Digital Printing and Its Transformation of the Corrugated Packaging Industry

The ever-expanding corrugated packaging industry offers much that can be investigated and analyzed. As part of Keypoint Intelligence’s State of the Industry series of reports on the labels and packaging market, we have completed a deep dive into the transformation of corrugated packaging. This article provides a brief overview of the findings from our corrugated packaging report.

The results of our corrugated packaging report are targeted toward equipment suppliers, brands, and software companies.
This report aims to secure interest and viability for the untapped potential of digital printing within the corrugated packaging industry.
Brands, retailers, and converters are all collaborating to help make digital printing a reality in the corrugated packaging market.

By Jean Lloyd

Introduction

In a world where innovation is as constant as it is critical, the ever-expanding corrugated packaging industry offers much to be investigated and analyzed. As part of Keypoint Intelligence’s State of the Industry series of reports on the labels and packaging market, we have completed a deep dive into the transformation of corrugated packaging. The findings are fascinating for sure!

Research Overview

The corrugated packaging industry is often overlooked, but it is integral to the supply chain. Our research goes to the heart of this vital sector through in-depth interviews conducted by converters, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and industry experts and specialists. Through these interviews, we sought to better understand the current landscape while also uncovering its future potential. Our corrugated packaging report is tailored toward:

Equipment suppliers that are developing solutions for digital corrugated equipment.
Brands that are seeking to embrace the potential of digital printing.
Software companies that are hoping to uncover new opportunities.

The Digital Opportunity

What can industry players do to help boost the adoption of digital printing in the packaging sector? Is digital printing a viable solution for addressing the unmet needs of the supply chain? Our corrugated packaging report answers these questions while also providing recommendations on future actions that can shape the industry’s future.

Keypoint Intelligence’s series of industry reports covers five segments, including corrugated packaging, narrow web labels, folding cartons, flexible packaging, and brand adoption. Each report offers a comprehensive analysis of digital adoption specific to its segment. Our goal with this series is to assist readers in tracking progress and industry actions so they can align expectations across the supply chain, accelerate the development of digital solutions, and uncover threats and opportunities. Most importantly, we aim to secure interest and viability for the untapped potential of digital printing within the corrugated packaging industry.

Here are some key highlights from our corrugated packaging report:

The digital printing industry is hungry and ripe for transformation. Incremental changes have been the norm thus far, but we believe that true acceleration in digital printing adoption will come through a fundamental shift in how the packaging supply chain operates. This shift is driven not merely by print but by focusing on high volumes, low costs, increased speed, flexibility, and sustainability.
The global corrugated high graphics market is currently estimated at 71 billion square meters in terms of volume. As of the end of 2022, digital printing accounted for a mere 2.9% of the addressable market. Even if nothing were to change, digital’s share is projected to reach 7.3% by 2027. With change, however, the future potential is truly staggering. A 26% share of the global high graphics market opens up a world of opportunities, with equipment revenues projected to reach $6.2 billion and annual ink requirements estimated at 64 million liters. Retailers and brands will be the driving force behind this transformation.
The pandemic and its aftereffects have shaken the industry and continue to transform it. Supply chain disruptions have emphasised the need for flexibility and versatility in the packaging market. Brands, retailers, and converters are all collaborating to help make digital printing a reality.
For converters, the extent of change will likely vary depending on their existing customer base and high graphics volume. Large integrated converters with a strong presence in high graphics are likely to undergo transformational changes. Others may opt to source semi-finished or finished products from larger players.
The shift toward digital printing is set to disrupt not only converters but also OEMs, material suppliers, chemistry providers, and software specialists. Traditional incumbent positions will be challenged as new entrants, digital specialists, and more versatile suppliers continue to enter the scene.

The Bottom Line

Keypoint Intelligence’s report on corrugated packaging is just one of several in our State of the Industry Series. The entire packaging industry is undergoing a transformation, and digital printing is helping to lead the charge. If you’d like to learn more about this intriguing market, we invite you to become a stronger part of the corrugated packaging evolution. Click here for more information.

Jean Lloyd is the global Principal Analyst of the Packaging & Labels Division at Keypoint Intelligence. She is closely engaged with clients to deliver thought leadership, strategy development, market intelligence, and consulting. A digital print technology specialist with decades of experience, Jean is a results-driven international business leader that has lived and worked abroad, holding positions on various boards of well-known global technology brands. She is very passionate about the industry and the opportunities it creates.