As Africa’s packaging and printing industry continues to expand, the demand for eco-friendly and efficient printing solutions is rapidly increasing. Flexographic UV inks, with their fast-curing, low-VOC, and high-gloss performance, are quickly becoming the go-to choice for flexible packaging, label, and commercial printing sectors across the continent.

Below, we introduce five leading flexographic UV ink manufacturers active in Africa — with StarColor earning special attention as a top global supplier known for high quality and cost-effective solutions.

1. Flint Group Africa (South Africa)

Overview:
Flint Group, a global leader in printing inks and coatings, has a strong operational base in Johannesburg, South Africa, serving the entire Sub-Saharan market.

Key Strengths:

• Advanced UV flexo inks designed for high-speed printing and superior color density.
• Excellent adhesion on a wide range of substrates including paper, PE, and PET.
• Offers local technical support and color management services for African converters.

Market Positioning:
Flint Group primarily targets premium packaging and label printers that demand consistent, top-tier ink performance for multinational brands.

2. Sun Chemical Africa (Egypt / Nigeria)

Overview:
Sun Chemical, one of the world’s largest ink manufacturers, operates service centers in Egypt and Nigeria, covering both North and West Africa.

Key Strengths:

• UV flexo inks with low migration and excellent chemical resistance, compliant with EU and FDA food contact standards.
• Offers full sustainability and compliance solutions for brand owners.
• Backed by DIC Corporation’s advanced R&D.

Market Positioning:
Sun Chemical focuses on high-end label, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical packaging, emphasizing regulatory compliance and consistent quality.

3. StarColor (China – Serving the African Market)

Overview:
StarColor is a professional Chinese manufacturer specializing in flexographic UV inks, water-based inks, and UV varnishes, with growing exports to Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, and other African regions.

Product Highlights:

• Formulated with high-reactivity UV resins for faster curing and higher gloss levels.
• Excellent adhesion on PE, BOPP, PET, and other flexible substrates.
• Compatible with both LED and mercury UV curing systems.
• Customized formulations available to adapt to local climate and production conditions.

Competitive Advantage:
StarColor combines international-level quality with a strong price advantage, making it an ideal partner for African mid-sized converters seeking reliable, cost-efficient UV ink solutions.
Their technical team also provides remote color matching and print optimization support, ensuring consistent production results.

Market Positioning:
StarColor stands out as a value-driven supplier, bridging the gap between global quality and regional affordability — a strategic partner for Africa’s fast-growing packaging industry.

4. Siegwerk Africa (Kenya)

Overview:
Siegwerk, a German-based ink producer, operates a regional office in Kenya, serving East African countries with premium ink systems.

Key Strengths:

• UV flexo inks known for low migration properties and precise color control.
• Full compliance with food and pharmaceutical packaging standards.
• Strong expertise in color consistency and ink management.

Market Positioning:
Siegwerk targets multinational brand packaging suppliers requiring high regulatory assurance and stable quality for global production chains.

5. Toyo Ink Africa (Egypt)

Overview:
Japanese giant Toyo Ink operates in Egypt, providing UV and specialty inks across North Africa and the Middle East.

Key Strengths:

• High flowability and smooth printing at high press speeds.
• Excellent abrasion resistance and print sharpness.
• Offers integrated ink and varnish systems for premium label applications.

Market Positioning:
Toyo Ink positions itself in the high-end industrial and label market, focusing on luxury packaging and technical applications.