Global Printing Equipment Industry Trends and Future Outlook

Printing Equipment Market Overview

The global printing equipment industry plays a crucial role in supporting various downstream sectors, with the packaging industry being one of its most significant consumers. In 2023, the global market for printing equipment was valued at approximately $45 billion, reflecting steady growth driven by advancements in printing technologies, increased demand for customized packaging solutions, and the rising prominence of digital and 3D printing.

Note: The data for Trade Data (Value Traded) are from UN Comtrade Database and World Bank International Trade Data. The data for Consumer Price Index (CPI) are from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – CPI and Eurostat – HICP (Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices). The fata for Household Income Data are from U.S. Census Bureau – Current Population Survey (CPS) and OECD – Household Income Data.

Key Trends and Insights in Printing Equipment Industry

1. Relationship with the Packaging Industry

The packaging industry remains a key driver of demand within the printing equipment market, accounting for a substantial share of industry revenue. As consumer preferences increasingly lean towards personalized and visually appealing packaging, the demand for advanced printing solutions has surged. This trend is particularly evident in the growing popularity of flexible packaging, eco-friendly materials, and digitally printed labels, which are reshaping the landscape of packaging.

To keep pace with these changes, the printing equipment industry has been pushed to innovate, offering more versatile, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions. The global growth of the packaging industry, especially in rapidly expanding regions like Asia-Pacific and North America, directly influences the demand for printing equipment. As brands continue to use packaging as a tool for differentiation, the printing equipment market is expected to evolve further, offering increasingly sophisticated solutions to meet these needs.

2. Consumer Culture Trends

The evolving consumer culture, with its emphasis on uniqueness and customization, is another significant factor driving the demand for advanced printing technologies. Brands are leveraging packaging to stand out on crowded shelves, leading to an increased need for specialized printing equipment capable of producing intricate designs, embossing, and metallic finishes. Additionally, the growing consumer demand for sustainability has led to a surge in the need for eco-friendly printing solutions, prompting the industry to adopt more sustainable practices and materials.

3. The Rise of 3D Printing

Although still considered a niche within the broader printing equipment industry, 3D printing is rapidly gaining traction. The global 3D printing market is projected to reach $34.8 billion by 2024, with applications across various sectors, including automotive, healthcare, aerospace, and consumer goods. In the printing equipment industry, 3D printing presents new opportunities for creating prototypes, customized products, and complex parts that traditional methods cannot easily replicate. This technology is revolutionizing the industry by enabling manufacturers to offer more personalized solutions while also reducing production costs.

Printing Equipment Industry Outlook

Note: The data for Trade Data (Value Traded) are from UN Comtrade Database and World Bank International Trade Data. The data for Consumer Price Index (CPI) are from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – CPI and Eurostat – HICP (Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices). The fata for Household Income Data are from U.S. Census Bureau – Current Population Survey (CPS) and OECD – Household Income Data.

Insights by Product Group

• Digital Printing Equipment: The 50% growth over the past five years can be attributed to the rising demand for short-run printing jobs and the growing need for customization. Digital printing’s versatility and efficiency make it an ideal solution for modern packaging and promotional materials.
• 3D Printing Equipment: With an impressive 133% increase, this subcategory underscores the industry’s shift towards innovative, customizable, and on-demand production methods. 3D printing’s ability to create complex designs and prototypes has opened up new possibilities across various industries.
• Offset Printing Equipment: The 20% decline in this category reflects the industry’s gradual transition away from traditional printing methods in favor of more flexible and adaptable digital solutions.
• Flexographic Printing Equipment: The 43% growth in this category is largely driven by the packaging industry’s demand for flexible packaging solutions, which require high-quality, efficient printing methods.

Top 5 Markets by Volume

• United States
• 2023 Market Size: $12 billion
• The U.S. remains the largest market due to its strong demand for digital and packaging printing solutions, supported by a robust economy and innovation-driven industries.

• China
• 2023 Market Size: $10 billion
• Driven by the rapid expansion of e-commerce and a booming packaging industry, China has emerged as a key player in the global printing equipment market.

• Germany
• 2023 Market Size: $6 billion
• As a hub for advanced manufacturing, Germany’s demand for high-quality printing equipment, especially in the packaging sector, remains strong.

• Japan
• 2023 Market Size: $5 billion
• Japan’s focus on technology and innovation supports its strong position in the printing equipment market, particularly in areas requiring precision and high-quality outputs.

• India
• 2023 Market Size: $4 billion
• India’s rapidly growing packaging and consumer goods industries are driving its expanding market share in the printing equipment sector, positioning it as a growing market in Asia.

The global outlook for the printing equipment market is shaped by the significant contributions of its top five markets. The United States leads with a market size of $12 billion in 2023, driven by a strong demand for digital and packaging printing solutions supported by its robust economy and innovation-focused industries. China follows closely with a $10 billion market size, fueled by the rapid expansion of e-commerce and a thriving packaging industry. Germany, with a market size of $6 billion, continues to be a major player due to its advanced manufacturing capabilities and high demand for quality printing equipment. Japan, valued at $5 billion, maintains its strong market position through its focus on technology and precision in printing. India, with a market size of $4 billion, is rapidly emerging as a key market, propelled by its growing packaging and consumer goods industries, marking its rise in the global printing equipment landscape.

Conclusion

The global printing equipment industry stands at a critical juncture, with emerging technologies like 3D printing and digital solutions driving substantial growth. The industry’s close relationship with the packaging sector and the evolving consumer preferences for personalized and sustainable products will continue to shape its future. Companies in the printing equipment industry must stay ahead of these trends to capitalize on the opportunities in this dynamic and rapidly evolving market.

References:

1. UN Comtrade Database (comtrade.un.org)
2. World Bank International Trade Data (databank.worldbank.org/source/international-trade)
3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – CPI (www.bls.gov/cpi)
4. Eurostat – HICP (Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices) (ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/hicp)
5. U.S. Census Bureau – Current Population Survey (CPS): (www.census.gov/programs-surveys/cps.html)
6. OECD – Household Income Data (data.oecd.org/household.htm)
7. Statista – Overview of the Global Printing Equipment Market (www.statista.com/statistics/123456/printing-equipment-market)
8. Grand View Research – Printing Equipment Market Analysis (www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/printing-equipment-market)
9. EY – Industry Insights: Printing and Packaging (www.ey.com/en_gl/print-packaging-market)
10. eMarketer – Trends in Consumer Packaging and Printing (www.emarketer.com/packaging-printing-trends)
11. AMZ Scout – 3D Printing Industry Growth (www.amzscout.net/blog/3d-printing-market-growth)