Great Western Ink, a prominent name in the ink manufacturing industry, celebrates an incredible milestone in 2025 — its 100th anniversary. For a century, this Portland, Oregon-based company has played an instrumental role in the development and growth of the ink industry, making its mark regionally and beyond. Its story is a testament to the city's innovative spirit and the company's relentless pursuit of excellence, adaptability, and sustainability in an ever-changing world.

The Early Years: Founding and Growth

Great Western Ink was founded in 1925 by a group of entrepreneurs who recognized a growing need for high-quality, reliable ink production in the Pacific Northwest. In the early 20th century, Portland was a bustling center for manufacturing, and with the rise of print media and commercial publishing, demand for specialty inks surged.

Starting as a small operation, the company initially focused on producing inks for local printers. Its first products were primarily black inks, used for newspapers, books, and packaging. The company quickly gained a reputation for consistency and high-quality formulations. That early success paved the way for expansion into other ink types, including colored inks and more specialized formulations for commercial printing, packaging, and advertising.

As the years progressed, Great Western Ink expanded its product offerings to include inks for labels, food packaging, and other diverse applications. Its success was also due to a commitment to technological advancement, ensuring it kept pace with the evolving printing and publishing industries.

Adapting to Market Shifts: The Mid-20th Century

The 1940s and 1950s were a period of significant change for the printing industry, marked by advances in printing technology — including the widespread adoption of offset printing. Great Western Ink was quick to adapt, pioneering new formulations that worked seamlessly with these innovations. That foresight allowed the company to maintain its position as a leader in the industry, even as competitors emerged in the region.

In the post-World War II era, Great Western Ink began developing inks for a variety of new industries, including textiles, plastics, and automotive applications. The company also expanded its reach beyond Portland, establishing a presence across the U.S. and Canada. Its dedication to reliable, high-quality products earned a loyal customer base, which in turn helped the company weather the ups and downs of the economy.

During the 1960s and 1970s, as environmental awareness began to grow, Great Western Ink was one of the first companies in the industry to explore eco-friendly alternatives. It began developing inks that were less harmful to the environment, focusing on reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants. This proactive stance on sustainability was ahead of its time, and became a defining characteristic of the company's long-term strategy.

The Digital Age and Globalization

By the 1990s, the global printing industry was undergoing a revolution. Digital printing, the rise of e-commerce, and demand for shorter print runs and faster turnaround times were reshaping the landscape. Great Western Ink responded by investing heavily in research and development — creating specialized inks for digital printers, as well as inks that worked across a variety of substrates including plastics and textiles.

Sustainability and Innovation in the 21st Century

As the world entered the 21st century, sustainability became an even greater focal point for businesses and consumers alike. Great Western Ink, true to its legacy, continued to evolve. In 2006, the company introduced its first line of soy-based inks — a major step forward in reducing its carbon footprint. Soy-based inks, known for their eco-friendly properties, became an increasingly popular choice across the printing industry.

By 2010, Great Western Ink had fully committed to sustainability, becoming one of the first ink manufacturers to earn certification for its green practices — including reduced energy consumption and the use of recyclable materials in production. Those efforts didn't stop at formulation: the company also introduced energy-efficient equipment and adopted lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste and increase productivity.

The rise of online printing platforms and rapid technological advancement through the 2010s led to further innovation. The company embraced the shift toward shorter runs and customized orders by developing ink solutions tailored to digital presses. Continued investment in R&D kept it at the forefront of a rapidly changing market.

Looking Forward: The Next 100 Years

As Great Western Ink celebrates its centennial in 2025, the ink manufacturing industry continues to evolve — with digital printing, 3D printing, and sustainable practices leading the charge. Great Western Ink is well positioned for what comes next, building on its legacy of innovation and its commitment to quality.

Looking ahead, the company plans to further invest in renewable energy solutions, increase its use of biodegradable materials, and continue developing inks for emerging technologies like 3D printing and inkjet. It also remains committed to its roots in Portland — maintaining its manufacturing facility in the city, and continuing to provide jobs and support to the local economy.

A Century of Resilience

The story of Great Western Ink is one of resilience, innovation, and adaptation. From humble beginnings in Portland, Oregon, to a leading position in ink manufacturing, the company has continually evolved to meet the needs of an ever-changing marketplace.

Alder Color Solutions is proud to share both a city and a lineage with Great Western Ink. Where GWI brings a century of ink chemistry, Alder brings color science and process control — together taking a job from ink formulation all the way to a verified, measured press sheet.

Here's to the next hundred years.

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