GROWTH ROOTED IN CORE STRENGTHS

Nazdar is advancing its market leadership with expanded capabilities and a bold new acquisition. For more than a century, screen and narrow web have been the foundation 
of Nazdar’s success. They have shaped the company’s reputation as a trusted partner to printers worldwide. Today, that foundation remains as important as ever. Nazdar is expanding its reach through strategic investments, including the recent acquisition of FUJIFILM’s US, Canada and Latin America Screen and Flexographic ink business. 

SPW: “Nazdar frequently describes screen and narrow web as ‘core’ to the business. What does that mean in practical terms?” 

Shaun Pan: “Screen and narrow web are much more than product categories for us – they’re part of Nazdar’s identity. Our history 
is deeply connected to the development of screen printing and, over the years, we’ve built extensive expertise in screen, flexographic, narrow web and digital technologies. 

“Being ‘core’ means we continue investing in the people, manufacturing, technical service, R&D formulation, regulatory support and application expertise required to support customers long term. For customers, that translates into continuity. Our business has a focus on giving customers reliable products, trouble-shooting support, regulatory documentation and access to a broad range of complementary solutions. Whether they’re running screen, flexo, digital or hybrid operations, we want to be a trusted partner that helps them solve printing challenges and grow their business.” 

SPW: “What macro trends are currently shaping demand for screen and flexographic/narrow web inks?” 

SP: “Several macro trends are shaping demand. Digital transformation is changing job profiles. Customers want shorter runs, faster changeovers, more versioning, personalisation and variable data. That is driving growth in digital and hybrid production, especially in labels and packaging. 

“Flexo remains highly relevant for longer runs, demanding substrates, consistent colour, speciality applications and cost-efficient, high-volume production. The market is not simply shifting from flexo to digital. It is becoming more hybrid, with flexo and digital often serving different needs within the same customer operation. 

“Sustainability and regulatory requirements are becoming more important. Packaging regulation, recyclability, waste reduction, lower-VOC technologies, raw-material changes and documentation requirements all increase the need for suppliers with strong technical and regulatory capabilities. 

“Supply-chain complexity and market consolidation are making customers more selective about suppliers. They want partners who can provide continuity, technical support, documentation and broader workflow solutions – not just transactional product supply. Technical support and service to customers has become a bigger added value.” 

SPW: “What made this the right time to acquire FUJIFILM’s screen and narrow web ink businesses?” 

SP: “The acquisition represents an opportunity to provide continuity while creating additional value for customers. FUJIFILM customers depend on these products every day. As the market evolves, they need a supplier with the technical depth, manufacturing expertise and long-term commitment to support those products moving forward. Nazdar is well-positioned to provide that continuity. 

“At the same time, those customers now gain access to Nazdar’s broader capabilities. These include screen supplies, chemicals, coatings, primers, adhesives, digital inks, equipment and technical support resources. 
It strengthens our role as a full-service printing-solutions provider. 

“The timing also reflects broader industry changes. Digital continues to grow, narrow web continues to become more hybrid and the screen market continues to consolidate. Customers need strong, stable partners that can help them navigate both current and future production requirements.” 

SPW: “How did Nazdar’s history with these products prepare the company for the acquisition?” 

SP: “A key factor is that Nazdar has been contract-manufacturing FUJIFILM screen and narrow web products since 2021. That means we already understand the products, manufacturing processes, quality expectations and customer requirements associated with these lines. 

“Whenever an acquisition takes place, customers naturally have questions about continuity. In this case, our familiarity with the products significantly reduces that uncertainty and helps create a smoother transition. 

“More broadly, Nazdar’s heritage makes us a natural fit. Founded in 1922, our history is closely tied to the emergence and growth of the screen-printing industry itself. We combine that deep heritage with ongoing investments in manufacturing, innovation and global support capabilities across North America, Europe and Asia. 

SPW: “How does this acquisition strengthen Nazdar’s leadership position 
in screen and narrow web?” 

SP: “Firstly, it expands our customer relationships, installing a stronger base in markets that remain strategically important to Nazdar. That gives us even deeper 
insight into customer needs and industry developments. 

“Secondly, it expands our product portfolio. Combined, Nazdar and FUJIFILM bring customers a broader range of screen inks, narrow web and flexographic solutions, coatings, primers, adhesives, varnishes and related technologies. 

“Thirdly, it reinforces our role as a long-term supplier. Particularly in screen, customers increasingly want suppliers with scale, technical depth, regulatory expertise and a demonstrated commitment to the market. We believe this acquisition further strengthens our ability to serve in that role.” 

SPW: “Looking ahead, how will Nazdar help shape the future of screen and narrow web technologies?” 

SP: “Our role is to support both continuity and innovation. For screen, the future isn’t about resisting change. Digital transformation is real and important. However, screen continues to deliver unique advantages in applications requiring durability, opacity, special effects and industrial performance. We want to help customers maximise those strengths through reliable products, technical support and ongoing innovation. 

“For narrow web, the future is increasingly hybrid. Converters will continue combining flexo, screen, coatings, adhesives, primers and digital technologies to achieve the best results for each application. Our job is supporting customers in whatever approach they adopt – whether that’s analogue, digital or a hybrid approach. 

“Service has always been part of our DNA. The way we support customers may have evolved – from screen-only solutions to a broad mix of analogue and digital technologies – but our focus remains the same. We want to help customers succeed regardless of where their technology journey takes them. 

SPW: “What does this acquisition signal for Nazdar’s long-term vision?” 

SP: “It reinforces our belief that customers need a trusted partner capable of supporting them across the full spectrum of printing technologies. We’re not tied to a single process or platform. Whether a customer’s future involves screen, flexo, digital, hybrid or all of these, we want Nazdar to be the partner they rely on. 

“That’s why we continue investing in our core businesses while simultaneously expanding our capabilities. Supporting customers through industry change has been part of our story for more than a century and that won’t change.” 

For Pan, Nazdar’s story is ultimately one of continuity through change. The Nazdar 5500 Series was introduced in 1956. That is the same year that Play-Doh debuted and the US Interstate Highway System was created. The Nazdar 5500 Series remains active today. That kind of longevity reflects an important truth – when a product solves a durable customer need, customers value continuity, consistency and long-term stewardship. 

Over more than a century, Nazdar has adapted to changing technologies and market demands by investing in innovation, expanding into adjacent markets, pursuing strategic acquisitions and building strong partnerships. Yet one thing has remained constant – a commitment to supporting customers. 

As a full-service, printing-solutions provider, Nazdar helps customers navigate an evolving marketplace across screen, analogue, digital and narrow web technologies with confidence. For Pan, the recent acquisition and Nazdar’s continued investments are simply the next chapter in a long-standing mission. This mission is to be the trusted partner customers can rely on, regardless of where the industry goes next.