Across all print and printed packaging the global value grows in real terms from just under $800 billion in 2016 to $843 billion in 2026. The print volume drops from the equivalent of 49.2 trillion A4 prints to 43.4 trillion over the period, but this is up from the 2020 level. Print markets are changing in mix of output, with labels and packaging increasing share.
This report provides the detail behind these headlines, with comprehensive data tables covering print demand, along with ink, plates, new printing machinery and substrate data from 2016 to 2026. As well as good news for packaging sectors there are still some growth opportunities, specifically in digital printing where there will be continuing uptake of new technology.
After significant disruption due to the 2020 global pandemic print markets are recovering and coming to terms with the new operating environment. Print and printed packaging saw a drop of 11.6% in global print volume during 2020 and there are supply chain shockwaves exacerbated by significant price increases in energy, ink, plates and paper.
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This report is based on extensive primary and secondary research. Primary research consisted of targeted interviews with material suppliers, converters and experts drawn from key markets. This was supported by secondary research in the form of extensive literature analysis of published data, official government statistics, domestic and international trade organisation data, company websites, industry reports, trade press articles, presentations, and attendance at trade events.
About the author
Sean Smyth has spent more than 25 years in senior technology and management positions for print businesses across the supply chain. Sean has extensive experience in digital printing. In his time with Smithers, Sean has authored many off-the-shelf market studies and has provided strategic consultancy services to a range of clients across the value chain.
This report provides the detail behind these headlines, with comprehensive data tables covering print demand, along with ink, plates, new printing machinery and substrate data from 2016 to 2026. As well as good news for packaging sectors there are still some growth opportunities, specifically in digital printing where there will be continuing uptake of new technology.
After significant disruption due to the 2020 global pandemic print markets are recovering and coming to terms with the new operating environment. Print and printed packaging saw a drop of 11.6% in global print volume during 2020 and there are supply chain shockwaves exacerbated by significant price increases in energy, ink, plates and paper.
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- Market forecasts by value and volume for print in all applications globally for 2016–26
- In-depth analysis of market shares and future opportunities across all print processes
- Discussion of the changing nature of the print market space focused on critical consumer, business and technology trends
- Significant market opportunities remain, especially in packaging print, and those segments where print service providers can adapt to delivering higher value, shorter run work.
- Print markets are changing in mix of output, with labels and packaging increasing share at the expense of graphical applications, while publishing is particularly hard hit
- The key technology, business and consumer dynamics shaping the evolution of the print industry across the next five years
- How and when businesses can adapt to develop new revenue streams in an era of falling print runs and accelerating technical change.
This report is based on extensive primary and secondary research. Primary research consisted of targeted interviews with material suppliers, converters and experts drawn from key markets. This was supported by secondary research in the form of extensive literature analysis of published data, official government statistics, domestic and international trade organisation data, company websites, industry reports, trade press articles, presentations, and attendance at trade events.
About the author
Sean Smyth has spent more than 25 years in senior technology and management positions for print businesses across the supply chain. Sean has extensive experience in digital printing. In his time with Smithers, Sean has authored many off-the-shelf market studies and has provided strategic consultancy services to a range of clients across the value chain.
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