Photo finish as Kodak winds down film business

Kodak’s exit from the aqueous graphic arts film business spells the end of an era.

From the end of the year, Kodak will no longer be supplying aqueous graphic arts film and graphic arts film chemistry products. The one graphic arts film line Kodak will continue to supply is Kodak DITR Film, which is used in its packaging products portfolio worldwide, as well as its newspaper products portfolio in Japan.

According to, Michael Smedley, dealer management and market mover for Australia and New Zealand, the decision was due to accelerated declining demand and changing market conditions. “This decision reflects Kodak’s commitment to respond to market needs and serve as the best partner to help customers grow their business,” he said.

Smedley added that for customers ready to transition away from film, Kodak offers a range of integrated digital solutions, including platesetters, digital plates, workflow, proofing, and digital printing solutions. Kodak’s digital solutions enable offset class output and offer exciting revenue growth opportunities for printers.

“We continue to invest in these digital technologies to meet current and future needs,” he said.