Digital Printing For Packaging Market Size 2025-2029
The digital printing for packaging market size is forecast to increase by USD 16.06 billion at a CAGR of 9.9% between 2024 and 2029.
- The market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing consumption of packaged beverages worldwide. This trend is driving the demand for innovative and eye-catching packaging designs, which digital printing technology is well-positioned to deliver. However, the market faces a notable challenge in the form of the high price of printing ink materials. This cost barrier can limit the adoption of digital printing for some packaging applications, particularly those with lower profit margins. Furthermore, the emergence of green technologies, such as water-based and UV-cured inks, is gaining popularity due to their eco-friendly nature.
- Additionally, investments in research and development to enhance the capabilities of digital printing technology, such as improved color accuracy and faster production speeds, can help differentiate offerings and cater to the evolving needs of the packaging industry. To capitalize on the market opportunities, companies must focus on optimizing their ink usage and exploring alternative ink formulations to reduce costs. The digital printing market for packaging in the global consumer packaged goods industry is witnessing significant growth due to several key factors.
What will be the Size of the Digital Printing For Packaging Market during the forecast period?
Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
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The digital printing market for packaging continues to evolve, with a focus on enhancing production efficiency and improving product quality. Integration of packaging lines and print management systems enables streamlined workflows, while print speed optimization ensures quick turnaround times for custom print solutions. Inkjet print durability is a key concern, with advancements in printhead maintenance and post-print treatment addressing this issue. Packaging automation systems and printing process validation ensure brand consistency and quality assurance measures. High-speed packaging and supply chain management strategies ensure timely delivery and brand loyalty.
Digital printing presses employ color accuracy metrics and image enhancement techniques to deliver vibrant, high-quality prints. Ink formulation and substrate pre-treatment are crucial for achieving optimal results, while printing press integration and variable data management facilitate customized packaging solutions. Packaging material testing and sourcing remain vital components of the digital printing process, with an emphasis on inkjet technology and eco-friendly materials. Emerging innovations such as 3D Printing Packaging enable structural creativity and prototyping flexibility. Supply chain optimization and eco-friendly printing practices are also gaining traction, with waste minimization techniques and cost-per-print analysis essential for sustainable operations.
How is this Digital Printing For Packaging Industry segmented?
The digital printing for packaging industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD million" for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.
- Technology
- Inkjet printing
- Electrophotography printing
- Type
- Labels
- Flexible packaging
- Corrugated and folding cartons
- Others
- End-user
- Food and beverage
- Pharmaceutical
- Personal care and cosmetics
- Retail
- Others
- Geography
- North America
- US
- Canada
- Europe
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- UK
- APAC
- China
- India
- Japan
- South Korea
- Rest of World (ROW)
- North America
By Technology Insights
The Inkjet printing segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The market is experiencing significant growth, particularly in the area of inkjet printing technology. This technology, which forms images using small ink droplets expelled from printheads, is increasingly being adopted by the food and beverage industry for custom packaging designs. The industry's focus on enhancing sales through eye-catching packaging is driving the demand for digital printing solutions like inkjet. The technology's ability to offer variable data printing, short-runs, and on-demand printing makes it an attractive option for food and beverage companies. Additionally, the integration of features such as RFID, security printing, and augmented reality in packaging is further fueling the market's growth. Flexible packaging, a significant segment of the market, offers advantages such as cost savings, reduced waste, and enhanced product protection.
Sustainable packaging printing and waste reduction strategies are also key trends, with an increasing focus on using eco-friendly materials and reducing waste in the production process. The cosmetics industry is another significant end-user, leveraging digital printing for its ability to offer high-resolution prints and color gamut optimization. The market is further enhanced by advancements in printhead technology, prepress workflow automation, and color management systems. Digital printing workflow and proofing solutions ensure print quality control, enabling manufacturers to produce packaging that meets their exact specifications. Overall, the market is evolving rapidly, offering numerous benefits to various industries and driving innovation in the realm of packaging design and production. Consumer behavior influences market trends, with preferences shifting towards smart packaging, edible films, and aroma release.
The Inkjet printing segment was valued at USD 6.93 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.
The Digital Printing for Packaging Market is transforming how brands engage consumers, offering customization, efficiency, and vibrant visuals. The key to success is Packaging Substrate Compatibility, ensuring high-quality prints across paperboard, films, and foils. Strategic packaging material selection enhances durability and print fidelity for diverse product lines. Technologies like Corrugated Box Printing are used for eye-catching retail displays and logistics branding. In Food Packaging Printing, safety, freshness retention, and regulatory compliance are paramount. The rise in e-commerce packaging drives demand for unique, branded unboxing experiences that foster customer loyalty.
The Digital Printing for Packaging Market is redefining brand communication with sharper visuals, faster turnaround, and superior customization. Advanced Print Finishing Techniques like lamination, embossing, and varnishing elevate the tactile and visual appeal of packaging. Seamless Packaging Line Integration enables real-time digital printing on high-speed production lines, improving operational efficiency. Effective Brand Consistency Solutions ensure uniform color, font, and design across SKUs and regions, strengthening consumer trust and recognition. Smart Packaging Material Sourcing supports sustainable choices without compromising print quality, aligning with eco-conscious initiatives. The ban on single-use plastics in various regions is driving the need for alternative packaging solutions.
Regional Analysis
APAC is estimated to contribute 36% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.
In the dynamic landscape of the market, APAC leads with the largest share in 2024. This growth can be attributed to the significant contributions from the e-commerce and retail sectors in the region. With over 1 billion internet users in China alone by 2024, this burgeoning market is a major player. The e-commerce industry's robust growth in China, fueled by increasing internet usage, the rollout of 5G technology, and rising disposable incomes, has led numerous digital printing for packaging companies to forge partnerships. Advanced technologies such as inkjet printing, variable data printing, and short-run printing are increasingly popular. Sustainable packaging solutions, including those utilizing UV inkjet printing and 3D printing, are gaining traction. Supply chain optimization is a key focus, with companies leveraging data analytics to enhance inventory management and warehouse automation.
Smart packaging solutions, such as those integrating RFID and augmented reality, are also on the rise. Companies are focusing on waste reduction strategies, color management systems, and print quality control to enhance their offerings. Digital printing workflow automation and prepress workflow optimization are essential for maintaining efficiency. Security printing features are increasingly important, especially in industries like pharmaceuticals. The market is expected to continue its growth trajectory, driven by these trends and the evolving needs of industries. Innovation in packaging design, including energy-efficient UV protection and moisture barriers, is a priority for FMCG companies.
Market Dynamics
Our researchers analyzed the data with 2024 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.
What are the Digital Printing For Packaging market drivers leading to the rise in the adoption of Industry?
- The global market is primarily driven by the increasing consumption of packaged beverages on a worldwide scale. Digital printing has emerged as a preferred choice for packaging in the beverage industry due to its ability to deliver customized and on-demand solutions. The global beverage market, estimated at 1.5 trillion liters in 2024, is projected to grow further. Digital printing enables unlimited product information on packaging, making it an ideal solution for beverage companies looking to engage consumers with personalized and sustainable packaging.
- Augmented reality (AR) packaging is a recent innovation in the digital printing space, offering engaging and interactive experiences for consumers. AR technology can be integrated into labels, enabling end-users to access product information, promotions, and even games using their smartphones. Printhead technology is a crucial factor in digital printing for packaging, with advancements leading to higher resolution, faster printing speeds, and improved color accuracy. Pharmaceutical packaging printing is another application area that benefits from digital printing's flexibility and ability to meet stringent regulatory requirements.
What are the Digital Printing For Packaging market trends shaping the Industry?
- Digital printing innovations are currently shaping the packaging market trend. This forward-looking industry development offers numerous advantages, including improved product customization and cost efficiency. Digital printing technology has significantly transformed the packaging industry, offering brands new possibilities for innovative and customized designs. This advancement extends beyond traditional labels, now being applied to various packaging materials such as paper, cardboard, shrink wrap, metal cans, flexible packaging, and glass. The versatility of digital printing enables brands to create unique, personalized packaging designs across different substrates, enhancing their shelf presence and consumer engagement.
- Additionally, color management systems and print quality control ensure consistent and accurate color reproduction, enhancing the overall appeal of the packaging. Packaging design software and digital printing workflow streamline the production process, allowing for quick turnaround times and cost savings. Digital printing enables the creation of customized labels for various product variants, ensuring brand consistency and reducing lead times. Overall, the market is expected to continue its growth trajectory, driven by the increasing demand for personalized, sustainable, and engaging packaging solutions.
How does Digital Printing For Packaging market face challenges during its growth?
- The escalating cost of printing ink materials poses a significant challenge to the growth of the printing industry. Digital printing for packaging is a significant market that continues to evolve due to advancements in technology. One of the key trends is the adoption of digital proofing solutions, which enable accurate and efficient color matching and approval processes. UV inkjet printing, a popular digital printing technology, offers advantages such as faster turnaround times, lower waste, and the ability to print on various substrates. Prepress workflow automation is another crucial development, streamlining the production process and reducing errors.
- Color gamut optimization is essential for achieving high-quality, vibrant prints, and high-resolution printing ensures the finest details are captured. Despite the high price of printing ink, digital printers remain in demand due to their flexibility, efficiency, and ability to produce customized packaging. Companies are investing in producing their own printing inks to reduce costs, although the increased cost of ink production chemicals may impact the final product price. Organic pigments, primarily sourced from China and India, are used in ink production, potentially impacting supply and pricing.
Exclusive Customer Landscape
The digital printing for packaging market forecasting report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator's stage to the laggard's stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the digital printing for packaging market report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their market growth analysis strategies.
Customer Landscape
Key Companies & Market Insights
Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, digital printing for packaging market forecast, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the industry.
CCL Industries Inc. - The company specializes in digital printing solutions for packaging, encompassing digital pre-press, printing, punching, and gluing, along with logistics management services.
The industry research and growth report includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:
- CCL Industries Inc.
- Colordruck Baiersbronn
- DS Smith Plc
- DuPont de Nemours Inc.
- Eastman Kodak Co.
- Elanders AB
- Flint Group
- HP Inc.
- Landa Corp. Ltd.
- Mondi Plc
- Multi Color Corp.
- Packman Packaging Pvt. Ltd.
- Printpack Inc.
- Quad Graphics Inc.
- Quantum Print and Packaging Ltd.
- Smurfit Kappa Group
- Tetra Laval SA
- THIMM Group GmbH plus Co. KG
- Traco Manufacturing
- Xerox Holdings Corp.
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key industry players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.
Recent Development and News in Digital Printing For Packaging Market
- In January 2024, HP Inc. announced the launch of its new Digital Production Press, the HP PageWide XL 8000 series, designed specifically for the packaging market (HP Inc. Press release). This innovation aimed to deliver high-quality, sustainable print solutions for folding cartons and labels.
- In March 2024, Ball Corporation and E Ink Holdings, a leading innovator in electronic ink technology, entered into a strategic partnership to develop and commercialize e-readable, digitally printed, and recyclable aluminum beverage cans (Ball Corporation press release). This collaboration marked a significant step forward in the market, merging the benefits of digital printing with sustainable packaging solutions.
- In May 2024, Xaar plc, a leading provider of industrial inkjet printhead technology, raised £ 35 million in a funding round to support its growth strategy and accelerate the development of its new product portfolio (Xaar plc press release). This investment demonstrated strong investor confidence in the market and Xaar's role as a key player.
- In April 2025, Fujifilm Corporation received regulatory approval from the European Union for its Jet Press 750S B2 inkjet press, enabling it to expand its digital printing for packaging offerings in the EU market (Fujifilm Corporation press release). This approval marked a significant milestone for Fujifilm, as it strengthened its position in the European market and provided an opportunity to cater to the growing demand for digital printing in the packaging sector.
Research Analyst Overview
The digital printing market for packaging continues to evolve, driven by advancements in technology and shifting consumer preferences. Applications span various sectors, including custom packaging design for e-commerce, smart packaging solutions for food and pharmaceuticals, and sustainable packaging printing for various industries. Three-dimensional printing is revolutionizing the packaging landscape, offering unique designs and functionalities. Packaging design software enables seamless collaboration between designers and manufacturers, ensuring compatibility with various packaging substrates. Cosmetic packaging printing benefits from color management systems and print quality control, ensuring brand consistency and customer appeal. Waste reduction strategies, such as short-run printing and on-demand printing, minimize excess inventory and reduce environmental impact.
Inkjet printing technology, with its variable data capabilities, caters to personalized packaging needs. Flexible packaging printing offers versatility and convenience, while UV inkjet printing ensures durability and resistance to sunlight. Prepress workflow automation streamlines the production process, reducing turnaround times. Security printing features and RFID integration add value and functionality to packaging. Color gamut optimization ensures accurate and vibrant colors, enhancing the overall visual appeal. The digital printing workflow continues to unfold, integrating digital proofing solutions and printhead technology to maintain high-resolution printing standards. Augmented reality packaging adds an interactive dimension to consumer experiences, further blurring the lines between physical and digital worlds.
Sustainable packaging printing, another growing trend, is driving the adoption of digital printing technology due to its eco-friendly nature. Label printing solutions are a significant application segment for digital printing in the beverage industry. Moreover, digital printing for packaging has led to waste reduction strategies through just-in-time production and on-demand printing. This approach minimizes the need for inventory and reduces the environmental impact of overproduction. Security printing features, such as RFID integration, are gaining traction in the market for added product protection and supply chain visibility.
Dive into Technavio's robust research methodology, blending expert interviews, extensive data synthesis, and validated models for unparalleled Digital Printing For Packaging Market insights. See full methodology.
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Market Scope |
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Report Coverage |
Details |
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Page number |
213 |
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Base year |
2024 |
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Historic period |
2019-2023 |
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Forecast period |
2025-2029 |
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Growth momentum & CAGR |
Accelerate at a CAGR of 9.9% |
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Market growth 2025-2029 |
USD 16.06 billion |
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Market structure |
Fragmented |
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YoY growth 2024-2025(%) |
9.0 |
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Key countries |
Germany, China, UK, India, France, Japan, Italy, South Korea, US, and Canada |
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Competitive landscape |
Leading Companies, Market Positioning of Companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks |
What are the Key Data Covered in this Digital Printing For Packaging Market Research and Growth Report?
- CAGR of the Digital Printing For Packaging industry during the forecast period
- Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth and forecasting between 2025 and 2029
- Precise estimation of the size of the market and its contribution of the industry in focus to the parent market
- Accurate predictions about upcoming growth and trends and changes in consumer behaviour
- Growth of the market across APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa
- Thorough analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information about companies
- Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the digital printing for packaging market growth of industry companies
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