Flexographic Printing Machine Market Size & Industry Share - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2023 - 2030)

Based on the Type :

The type of segment is classified into stack type press, inline type press, central impression type press, and others. The inline type of press accounted for the largest market share of 35.4% in 2022 as inline type presses are designed to efficiently handle large print volumes and are suitable for long print runs. In addition, the inline configuration allows for efficient and continuous printing without frequent stops or interruptions, resulting in increased productivity and faster turnaround times. Moreover, inline type presses offer versatility to print several products including folding cartons, labels, and flexible packaging, to cater to the diverse needs of different industries. For instance, in March 2022, Mondi Group launched a state-of-the-art flexographic printing line in Germany. The new machinery encompasses inline embossing solutions and inline siliconization to offer high-quality prints without interruptions in femcare pouch wrapping film designs and materials. Consequently, the increasing adoption of inline prints in various sectors to provide precise and sharp prints is contributing notably in propelling the growth of the inline type presses segment.

Central Impression (CI) type segment is predicted to witness the fastest CAGR in the flexographic printing machine during the forecast period. CI flexographic presses are known for excellent print accuracy as the central drum of the machine allows for precise control of the printing plates and substrates, resulting in superior print quality. Furthermore, modern CI presses have incorporated advanced automation features namely automatic plate mounting systems, robotic workflows, and digital controls. The automation enhancements improve operational efficiency, reduce setup times, and increase productivity. The automated systems in CI flexo press also enable faster job changeovers, reducing downtime and enhancing overall production efficiency. Consequently, the aforementioned factors are collectively responsible in driving the growth of the central impression flexographic machines during the forecast period.

Based on the Substrate :

The product segment is classified into paper, polyethylene, plastic film, paperboard, and others. Paper accounted for the largest market share in 2022 and is also projected to witness the fastest CAGR in the upcoming years. The growth is attributed to the high versatility of paper substrate to be utilized in various applications, including packaging, labels, newspapers, books, and promotional materials. Flexographic printing machines are well-suited for printing on paper due to the ability to effectively handle the characteristics of paper, namely absorbency and flexibility. Moreover, paper is a cost-effective substrate compared to other materials used in printing such as plastics and polyethylene, further driving the growth of the paper substrate.

Furthermore, paper is a renewable and recyclable material and aligns with the increasing focus on sustainability in printing practices. Consequently, the rising demand for eco-friendly and recyclable packaging materials is contributing significantly in accelerating the growth of the paper segment. For instance, in February 2021, Walki Group Oy launched an advanced flexo printing machine in Jatne to cater to the company's sustainable food packaging goals by using the recyclable paper. In conclusion, the increasing application of paper in packaging and labeling is contributing significantly in driving the growth of the paper segment.

Based on the Ink Type :

The ink type segment is categorized into solvent-based, water-based, ultraviolet and electron beam, and oil-based. Solvent-based ink accounted for the largest market share in 2022 as the inks offer excellent print quality, providing vibrant and sharp colors. Additionally, solvent-based inks have good ink flow and wetting properties, allowing for precise and detailed printing. Moreover, solvent-based inks are compatible with a wide range of substrates, including various types of plastics, films, and foils, and thus are suitable for different packaging materials and applications. Furthermore, solvent-based inks also exhibit excellent resistance to abrasion, moisture, and chemicals, ensuring the longevity of the printed materials. Consequently, the ability of solvent-based inks to offer high-quality prints, durability, and versatility are contributing collectively in driving the growth of the market.

UV-based inks are expected to witness the fastest CAGR in the flexographic printing machine market during the forecast period. UV-based inks dry instantly upon exposure to ultraviolet light, allowing for faster production speeds and increased efficiency. Additionally, UV-based inks are considered more environmentally friendly compared to solvent-based inks as UV-based inks have lower VOC emissions that help to reduce air pollution and comply with stricter environmental regulations. Moreover, the rising demand of UV-based inks for commercial and packaging printing due to the ability of the ink to improve the recyclability of the paper is further contributing remarkably in bolstering the market growth. For instance, in September 2020, Siegwerk Druckfarben AG & Co. KGaA launched UV flexo varnishes and UV offset inks to deliver high-quality prints in commercial and packaging printing. The advanced ink enhances the recyclability of UV-coated paper, thus contributing notably in spurring the market growth.

Based on the Technology :

The technology segment is divided into automatic and semi-automatic. Automatic segment accounted for the largest market share in 2022 and is also projected to witness the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. Automatic machines are designed for high-speed production and handle large print volumes efficiently. Additionally, automatic flexographic printing machines also offer faster setup times and continuous printing without frequent manual interventions. The automation features of flexographic machines result in increased productivity, allowing for higher production output and shorter lead times. Moreover, the advancements in technology to minimize human error and power consumption are also contributing remarkably in propelling the market growth. For instance, in July 2021, Soma introduced SOMA IRIS (intelligent register and impression setting) an advanced technology for automatic flexographic printing machines. SOMA IRIS is responsible for providing improved automation with fewer human errors and minimum power consumption, thus contributing considerably in accelerating the growth of the automatic flexographic printing machine segment.

Based on the Coloring Capacity :

The coloring capacity segment is divided into 2 color, 4 color, 6 color, and 8 color. 6 color flexographic printing machine accounted for the largest market share in 2022 owing to the vast range of colors and shades that are utilized to produce high-quality images and designs. The additional color options provide greater flexibility and accuracy in matching specific color requirements and are ideal for industries such as packaging, labels, and high-quality graphics. Additionally, the ability to print with six colors offers increased versatility and flexibility for various printing applications. Different combinations of colors are used to create gradients, shading effects, and realistic images. The flexibility allows the 6-color machines to be deployed for a wide range of products, including flexible packaging, corrugated boxes, labels, and promotional materials. Furthermore, with six color stations, a flexographic printing machine produces multi-color prints in a single pass, reducing the need for multiple printing processes, leading to improved production efficiency, shorter lead times, and cost savings. Consequently, the ability to print multiple colors in one pass is contributing significantly in driving the growth of 6-color capacity flexographic printing machines.

8 color segment is projected to witness the fastest CAGR in the flexographic printing machines during the forecast period. An 8-color flexographic printing machine offers a broader range of colors and shades compared to a 6-color machine. The expanded color gamut enables more accurate color matching and production of complex designs that increase the demand of 8-color gamut in industries for high-quality and visually stunning prints. Additionally, with two additional color stations, an 8-color machine provides greater flexibility in design options by incorporating more intricate details, gradients, special effects, and finer color transitions. For instance, in September 2022, BOBST launched the CI flexo press at DFTA's Technology Center with an 8-color gamut to offer premium quality, clear, and detailed prints. The 8-color gamut enables more precise color matching and the production of complex designs, thus contributing notably in bolstering the market growth.

Based on the Application :

The application segment is categorized into printing media, office and admin, and industrial applications. Printing media accounted for the largest market share in 2022 as the printing media industry requires high-volume production capabilities to meet the demand for newspapers, magazines, books, catalogs, and other printed materials. Flexographic printing machines excel in high-volume printing due to the ability to print rapidly and efficiently, thus driving the growth of the market. Additionally, flexographic printing machines are capable of handling large print runs, offering faster turnaround times and cost-effective production. Furthermore, flexographic printing machines offer cost-effective solutions for printing media applications as the machines are known for efficient ink utilization, allowing for reduced ink consumption and lower ink costs. For instance, in June 2022, Kodak launched Kodak Prosper 7000 Turbo Press to deliver high-quality prints for printing newspapers, magazines, and specialty papers. The machine offers 35% faster printing speed and utilizes water-based Kodak ink, thus contributing notably in spurring the market growth.

The industrial applications are projected to witness the fastest CAGR in the flexographic printing machine during the forecast period. The growth of the market is credited to the increasing demand of flexographic printing machines in packaged food and beverages sector. Flexographic printing machines play a crucial role in the packaging of food and beverages, providing attractive labels, packaging materials, and ensuring product safety and information. Additionally, flexographic printing machines offer high-quality and customizable prints, enabling businesses to create visually appealing and unique packaging and labeling solutions. Consequently, the ability of flexographic printing machines to deliver vibrant colors accurately and precisely increases the demand of the machines in the packaging and labeling sector.

Based on the Region :

The regional segment includes North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

North America accounted for the largest revenue share in the year 2022 as the region has a well-established printing industry that increases the demand of flexographic printing machines to deliver high-quality prints. Additionally, the advancements in printing technology including digital flexography, improved plate-making processes, and automated systems also contribute significantly in driving the market growth in the region. The integration of automation, computerization, and digital workflow solutions is enhancing the efficiency, accuracy, and productivity of flexographic printing machines in North America, further accelerating the market dominance.

Moreover, the rising demand for packaging and labeling solutions, particularly from food and beverages industry is propelling the market growth as flexographic printing machines are ideal for producing high-quality, cost-effective packaging materials, labels, and tags. For instance, according to the Michigan State University, United States was the largest exporter and importer of food and beverage accounted for USD 2,279,806,476, and USD 2,570,226,465 respectively in the year 2021. Consequently, the expanding food and beverage industry is increasing the demand for flexographic printing machines to provide clear print for packaged food and beverage products, thus contributing in driving the market growth.

Asia Pacific accounted for USD 235.04 Million in 2022 and is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR of 6.8% accounting to USD 393.18 Million in the flexographic printing machine market. In addition, in the region, China accounted for the maximum revenue share of 33.6% in the year 2022. The growth is attributed to the expanding e-commerce sector in countries including China, India, Japan, and South Korea that increases the demand of flexographic printing machines to print labels and packages. Additionally, the changing lifestyle of people and inclination toward packaged food also increases the demand of printing machines to offer high-quality prints. Moreover, the presence of key players in the region that invest heavily in research and development to launch advanced technologies to improve the accuracy and speed of flexographic printing machines also contributes significantly in promoting the growth of the market in the Asia Pacific.