Printing Industry Commentary & Analysis

E-commerce Opens High-Revenue Opportunities for Inkjet, Smithers Analysis Shows

Published October 11, 2023

Digital print e-commerce packaging jobs in North America will be worth $1.26 billion in 2023, according to Smithers’ new study, The Future of Digital Print for E-commerce to 2028. Smithers editor John Nelson looks at the current packaging e-ecommerce market trends and technologies.

Profit and Loss—Smithers Reviews US Print Demographics to 2028

Published August 14, 2023

The US printing industry is in a period of profound transition, posing new challenges for leaders at all stages of the value chain. Traditional print segments are declining sharply, new commercial opportunities are emerging, but often require strategic reorganization of businesses and equipment assets. How this ecosystem will evolve across the next five years is one of the main topics in the latest report “The Future of Printer Demographics to 2028” from Smithers.

Diversification Beyond Signage—The New Challenge for Wide-Format Print in the US

Published March 28, 2023

According to the new Smithers report—"The Future of Printed Signage in a Digital World to 2028”— that global value for wide-format and signage applications in 2023 will reach $40.99 billion—down around $5 billion on pre-pandemic value (constant prices). Across the same period the volume of printed signage has fallen, as well. However, the demand for textile and interior design graphics are increasing, providing the main diversification options for wide-format presses.

Green Printing to Drive Future Innovation in Equipment and Inks, Says Smithers

Published February 2, 2023

Sustainability in printing is an increasing priority across the world, with print buyers paying more attention to the carbon impact of all their business activities. This can provide a demonstrable commercial advantage for those print systems and operations that give a genuine reduction in environmental impact. In this article, Smithers shares its latest insights into the short- and medium-term impact of the drive to greener printing.

Digital Packaging Print Set to Grow at 11.2% Y-O-Y as It Capitalizes on Post-Pandemic Trends, Smithers Says

Published November 30, 2021

Packaging is becoming increasingly important to the print industry after COVID and the specific conditions of the pandemic have further accelerated the use of digital (inkjet and toner) equipment in this space. Smithers editor John Nelson offers some highlights from the new Smithers report, The Future of Digital Print for Packaging to 2026.

Print Industry Looks to a Lower Carbon Future

Published November 1, 2021

While there remains much uncertainty in the print industry after two years of unprecedented disruption, one of the strongest emergent trends post-pandemic has been the interest in more sustainable print processes. Smithers editor John Nelson summarizes these issues in this article featuring highlights from the latest Smithers study “The Future of Green Printing Markets to 2026.”

Security Print For Packaging: New Opportunities Post-COVID

Published October 11, 2021

As print markets adjust to new realities in 2021, there is interest in diversification into security and brand protection features for packaged goods. Smithers editor John Nelson looks at some security printing trends highlighted in the recent Smithers report “The Future of Anti-Counterfeiting, Brand Protection and Security Packaging to 2026.”

Smithers Identifies Leading Factors Driving Shorter Print Orders to 2031

Published September 28, 2021

As the industry now looks to achieve a degree of normalcy in the post- COVID world, print orders will become smaller and more frequent. This means print service providers (PSPs) must be more agile and responsive, while for OEMs it is creating a new emphasis on digital print technology and customer support services. This is the subject of a new Smithers report, Impact of Changing Run Lengths on the Printing Market. This article offers some highlights from that report.

Despite 2021 Rebound, Print Equipment Market Faces Increased Competition Through 2020s, Smithers Data Finds

Published September 7, 2021

There is short-term positive news for the global print equipment market. Data from the latest Smithers study—The Future of Print Equipment Markets to 2026—shows total global sales value will reach a projected $15.86 billion in 2021, a welcome response after the unprecedented disruption of 2020, when sales amounted to just $13.23 billion.

Key Thermal Print Segments Poised to Rebound in 2021

Published March 1, 2021

COVID-19 has had a profound effect on thermal print equipment and consumable sales, but these will return to positive growth in 2021, according to the Smithers study The Future of Thermal Printing to 2025. This article summarizes some of the main trends identified in the study.

How Will the Print Industry Change in 2021—and Beyond?

Published January 26, 2021

Smithers latest analysis shows that 2020, and the global coronavirus pandemic, have profoundly disrupted the global printing industry. Total value fell from $814.7 billion in 2019, to reach a projected $743.4 billion in 2020. This article explores the major industry trends to emerge in the wake of the pandemic.

Cannabis Packaging Market to Triple in Three Years According to Smithers

Published March 18, 2020

The second in a series of articles about the current cannabis landscape, and the potential opportunities in cannabis product packaging. Market research from Smithers—The Future of Cannabis Packaging to 2024—forecasts that as this market evolves, the value of the packaging for legal cannabis products will rise from $493 million to exceed $1.63 billion in 2024.

Urbanization, Population Growth Drives Rising Worldwide Packaging Market

Published March 10, 2020

In 2019, packaging will reach a total global value of $917 billion with demand growing steadily at 2.8% yearly to reach $1.05 trillion in 2024.Rising incomes, growing populations, and rising urbanization are some of the key growth drivers for the global packaging market, according to The Future of Global Packaging to 2024, a new study from Smithers.

Global Market for Print and Printed Packaging Output Reaches $826.5 Billion in 2019, Smithers Finds

Published February 11, 2020

Printing and printed packaging remains an important industry sector in 2019, with a value of more than $826 billion in sales supporting paper and substrate suppliers, ink makers, plate and cylinder suppliers, and high-tech printing equipment manufacturers. This article, adapted from a new Smithers report, looks at the future of global print to 2024.

Emerging and Transitional Economies Drive Growth for Retail-Ready Packaging, Says Smithers Market Report

Published January 29, 2020

Demand growth for retail-ready packaging is originating within emerging and transitional economies, with Asia-Pacific accounting for 4.5 million metric tons—nearly half the total global demand—according to Smithers’ latest report, The Future of Retail-Ready Packaging to 2024.

Digital Print Output to Grow 65% over Next 10 Years, According to New Smithers Strategic Forecast

Published November 26, 2019

Digital print output is forecast to grow by 65% over the next 10 years to reach $230 billion by 2029. This dynamic growth rate will be driven by incursions into package printing, as well as books and other graphic printing areas, according to Smithers report The Future of Digital Print: Long-Term Strategic Forecasts to 2029.

Smithers Identifies Major Shifts in Security Print Sectors

Published October 22, 2019

Smithers shares its latest research on the security printing industry, forecasting the market to reach $29.8 billion in 2019 and rise to a total value of around $37.7 billion in 2024, as well as some of the trends and changes in such printed materials as banknotes, personal identification, brand protection packaging, and tax stamps.

World Industrial Packaging to Be Worth $66 Billion by 2024, Smithers Pira Research Shows

Published October 1, 2019

In 2018, the world produced about $36 trillion worth of manufactured goods, almost all of which was packaged, protected, and shipped in some form of industrial packaging. This article provides some top-level results from Smithers Pira’s new study of this sector, The Future of Industrial Packaging to 2024. According to the study, the value of these formats will reach nearly $66 billion in 2024, growing from an estimated $56.1 billion in 2019.

High Folding Carton Growth Driven by Sustainability and Increasing Demand in Emerging Regions

Published August 27, 2019

With a market value exceeding $110 billion in 2019, the cartonboard packaging industry will experience high growth at the end-user level, approaching $150 billion in 2024, according to Smithers Pira’s latest report, The Future of Folding Cartons to 2024. This growth is driven by the sustainability movement and increasing demand in emerging regions.

Smithers Pira Research Identifies Major Growth Technologies for Spunlace Nonwovens to 2024

Published June 4, 2019

Spunlace nonwovens have a compelling commercial future in expanding end-uses—including adult and infant wipes, home care, and industrial applications—according to the latest research from Smithers Pira.

Technology Evolution Supports New Priorities in Print Signage

Published April 22, 2019

The latest research from Smithers Pira identifies five key trends underpinning the shifting dynamics of demand and profitability in the market for printed signage: increasing automation, soft signage, the changing retail landscape, the evolution of Asian retail, and competition from digital signage.

Sustainability Initiatives to Impact Growing Functional and Barrier Coatings Market, According to Smithers Pira

Published April 3, 2019

Functional and barrier coatings are extremely important in the production of paper and board packaging as they provide a protective barrier against water and water vapor, oil and grease, and oxygen and aromas. The barrier coatings industry faces ongoing change in preferred material usage as governments and brands increasingly look for alternatives to plastic packaging for sustainability and recycling purposes. A new report from Smithers Pira details these new sustainability initiatives.

Sustainability and E-Commerce Driving Growth in Luxury Packaging

Published February 27, 2019

The demand for luxury packaging across the world continues to increase. Sustainability, e-commerce, and material trends are driving the luxury packaging market and will continue to shape it over the next five years. A new Smithers Pira report details these key products, materials, and market trends.

Consumer Trends and Developing Food Contact Regulations Driving $271 Billion Printed Food Packaging Market by 2023

Published February 19, 2019

New research from Smithers Pira forecasts growth opportunities for suppliers in the printed food packaging market, driven by trends including sustainability, and premiumization features such as 3D and metallized effects on packaging. That growth will come in the context of navigating continual developments in the regulatory landscape for food contact materials, however.

Technology and Brand Trends Contributing to Changing Global Inks Market

Published December 18, 2018

Significant market drivers are having profound impacts on the printing ink market. Technology, changes in world population, and shifts in brand use of printed packaging and graphics, among other trends, are causing disruption in the global inks market that will be seen to 2023. Smithers Pira presents some highlights of its new report “The Future of Global Ink Markets to 2023.”

Key Print Trends in Packaging to 2028

Published November 7, 2018

Smithers Pira shares its recent research that looks at the future of packaging to 2028, quantifying the overall market by packaging type and identifying the major emerging drivers of packaging market growth.

Inkjet Printing Builds Towards $100 Billion Market

Published September 18, 2018

Value in the world inkjet market will rise at 9.4% across the next five years according to the latest market report The Future of Inkjet Printing to 2023 from Smithers Pira. As the worldwide print market transforms, shifts in buyer demands—short runs, versioned and personalized products—and higher quality are aligning with the capabilities of inkjet. This is making it a key focus for technology developers. Smithers’ analysis shows that across the next five years inkjet will grow, both by deepening its penetration into existing markets, and exploiting new emergent market opportunities.

Food Packaging Printing Set to Evolve From 2018–2023

Published August 14, 2018

New research from Smithers Pira highlights the future growth potential and technical challenges for printing food packaging, and how these will be realized against a backdrop of tighter focus on safety and environmental performance.

Twenty Technical Innovations Set to Transform Packaging into a Sustainable Industry

Published July 17, 2018

Smithers Pira presents the highlights of its latest study, identifying the top 20 technical innovations that will underpin a greener and more sustainable future for packaging.

Technology and the Changing Face of Flexographic Printing for Packaging

Published June 12, 2018

Technological advances and market trends are forever changing the face of flexographic printing. Smithers Pira values the global flexo print market in 2013 at $147 billion, with a forecast for 2.3% CAGR. Key to this growth are packaging-related industries including corrugated board packaging, flexible packaging, bags and sacks, and others.

Intelligent Packaging Creates New Markets for Print Industry

Published May 15, 2018

In 2018, the combined active and intelligent packaging market value is projected to reach $5.68 billion and will continue to present new value-adding options in the future according to the latest market analysis from Smithers Pira. Read on for more highlights of Smithers Pira’s latest report.

E-commerce Is a $20 Billion Market for Corrugated Packaging—and Growing Fast

Published May 1, 2018

New research from Smithers Pira points to major growth for corrugated in serving the fast-developing e-commerce packaging markets. Read on for more detail.

Retail, Transportation, and Manufacturing Central to Hot Future of Thermal Print Supply

Published March 20, 2018

New Smithers Pira Research forecasts strong growth for thermal printing, identifying retail, transport, and manufacturing as the top three applications for thermal printing equipment and supplies. Read on for an overview of the thermal printing market from 2018 to 2023.

Fashion Fabrics Present Boom Opportunity For Digital Printers

Published March 20, 2017

Leveraging inkjet technology into the textile industry is presenting an increasingly compelling opportunity for mainstream print equipment and consumable suppliers, according to the latest research from Smithers Pira.

High Hopes for High Demand in High-Barrier Pouches

Published February 28, 2017

It’s not just digital printing technology that is affecting packaging, The way that we are packaging is changing as well. For example, have you noticed how many different kinds of food and beverage items are now available in non-rigid containers? Advances in materials and processes for high-barrier pouches mean that wine (for example) no longer has to come only in bottles.

Insight: Four Key Trends Shaping the Industrial Packaging Market

Published August 1, 2016

Making packages more recyclable, lighter, shapelier, and safer will be the principal drivers for the industrial packaging market through to 2020.

Packaging Material Moving Towards a $1 Trillion Milestone in 2020

Published July 19, 2016

The demand for packaging is growing everywhere, but the growth is far from being uniform or monolithic. As always, consumer trends and preferences dictate which packaging formats will gain the most market share.

Four Key Trends Driving Flexible Packaging

Published September 29, 2015

The advantages of flexible films—economy, versatility, convenience, and bio-adaptability—will make flexible packaging one of the most opportune growth markets in packaging over the next several years.

Flexographic Printing: Five Critical Steps Forward

Published December 2, 2014

The good news is that flexographic printing for labels and packaging has resisted economic downturns and competition from digital while becoming a higher-quality, more efficient production method in its own right. The better news is that continuing technical improvements are carrying flexo toward still higher levels of performance.

The Top Three Functional Additives in the Plastic Packaging Market

Published November 4, 2014

Functional additives help plastic packages do a better job of protecting their contents. Of the many different kinds of functional additives, the most widely used are those that remove unwanted oxygen, block UV and IR radiation, and eliminate or reduce static.

Insight: Key Trends Driving Bioplastics for Packaging

Published September 16, 2014

Bioplastics—plastics made partly or wholly from renewable raw materials such as cellulose, vegetable oils, and other natural substances—are deepening their reach into packaging for food and other consumer products. Behind their rise are distinct economic and market forces driving global demand for alternatives to fossil-fuel based plastics.

Five Key Trends Driving Growth in Folding Cartons

Published September 2, 2014

The growth of the folding carton market is being driven by a complex of forces, some obvious, others unexpected. The Smithers Pira research organization identifies the ones it believes will raise global folding carton volume to $180 billion a few years from now.

Articles by Smithers