세계 이미징용 화학제품 시장 규모는 2024년 104억 달러에 달했습니다. 향후 IMARC Group은 2033년까지 시장 규모가 156억 달러에 달하고, 2025-2033년 연평균 성장률(CAGR)은 4.39%를 보일 것으로 전망하고 있습니다. 나노기술의 발전, 병원, 요양원, 클리닉에서 의료용 이미지의 채택 증가, 교육기관, 의료센터, 쇼핑몰의 프린터 수요 증가 등이 시장을 이끄는 주요 요인으로 꼽힙니다.
이미징용 화학제품은 물체, 조직 또는 프로세스의 시각적 표현을 강화하거나 생성하기 위해 다양한 이미징 기술에서 사용되는 물질군을 말합니다. 조영제, 염료, 방사성 동위원소 등으로 구성되며, 표적 물질과 상호 작용하여 선명한 신호를 생성합니다. 조영제는 X선, 초음파, 자기공명영상법(MRI), 컴퓨터단층촬영법(CT), 양전자방사단층촬영법(PET) 등에 사용됩니다. 세포와 분자의 상호작용 연구, 질병 메커니즘 조사, 새로운 치료법 개발 등에 도움이 되고 있습니다. 또한 인쇄 분야, 특히 전통적인 사진 공정과 최신 디지털 인쇄 기술에서도 중요한 역할을 하고 있습니다.
현재 고품질, 빠른 납기를 실현하고 소량 인쇄 시에도 인쇄 비용을 최소화할 수 있어 인쇄용 화학물질에 대한 수요가 증가하고 있으며, 이는 시장 성장을 견인하고 있습니다. 이와 더불어, 기존의 필름 기반 사진을 대체할 수 있는 디지털 이미징의 채택이 증가하고 있는 것도 시장 성장에 기여하고 있습니다. 또한, 교육기관, 사무실, 병원, 쇼핑몰 등에서 다양한 중요 문서, 영수증, 전단지 등을 인쇄하기 위한 프린터에 대한 수요가 증가하고 있는 것도 시장 전망을 긍정적으로 만들고 있습니다. 이와는 별도로, 친환경 용매를 사용하여 환경에 미치는 영향을 줄인 친환경 이미징용 화학 물질의 가용성 증가가 시장 성장을 뒷받침하고 있습니다. 또한, 전문 사진가들의 필름 기반 사진 사용이 증가하고 있는 것도 시장 성장을 가속하고 있습니다.
나노기술의 발전
나노기술은 물리학, 생물학, 화학, 공학, 의학 등 여러 분야의 가교 역할을 하고 있습니다. 그 결과, 이들 분야에 걸친 공동연구가 급증하고 있으며, 혁신적인 솔루션과 돌파구를 마련하는 데 기여하고 있습니다. 나노기술이 다양한 분야에 혁명을 일으킬 수 있는 가능성을 인식한 전 세계 정부와 민간단체들은 나노기술 연구개발(R&D)에 대한 자금 지원과 지원을 늘리고 있습니다. 또한, 나노입자는 이미징에서 조영제로서 이상적인 특정 특성을 갖도록 설계되어 있습니다. 나노입자는 질병 특이적 마커에 결합하는 특정 분자로 기능화되어 체내 특정 세포나 부위의 표적 이미징을 가능하게 하여 질병 진단의 정확도를 높일 수 있습니다. 또한, 멀티모달 이미징용 화학제품을 개발할 수 있습니다.
의료용 영상처리 용도 채택 증가
의료용 영상에 대한 수요는 전 세계 노인 인구 증가와 함께 다양한 만성질환의 발생이 증가하고 있는 것이 그 배경입니다. 여기에 더해 입원율 증가가 의료용 영상처리 수요에 박차를 가하고 있습니다. 또한, 의료용 영상처리 기술의 발전으로 그 기능과 용도가 확대되어 더욱 폭넓게 사용되고 있습니다. 이와는 별도로, 예방 의료 및 질병 조기 발견에 대한 관심이 높아지고 이러한 서비스에 대한 환자들의 인식이 높아짐에 따라 의료용 영상에 대한 수요가 증가하고 있습니다. 의료용 이미징은 진단 이미지의 선명도와 정확성을 높이기 위해 이미징 화학물질에 의존하고 있습니다. 이미징 화학물질은 신체 및 영상 기술과의 상호작용을 통해 환자의 상태를 자세히 파악하여 정확한 진단 및 치료 계획을 세우는 데 도움을 줍니다.
디지털 인쇄에 대한 수요 증가
디지털 인쇄는 디자인 변경 및 커스터마이징이 용이하기 때문에 독특하고 개인화된 인쇄물을 필요로 하는 중소기업 및 개인 프로젝트에 특히 유용합니다. 빠르고 효율적이며, 기존 인쇄 방법보다 짧은 시간에 고품질의 인쇄물을 만들 수 있습니다. 또한, 디지털 인쇄의 품질이 눈에 띄게 향상되었으며, 기술의 발전으로 기존 방식에 필적하는 고해상도 인쇄가 가능해졌고, 고품질 이미징용 화학 물질이 사용 가능해졌습니다. 또한, 디지털 인쇄에서는 다양한 이미징용 화학제품로 구성된 잉크(잉크젯 프린터의 경우) 또는 토너(레이저 프린터의 경우)를 사용합니다. 이들은 최적의 이미지 품질, 색상 충실도, 내구성을 제공하기 위해 배합되어 있습니다.
The global imaging chemicals market size reached USD 10.4 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 15.6 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.39% during 2025-2033.The growing advancements in nanotechnology, rising adoption of medical imaging in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics, and increasing demand for printers in educational institutions, medical centers, and shopping malls are some of the major factors propelling the market.
Imaging chemicals refer to a class of substances used in various imaging techniques to enhance or produce visual representations of objects, tissues, or processes. They consist of contrast agents, dyes, or radioactive isotopes that interact with the target material to generate a distinct signal. They are employed in techniques, such as X-ray, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography (PET). They aid researchers in studying cellular and molecular interactions, investigating disease mechanisms, and developing new therapeutic interventions. They also play a significant role in the field of printing, particularly in traditional photographic processes and modern digital printing technologies.
At present, the increasing demand for printing chemicals as they offer high quality and spontaneous turnaround time and minimize printing costs for smaller quantities of printing is impelling the growth of the market. Besides this, the rising adoption of digital imaging as an alternative to conventional film-based photography is contributing to the growth of the market. In addition, the growing demand for printers in educational institutions, offices, hospitals, and malls for printing various essential documents, receipts, and flyers is offering a favorable market outlook. Apart from this, the increasing availability of eco-friendly imaging chemicals with reduced environmental impact made from eco-friendly solvents is supporting the growth of the market. Additionally, the rising utilization of film-based photography by professional photographers is bolstering the growth of the market.
Rising advancements in nanotechnology
Nanotechnology bridges multiple disciplines, including physics, biology, chemistry, engineering, and medicine. This is resulting in a surge of collaborative research across these fields, leading to innovative solutions and breakthroughs. Recognizing the potential of nanotechnology to revolutionize various sectors, governments and private entities worldwide are increasing funding and support for nanotechnology research and development (R&D). Moreover, nanoparticles are engineered to possess specific properties that make them ideal as contrast agents in imaging. They can be functionalized with specific molecules that bind to disease-specific markers and allow for targeted imaging of specific cells or regions in the body, enhancing the accuracy of disease diagnosis. Furthermore, they enable the development of multimodal imaging chemicals.
Increasing adoption of medical imaging applications
The demand for medical imaging is increasing due to the rising occurrence of various chronic diseases along with the growing geriatric population around the world. Besides this, the increasing rate of hospitalization is fueling the demand for medical imaging. Advancements in medical imaging technology are also increasing its capabilities and applications, leading to more widespread usage. Apart from this, a rising shift towards preventive healthcare and early disease detection, coupled with the increasing patient awareness about these services, is resulting in more demand for medical imaging procedures. Medical imaging relies on imaging chemicals to enhance the clarity and accuracy of diagnostic images. Imaging chemicals, through their interaction with the body and imaging technology, provide detailed insights into the condition of a patient, aiding in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Increasing demand for digital printing
Digital printing allows for easy modification and customization of designs, which is especially beneficial for small businesses and personal projects that require unique and personalized prints. It is fast, efficient, and capable of producing high-quality prints in less time than traditional printing methods. Besides this, the quality of digital printing is significantly improving, with advancements in technology offering high-resolution prints that rival traditional methods and the utilization of high-quality imaging chemicals. Moreover, digital printing uses either ink (for inkjet printers) or toners (for laser printers), which are composed of various imaging chemicals. These are formulated to provide optimal image quality, color fidelity, and durability.
Imaging agents and toners dominate the market
Imaging agents and toners are essential components in the fields of medical imaging and digital printing, each serving unique roles. Imaging agents, also known as contrast agents or contrast media, are substances used to improve the contrast of structures or fluids within the body during medical imaging procedures. They help distinguish or contrast specific areas of the body from the surrounding tissue, enhancing the detail of the images produced. On the other hand, toner is a powder mixture employed in laser printers and photocopiers to produce printed text and images on paper. In its early form, toner is a mix of carbon powder, which gives the black color, and a polymer that helps the toner particles to melt and bind to the paper under heat and pressure.
Medical holds the largest share in the market
In the medical sector, imaging chemicals are fundamental for enhancing diagnostic accuracy and delivering effective treatments. They aid in creating a clearer picture of the internal structures and processes of the human body, thereby playing a crucial role in disease identification and monitoring. They help increase the visibility of blood vessels in CT scans and X-rays, while gadolinium enhances the contrast in MRIs, enabling radiologists to differentiate between healthy and diseased tissues more effectively.
Imaging chemicals are integral to the printing and packaging industry, wherein they play a pivotal role in achieving high-quality prints, vibrant colors, and durable packaging materials. They are used in various stages of the printing and packaging process, offering a range of benefits and functionalities.
Asia Pacific exhibits a clear dominance, accounting for the largest imaging chemicals market share
The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Asia Pacific accounted for the largest market share.
Asia Pacific held the biggest market share due to the rising construction of hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. Besides this, increasing investments in improving medical imaging techniques for better diagnosis and treatment of diseases are strengthening the growth of the market.
Another contributing aspect is the growing demand for imaging chemicals for printing labels and packaging in various industries. In addition, increasing consumerism and branding are contributing to the growth of the market.
North America is estimated to expand further in this domain due to the rising focus on sustainable packaging to reduce the carbon footprint and minimize wastage. Apart from this, the increasing emergence of e-commerce brands selling products online is propelling the growth of the market.
Key market players are investing in research and development (R&D) operations to develop innovative and high-performance products. They are also focusing on improving the quality, functionality, and environmental sustainability of their imaging chemicals. Top companies are forming strategic partnerships and collaborations with other companies, research institutions, and industry experts to leverage their expertise, resources, and market reach. They are also establishing local manufacturing facilities, distribution networks, and sales teams to cater to the specific needs and demands of these markets. Leading players are working to diversify their product portfolios to meet the evolving needs of their customers. They are introducing new imaging chemicals, developing application-specific formulations, and expanding their offerings to cover a wide range of printing, packaging, and medical imaging requirements.
In 2023, Eastman Kodak Company sets new standards in inks for inkjet printing with its KODACHROME inks which enable presses using KODAL ULTRASTREAM Continuous Inkjet Technology to acquire the highest levels of color rendition, image stability, and detail.
In July 2023, Toyo Ink SC Holdings Co. Ltd. announced the development of a silver nanoparticle paste for die-attach applications, which can be sintered at low temperatures under both pleasureless and pressure-assisted methodologies.
In June 2023, Becton Dickinson and Company announced the launch of the world's first spectral cell sorter with high-speed imaging technology, which segregates cells based on visual characteristics.