- BASF SE
- Lambson Ltd.
- Arkema S.A.
- DBC (Double Bond Chemical Ind.)
- NewSun (New Sun Poly Tec Co. Ltd.)
- Eutec Chemical Co. Ltd.
- Zhejiang Yangfan New Materials Co.Ltd.
- Changzhou Tronly New Electronic Materials Co. Ltd.
- Hongtai Chemical
- Jinkangtai Chemical Co. Ltd.
- Polynaisse (Polynaisse Chemicals)
- Hubei Gurun Technology Co., Ltd.
- Kurogane Kasei Co. Ltd.
Photoinitiators Market Report
- 1. Photoinitiators Market Research Report
- 1.1 Study Objectives
- 1.2 Photoinitiators Market - Overview
- 1.3 Reason to Read This Report
- 1.4 Methodology and Forecast Analysis
- 2. Photoinitiators Market Research Report - Preface
- 2.1 Photoinitiators Market Research Report – Detailed Scope and Definitions
- 2.1.1 By Type
- 2.1.2 By Application
- 2.1.3 By Region
- 2.1 Photoinitiators Market Research Report – Detailed Scope and Definitions
- 3. Photoinitiators Market Dynamics
- 3.1. Drivers - Macro-Economic Based, Supply Side, and Demand Side Drivers
- 3.2. Restraints – By Type, By Application, By Country
- 3.3. Opportunities – By Type, By Application, By Country
- 3.4. Trends – By Type, By Application, By Country
- 3.5. PEST Analysis
- 3.6. Porters Five Rule Analysis
- 3.7. Company’s Share Analysis (CSA) by Region or By Country
- 3.8. Photoinitiators Market Research Report – DROTs Impact Analysis
-
- 4. Photoinitiators Market Research Report, Historic Data 2019 - 2023 and Forecast Analysis Data 2024 - 2031
- 4.1. Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
- 4.2. Annual Market Trend Assessment – Year-on-Year (YoY) Growth Analysis (%)
- 4.3. Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and 2024 - 2031
- 4.4. Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
- 5. Photoinitiators Market, By Type, 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 (Market Value, In USD Mn)
- 5.1 Type I (Acylphosphine Oxides, Benzoin Ethers)
- 5.1.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
- 5.1.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
- 5.1.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
- 5.1.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
- 5.2 Type II (Benzophenones, Amines)
- 5.2.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
- 5.2.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
- 5.2.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
- 5.2.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
- 5.3 Cationic Photoinitiators
- 5.3.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
- 5.3.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
- 5.3.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
- 5.3.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
- 5.4 Dual-Cure and LED-Optimized Systems
- 5.4.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
- 5.4.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
- 5.4.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
- 5.4.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
- 6.1 Printing Inks
- 6.1.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
- 6.1.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
- 6.1.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
- 6.1.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
- 6.2 Coatings (Wood, Plastic, Metal)
- 6.2.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
- 6.2.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
- 6.2.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
- 6.2.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
- 6.3 3D Printing Resins
- 6.3.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
- 6.3.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
- 6.3.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
- 6.3.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
- 6.4 Adhesives & Sealants
- 6.4.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
- 6.4.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
- 6.4.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
- 6.4.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
- 6.5 Electronics & Optics
- 6.5.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
- 6.5.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
- 6.5.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
- 6.5.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
- 6.6 Others
- 6.6.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
- 6.6.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
- 6.6.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
- 6.6.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
- 7. Photoinitiators Market Forecast, By Region, 2019 - 2023 and 2024 - 2031 (Market Value, In USD Mn)
- 7.1 North America
- 7.1.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
- 7.1.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
- 7.1.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
- 7.1.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
- 7.2.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
- 7.2.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
- 7.2.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
- 7.2.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
- 7.3.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
- 7.3.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
- 7.3.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
- 7.3.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
- 7.4.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
- 7.4.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
- 7.4.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
- 7.4.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
- 7.5.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
- 7.5.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
- 7.5.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
- 7.5.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
- 7.1 North America
- 8. North America Photoinitiators Market Analysis, 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 (Market Value, In USD Mn)
- 8.1 By Type Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
- 8.1.1 Type I (Acylphosphine Oxides, Benzoin Ethers)
- 8.1.2 Type II (Benzophenones, Amines)
- 8.1.3 Cationic Photoinitiators
- 8.1.4 Dual-Cure and LED-Optimized Systems
- 8.2.1 Printing Inks
- 8.2.2 Coatings (Wood, Plastic, Metal)
- 8.2.3 3D Printing Resins
- 8.2.4 Adhesives & Sealants
- 8.2.5 Electronics & Optics
- 8.2.6 Others
- 8.3.1 United States
- 8.3.2 Canada
- 8.4 North America Photoinitiators Market – Opportunity Analysis Index, By Type, By Application, and Country, 2024 - 2031
- 8.5 Regional Trends Analysis
- 8.6 North America Photoinitiators Market Research Report - Company Profiles
- 8.6.1 Company 1 (United States)
- 8.6.2 Company 2 (Canada)
- 8.6.3 Company 3 (Canada)
- 9.1 By Type Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
- 9.1.1 Type I (Acylphosphine Oxides, Benzoin Ethers)
- 9.1.2 Type II (Benzophenones, Amines)
- 9.1.3 Cationic Photoinitiators
- 9.1.4 Dual-Cure and LED-Optimized Systems
- 9.2.1 Printing Inks
- 9.2.2 Coatings (Wood, Plastic, Metal)
- 9.2.3 3D Printing Resins
- 9.2.4 Adhesives & Sealants
- 9.2.5 Electronics & Optics
- 9.2.6 Others
- 9.3.1 Germany
- 9.3.2 United Kingdom
- 9.3.3 France
- 9.3.4 Spain
- 9.3.5 Italy
- 9.3.6 Russia
- 9.4 Europe Photoinitiators Market – Opportunity Analysis Index, By Type, By Application, and Country, 2024 - 2031
- 9.5 Regional Trends Analysis
- 9.6 Europe Photoinitiators Market Research Report - Company Profiles
- 9.6.1 Company 1 (Germany)
- 9.6.2 Company 2 (United Kingdom)
- 9.6.3 Company 3 (United Kingdom)
- 10.1 By Type Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
- 10.1.1 Type I (Acylphosphine Oxides, Benzoin Ethers)
- 10.1.2 Type II (Benzophenones, Amines)
- 10.1.3 Cationic Photoinitiators
- 10.1.4 Dual-Cure and LED-Optimized Systems
- 10.2.1 Printing Inks
- 10.2.2 Coatings (Wood, Plastic, Metal)
- 10.2.3 3D Printing Resins
- 10.2.4 Adhesives & Sealants
- 10.2.5 Electronics & Optics
- 10.2.6 Others
- 10.3.1 China
- 10.3.2 Japan
- 10.3.3 India
- 10.3.4 South Korea
- 10.3.5 Australia & New Zealand
- 10.3.6 ASEAN
- 10.4 Asia-Pacific Photoinitiators Market – Opportunity Analysis Index, By Type, By Application, and Country, 2024 - 2031
- 10.5 Regional Trends Analysis
- 10.6 Asia-Pacific Photoinitiators Market Research Report - Company Profiles
- 10.6.1 Company 1 (China)
- 10.6.2 Company 2 (Japan)
- 10.6.3 Company 3 (Japan)
- 11.1 By Type Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
- 11.1.1 Type I (Acylphosphine Oxides, Benzoin Ethers)
- 11.1.2 Type II (Benzophenones, Amines)
- 11.1.3 Cationic Photoinitiators
- 11.1.4 Dual-Cure and LED-Optimized Systems
- 11.2.1 Printing Inks
- 11.2.2 Coatings (Wood, Plastic, Metal)
- 11.2.3 3D Printing Resins
- 11.2.4 Adhesives & Sealants
- 11.2.5 Electronics & Optics
- 11.2.6 Others
- 11.3.1 Brazil
- 11.3.2 Mexico
- 11.3.3 Argentina
- 11.3.4 Peru
- 11.3.5 Colombia
- 11.3.6 Rest of Latin America
- 11.4 Latin America Photoinitiators Market – Opportunity Analysis Index, By Type, By Application, and Country, 2024 - 2031
- 11.5 Regional Trends Analysis
- 11.6 Latin America Photoinitiators Market Research Report - Company Profiles
- 11.6.1 Company 1 (Brazil)
- 11.6.2 Company 2 (Mexico)
- 11.6.3 Company 3 (Mexico)
- 12.1 By Type Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
- 12.1.1 Type I (Acylphosphine Oxides, Benzoin Ethers)
- 12.1.2 Type II (Benzophenones, Amines)
- 12.1.3 Cationic Photoinitiators
- 12.1.4 Dual-Cure and LED-Optimized Systems
- 12.2.1 Printing Inks
- 12.2.2 Coatings (Wood, Plastic, Metal)
- 12.2.3 3D Printing Resins
- 12.2.4 Adhesives & Sealants
- 12.2.5 Electronics & Optics
- 12.2.6 Others
- 12.3.1 Saudi Arabia
- 12.3.2 UAE
- 12.3.3 South Africa
- 12.3.4 Egypt
- 12.3.5 Israel
- 12.3.6 Rest of Middle East and Africa
- 12.4 Middle East and Africa Photoinitiators Market – Opportunity Analysis Index, By Type, By Application, and Country, 2024 - 2031
- 12.5 Regional Trends Analysis
- 12.6 Middle East and Africa Photoinitiators Market Research Report - Company Profiles
- 12.6.1 Company 1 (Saudi Arabia)
- 12.6.2 Company 2 (UAE)
- 12.6.3 Company 3 (UAE)
- 13.1 Strategic Dashboard of Top Market Players
- 13.2 Company Profiles (Introduction, Financial Assessments, Portfolio of Offerings, Milestones and Achievements, Strategic Initiative, and SWOT Analysis)
- 13.2.1 IGM Resins
- 13.2.2 Tianjin Jiuri New Materials Co. Ltd.
- 13.2.3 BASF SE
- 13.2.4 Lambson Ltd.
- 13.2.5 Arkema S.A.
- 13.2.6 Double Bond Chemical Ind. Co. Ltd. (DBC)
- 13.2.7 NewSun Poly Tec Co. Ltd.
- 13.2.8 Eutec Chemical Co. Ltd.
- 13.2.9 Zhejiang Yangfan New Materials Co. Ltd.
- 13.2.10 Changzhou Tronly New Electronic Materials Co. Ltd.
- 13.2.11 Jingjiang Hongtai Chemical Engineering Co. Ltd.
- 13.2.12 Jinkangtai Chemical Co. Ltd.
- 13.2.13 Polynaisse Chemicals
- 13.2.14 Hubei Gurun Technology Co. Ltd.
- 13.2.15 Kurogane Kasei Co. Ltd.
- 8.1 By Type Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
- 14. Data Collection Method and Research Approach
- 15. Principal Presumptions and Acronyms