According to latest analysis, the global ODB-2 market is estimated to increase at the rate of 4.4% each year in the period from 2023 to 2028. ODB-2, or 2-anilino-6-dibutylamino-3-methylfluoran, is indeed an organic chemical compound with the molecular formula C35H36N2O3. It is primarily utilized as a thermal paper coupler in the paper industry. Its use is particularly prominent in the production of thermal paper, which is a rapid and inexpensive printing technology widely used in commercial applications such as point-of-sale (POS) receipts, luggage tags, faxes, and labels.
The primary function of ODB-2 in thermal paper is as a color former, or leuco dye. Leuco dyes are capable of changing color under certain conditions, such as changes in temperature, light, or pH. In the case of thermal paper, the color former (ODB-2) is an electron-donating compound, and the color developer (bisphenol-A) acts as a proton donor to induce the colored stated of leuco dye components. When the lactone ring of the color former is closed, the thermochromic compound is in its colorless state.
Thermal paper finds extensive application across various industries owing to its remarkable capability to swiftly and accurately generate high-quality images. It proves particularly valuable in sectors where precision is paramount, such as healthcare and retail. Compared to conventional printers, thermal printers offer significantly enhanced speed. By utilizing the heat from the thermal printhead, images are swiftly produced within milliseconds, enabling rapid printing of labels, packages, and receipts for customers. Unlike traditional printers, thermal printers eliminate the need for ink, thereby saving costs on ink cartridges and ribbons. The sole consumable required for thermal printing is the thermal paper itself.
One of the main driving factors of the thermal paper market is the increasing usage of Point of Sale (POS) terminals. Given the current digital age, there’s a growing tendency towards cashless transactions, led by the rise of e-commerce and the digitization of the retail sector. POS terminals, which often utilize thermal paper for receipt printing, play a critical role in these transactions, allowing for efficient and quick checkout processes. This surge in POS terminal usage directly impacts the demand for thermal paper.
The report presents statistical information, including market size, market share within various market segments, growth rate, and forecasts specifically tailored to the ODB-2 industry. This data-driven analysis equips industry professionals with essential information to assess the current market landscape, make informed decisions, and identify growth opportunities within the sector.
Research Coverage
This report presents an in-depth analysis and segmentation of the ODB-2 market, with market size forecasts extending until 2028. The market has been categorized based on application, end user, and region. Furthermore, a comprehensive evaluation of key industry players has been conducted to provide valuable insights into their business profiles, product offerings, strategic approaches, partnerships, expansions, and acquisitions pertaining to the ODB-2 market.
The report provides a detailed analysis of the following segments within the ODB-2 market:
Application: carbonless paper, and thermal paper
End user: labels and tags, lottery and gaming, POS receipts, and others
Region: Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, and Rest of the World (RoW)
The global ODB-2 market can be categorized into two main segments based on application: carbonless paper and thermal paper. Among these segments, the thermal paper segment emerged as the dominant revenue generator in 2022, capturing the largest share of the market. Thermal paper has gained significant traction in various industries. It finds extensive usage in applications such as POS systems, labels and tags, tickets, receipts, and other transactional documents. The widespread adoption of thermal paper in retail, hospitality, healthcare, transportation, and logistics sectors has contributed to its substantial market share.
The efficiency and convenience offered by thermal printing technology have made it a preferred choice for businesses seeking fast and reliable printing solutions. The ability to produce clear, smudge-free prints without the need for ink cartridges or ribbons has significantly reduced operational costs and improved productivity.
Furthermore, the growing e-commerce industry and the increasing number of online transactions have fueled the demand for thermal paper. As online shopping continues to thrive, the need for printed shipping labels, invoices, and receipts has surged, driving the adoption of thermal paper in the logistics and e-commerce sectors.
Looking ahead, the thermal paper segment is expected to maintain its dominance in the ODB-2 market, driven by the continuous growth of industries relying on efficient printing solutions. As businesses strive for cost-effective and reliable printing methods, the demand for thermal paper is likely to witness sustained growth, solidifying its position as the leading revenue generator in the global ODB-2 market.
Based upon end user, the global ODB-2 market is categorized into labels and tags, lottery and gaming, POS receipts, and others. The POS receipts segment was the largest contributor to the global ODB-2 market in 2022. POS receipts play a crucial role in the retail industry, serving as a vital medium for recording transactions and providing customers with proof of purchase. With the widespread adoption of electronic payment systems and the increasing number of retail establishments worldwide, the demand for POS receipts has witnessed significant growth.
The convenience and efficiency offered by thermal paper technology have made it the preferred choice for printing POS receipts. Thermal paper is designed to react to heat, allowing for quick and high-quality printing without the need for ink or ribbons. This characteristic makes thermal paper an ideal solution for point-of-sale applications, ensuring fast and reliable transaction processing.
Furthermore, the thermal paper used for POS receipts is often coated with a protective layer, enhancing its durability and resistance to fading, water, and other external factors. This ensures that the printed information remains legible and intact for an extended period, providing both retailers and customers with a reliable record of their transactions.
Geographically, the global ODB-2 market is segmented into Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, and Rest of the World (RoW). Asia-Pacific is estimated to account for the largest share of the global ODB-2 market. Currently, the Asia-Pacific region, particularly countries like China, Japan, and India, is home to the majority of ODB-2 manufacturers. These countries have emerged as key players in ODB-2 production, establishing the region’s dominance in the market. Additionally, the region holds a significant position in the thermal paper industry, which is a crucial end user for ODB-2. This strong presence in the thermal paper industry further solidifies the region’s position in the ODB-2 market. Moreover, the developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region, especially China and India, are witnessing rapid growth in their e-commerce and retail sectors. This growth is generating a higher demand for thermal paper, consequently driving the expansion of the ODB-2 market in the region.
Competitive Landscape
The global ODB-2 manufacturing sector is characterized by a relatively small number of manufacturers, with a total production capacity of approximately 6000 tons. Notably, China dominates this industry, accounting for over 90% of the production capacity. The primary Chinese manufacturers, such as Connect Wilson (Penglai) Chemie Co. Ltd., Hebei Jianxin Chemical Co. Ltd., and Shouguang Fukang Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., hold a dominant position in the market. Their advantage lies in their easy access to the ODB-2 raw material, aminophenol, within China. However, the implementation of environmental policies by the Chinese government may introduce production instability, potentially leading to a shortage of ODB-2 and subsequent price increases.
Apart from China, other ODB-2 manufacturers include Yamada Chemical Co. Ltd. and Yamamoto Chemicals Inc., both based in Japan, as well as Sadhana Nitro Chem Ltd. (SNCL) located in India. These companies also play a significant role in driving market growth through their active contributions to innovation and product development within the ODB-2 industry.
Key Questions Answered
What is the projected global market size of ODB-2 by 2028?
Among the various application segments, which segment has taken the leading position?
Which end user segment exhibits dominant control and influence?
Which region segment possesses the largest market share?
Who are the key players with the largest market share in the ODB-2 market?
What is the estimated global market size for the ODB-2 market in 2023?
What are the main factors driving the growth of the ODB-2 market?
What is the expected incremental growth of the ODB-2 market during the forecast period?
Table of Contents
1. Scope and Methodology
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Report Scope
1.3 Research Methodology
2. Executive Summary
3. Market Overview
4. Global ODB-2 Market – Application Analysis
4.1 Carbonless paper
4.2 Thermal paper
5. Global ODB-2 Market – End User Analysis
5.1 Labels and tags
5.2 Lottery and gaming
5.3 POS receipts
5.4 Others
6. Global ODB-2 Market – Region Analysis
6.1 Asia-Pacific
6.2 Europe
6.3 North America
6.4 Rest of the World (RoW)
7. Patents Analysis
8. Competitive Landscape
8.1 Competitive Scenario
8.2 Market Positioning/Share Analysis
8.3 Mergers and Acquisitions, Joint Ventures, Collaborations, and Agreements
9. Company Profiles
9.1 Connect Wilson (Penglai) Chemie Co., Ltd.
9.2 Hebei Jianxin Chemical Co., Ltd.
9.3 Sadhana Nitro Chem Ltd. (SNCL)
9.4 Shouguang Fukang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
9.5 Yamada Chemical Co., Ltd.
9.6 Yamamoto Chemicals, Inc.
APPENDIX
DISCLAIMER
Companies Mentioned
A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes:
Connect Wilson (Penglai) Chemie Co., Ltd.
Hebei Jianxin Chemical Co., Ltd.
Sadhana Nitro Chem Ltd. (SNCL)
Shouguang Fukang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Yamada Chemical Co., Ltd.
Yamamoto Chemicals, Inc.