Digital Printing Packaging Market

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Digital Printing Packaging Market is accounted for $19.44 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $33.32 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 8.0% during the forecast period. Digital printing packaging is a modern printing method that involves transferring digital images directly onto various packaging materials, such as paper, cardboard, plastic, or even metal. Unlike traditional printing methods like offset printing, digital printing does not require plates, making it more cost-effective and efficient for short to medium print runs. It offers high-quality, customizable designs with quick turnaround times, ideal for personalized or on-demand packaging needs. 

 
According to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, e-commerce in Southeast Asia tripled in size between 2015 and 2020, growing to a value of US$ 105 billion.

Market Dynamics: 

Driver: 

On-demand printing

The on-demand printing driver in the digital printing packaging market refers to the growing demand for customized, short-run packaging solutions. This driver is fueled by several factors, including the need for quick turnaround times, reduced inventory costs, and the ability to cater to niche markets. On-demand printing allows packaging companies to produce small quantities of packaging materials efficiently and economically, responding swiftly to changing consumer preferences and market trends. 

Restraint:

Material limitations

Material limitations in digital printing packaging are constraints imposed by the type and properties of materials used in the process. These limitations can include substrate compatibility, such as the inability to print on certain surfaces or materials that are not receptive to digital inks. Also, factors like durability, flexibility, and print quality may be compromised based on the materials chosen. Environmental concerns, such as the recyclability or biodegradability of materials, can also impact the feasibility of digital printing for packaging. 

Opportunity:

Short-run printing

The short-run printing opportunity gives the ability to produce small quantities of packaging materials quickly and cost-effectively. This niche is particularly advantageous for businesses that need limited runs of customized packaging or seasonal promotions. Digital printing technology allows for on-demand production, reducing waste and inventory costs associated with traditional printing methods. Additionally, it enables rapid prototyping and customization, catering to the growing trend of personalized consumer experiences. This flexibility fosters innovation and responsiveness to market demands, making short-run digital printing a lucrative segment within the packaging industry.

Threat:

Cost competition

Cost competition happens due to pressure companies’ face to lower prices to remain competitive. With digital printing technologies becoming more accessible and widespread, the barrier to entry for new players is lowered, intensifying competition. As more companies adopt digital printing solutions, oversaturation in the market can lead to price wars as businesses vie for market share. Further, advancements in technology may lead to cost efficiencies, allowing some players to offer lower prices without sacrificing quality. To stay ahead, companies must continually innovate to reduce production costs while maintaining product quality to navigate this intense cost-competition landscape.

Covid-19 Impact: 

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the digital printing packaging market due to surge in demand for e-commerce packaging because of lockdowns and restrictions, leading to increased adoption of digital printing technologies to meet the need for customized packaging. Supply chain disruptions affected raw material availability and production, causing delays and challenges in fulfilling orders. Additionally, remote work and social distancing measures accelerated the shift towards digital platforms for communication and transactions, boosting the demand for digitally printed packaging materials. 

The folding cartons segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The folding carton segment within the digital printing packaging market has experienced notable growth driven by the demand for customized packaging solutions particularly in industries such as cosmetics, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals. Advancements in digital printing technology have enhanced print quality, color consistency, and production speed, making it more viable for folding carton applications. Moreover, the flexibility offered by digital printing enables brands to iterate designs quickly, respond to market trends faster, and engage in targeted marketing campaigns. Furthermore, with projections indicating continued expansion as more businesses recognize the benefits of digital printing for their packaging needs.

The personal care & cosmetics segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The personal care and cosmetics segment has experienced robust growth driven by consumer demand for customized and visually appealing packaging, prompting brands in the personal care and cosmetics industries to adopt digital printing technologies to create unique designs and cater to individual preferences. Advancements in digital printing technology have enabled faster turnaround times and lower costs, making it more accessible to companies of varying sizes within the segment. Furthermore, the ability of digital printing to accommodate variable data printing has allowed for enhanced product personalization and targeted marketing efforts, which resonate well with consumers in the personal care and cosmetics sectors. 

Region with largest share:

The North American region has experienced significant growth in the market due to a rising demand for customized and personalized packaging solutions, driven by changing consumer preferences and the e-commerce boom. Advancements in digital printing technology have made it more cost-effective and efficient for packaging manufacturers to produce short print runs with quick turnaround times, catering to the needs of diverse product lines and marketing campaigns. Furthermore, sustainability concerns have pushed companies to adopt digital printing, as it offers environmentally friendly solutions by reducing waste and using eco-friendly inks. 

Region with highest CAGR:

The Asia-Pacific region has witnessed substantial growth due to increasing consumer demand for personalized and customized packaging solutions. Rapid industrialization and urbanization in countries like China and India have bolstered the demand for packaged goods, further fuelling the growth of the digital printing packaging market. The growing e-commerce sector in the region has led to an uptick in demand for digitally printed packaging to cater to online retail requirements. Furthermore, the Asia-Pacific region presents a promising landscape for the digital printing packaging market, characterized by evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements driving innovation and growth.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Digital Printing Packaging market include Agfa-Gevaert Group, Bobst, Colordruck Baiersbronn, Domino Printing Sciences , DS Smith Plc , Durst Group, Konica Minolta, Landa Corporation, Mondi PLC, Printpack, Quad/Graphics Inc, Thimm Group, WS Packaging Group, Inc  and Xeikon.

Key Developments:

In February 2024, Quad, a marketing experience company, acquired North Carolina-based DART Innovation, an in-store digital media solutions provider. The strategic investment expands and seamlessly integrates into Quad’s full suite of products and services, enabling brands and marketers to more effectively offer consumers an integrated purchasing journey, whether they are at home, online or in a physical store.

In January 2024, Koenig & Bauer and Durst Group have committed to build further R&D capability in the joint venture company they set up almost five years ago to capitalize on the significant opportunities in folding carton and corrugated segments. The parent companies of Koenig & Bauer Durst GmbH will expand its operations in Radebeul, Germany.

Products Covered:
• Bags & Sacks   
• Bottles & Jars   
• Pouches & Sachets   
• Films & Wrap   
• Metal Cans   
• Folding Cartons   
• Labels   
• Flexible Packaging   
• Corrugated Packaging   
• Other Products   

Technologies Covered:
• Inkjet Printing  
• Electrophotography Printing  
• Nano-Graphic Printing  

Inks Covered:
• Solvent Based 
• UV Based 
• Aqueous 
• Other Inks  

End Users Covered:
• Food    
• Beverages     
• Pharmaceutical   
• Personal care & Cosmetics   
• Electronics   
• Chemicals   
• Other End Users   

Regions Covered:
• North America
o US
o Canada
o Mexico
• Europe
o Germany
o UK
o Italy
o France
o Spain
o Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
o Japan        
o China        
o India        
o Australia  
o New Zealand
o South Korea
o Rest of Asia Pacific    
• South America
o Argentina
o Brazil
o Chile
o Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa 
o Saudi Arabia
o UAE
o Qatar
o South Africa
o Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2026, and 2030
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Free Customization Offerings: 
All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:
• Company Profiling
o Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
o SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
o Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances