Commercial Printing Market - Size, Industry Share, Growth Trends and Forecasts (2023-2031)

By Type:

Based on the type, the market is segmented into offset lithography, inkjet, flexographic, screen, and gravure.

The offset lithography segment accounted for the largest revenue share of the total commercial printing market share in the year 2023.

• The offset lithography refers to the use of a printing plate that holds an inked image of the content to be printed.
• This inked image is subsequently transferred, or offset, from the plate to a rubber blanket, and finally to the printing surface.
• Moreover, offset lithography offers a range of benefits including its versatility, allowing businesses to print on virtually any flat surface, including paper, cardboard, and even plastic.
• For instance, in March 2023, Offset Print & Packaging, a printing company based in Kent, utilized funding from HSBC to install one of the first Koenig & Bauer Rapida 145 printing presses in the UK. The company received a seven-figure funding package from HSBC, a consistent supporter of the business. This new addition will enable Offset to print 16,000 sheets of 1450x1060mm carton board per hour, thereby enhancing the quality of their output.
• Thus, rising development associated with offset lithography is driving the commercial printing market expansion.

The inkjet segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

• Inkjet printing technology is experiencing a rapid rise as it allows for on-demand, digital, and variable-data printing.
• Inkjet printers are gaining traction in sectors like advertising and packaging, where customization, short-run flexibility, and high-resolution output are increasingly valued.
• The ability to print on various substrates, including textiles, ceramics, and flexible packaging, expands its application scope.
• Additionally, advancements in inkjet technology, such as higher print speeds and improved printhead durability, are contributing to its rising adoption in commercial printing.
• Inkjet's versatility, combined with its efficiency in digital printing, makes it the fastest-growing segment.
• Thus, inkjet printing is set to grow rapidly due to its flexibility, suitability for on-demand and customized printing, and increasing demand in advertising and packaging, boosting the commercial printing market trends.

By Application:

Based on the application, the market is segmented into packaging, advertising, and publishing.

The packaging segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 49.37% in the year 2023.

• Commercial printing for packaging is in high usage due to the rise of e-commerce, consumer goods, and premium packaging trends.
• Printing for packaging involves labels, boxes, and flexible packaging, where high-quality and durable prints are essential for brand visibility and product differentiation.
• As consumer brands seek attractive and sustainable packaging options, demand for specialized printing, particularly in offset and flexographic processes, has increased.
• The need for unique, branded packaging, particularly for products in retail and e-commerce, solidifies the packaging segment's leading market position.
• For instance, in June 2023, Constantia Flexibles, globally the third largest flexible packaging producer, confirmed the successful acquisition of Drukpol Flexo, a distinguished packaging firm in Poland. Drukpol Flexo, recognized for its superior printing and converting capabilities, has earned a robust reputation for providing top-tier packaging solutions in the food and HPC markets to both local and international clientele.
• Thus, analysis of segmental trends depicts that the packaging segment dominates the market, driven by the growing e-commerce and the increasing importance of visually appealing, branded packaging in consumer goods., driving the commercial printing market growth.

The publishing segment is anticipated to register a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

• The publishing segment refers to the creation of printed materials designed for distribution, such as books, newspapers, and periodicals like magazines or directories.
• Moreover, the primary benefits of publishing include high-quality marketing and advertising documents, ample color options, cost-effectiveness, unique experience, cross-platform engagement, technological proliferation, and others.
• For instance, in February 2022, Minuteman Press stated that despite the emergence of digital literature, the book printing industry is on an upward trajectory, with its valuation anticipated to reach USD 49 billion.
• Therefore, the segmental trends analysis, the rising application of commercial printing for publishing applications is anticipated to boost the commercial printing market trends during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis:

The regions covered are North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

Asia-Pacific region was valued at USD 140.42 Billion in 2023. Out of this, China accounted for the maximum revenue share of 30.4%. Moreover, it is projected to grow by USD 142.60 Billion in 2024 and reach over USD 183.92 Billion by 2031. As per the commercial printing market analysis, the growing pace of urbanization, digitalization, and development is providing lucrative growth prospects for the market in the region. In addition, factors including population, urbanization, growing economy, investment in advanced printing technology, and others are driving the commercial printing market expansion Asia-Pacific region.

• For instance, according to the Indian Printing, Packaging & Allied Machinery Manufacturing Association, packaging is integral to product shipment, with its importance growing as consumers increasingly switch between shopping channels. It plays a crucial role in ensuring product safety, a belief held by 90% of global consumers. The packaging industry is experiencing growth due to a heightened focus on hygiene and packaged products, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.

North America is estimated to reach over USD 210.60 Billion by 2031 from a value of USD 163.03 Billion in 2023 and is projected to grow by USD 165.36 Billion in 2024. The market in North America is mainly driven by the high usage of commercial printing for marketing, packaging, labeling, and advertising purposes.

• For instance, in June 2023, TC Transcontinental Printing, a sector of Transcontinental Inc. announced a USD 15 million investment in its book printing platform at its Transcontinental Beauceville (Interglobe) plant in Quebec, to meet the growing demand in the North American market. This investment is an addition to a USD 10 million investment in 2019-2020.

Europe is a key player in the market, with Germany, the UK, and France at the forefront. The region benefits from strong demand in packaging, advertising, and publishing, particularly with the rise of customized packaging and sustainable printing solutions. The European Union's environmental regulations encourage the adoption of recycled materials and low-VOC inks, which positively influence market dynamics. However, the decline in demand for traditional publishing and high operational costs impact commercial printing market demand in certain segments.

The Middle East & Africa region is experiencing moderate growth in the market, particularly in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and South Africa. Increasing investments in infrastructure, retail, and tourism contribute to the demand for printed promotional and packaging materials. The UAE's growth in the luxury goods market has spurred demand for high-quality printing services. However, high costs of raw materials and limited local production capabilities can restrict market potential in certain areas.

Latin America is an emerging market, with Brazil and Mexico leading growth. Demand is fueled by the retail and packaging sectors, especially for printed packaging materials for consumer goods. Government initiatives to promote domestic manufacturing and support local businesses boost demand for printed promotional materials. However, economic instability and fluctuations in raw material prices can challenge the growth of the market in the region.