Modelling by global print and packaging research analyst Smithers shows that the size of the digitally printed packaging will grow by up to 80 per cent by 2029.
Smithers says the amount of digitally printed packaging will grow by 12.8 per cent CAGR every year for the next five years.
Rapid technological development means digital printing is now available for most types of packaging, including folding carton, corrugated, flexibles, cans and labels. Digital print systems for all these sectors are now operating in Australia.
According to Smithers digital packaging print only represents 1.1 per cent of the total market today, but represents 3.9 per cent of its value.
It says that inkjet packaging print systems pose a direct challenge to older analogue presses, as quality improves, and they become more cost-competitive for longer runs than has been the case up to now.
Smithers says the benefits of digital packaging print solutions – shorter turnaround times, less wastage, greater scope for customisation, integration with online design and ordering systems – all align with calls for greater versatility from packaging buyers.
Flexo remains the most widely used print process, especially for high-volume corrugated boards, labels, and flexible formats. It accounts for 52.6 per cent of contemporary output. Gravure and offset litho and are also popular, mainly for printing higher-quality graphics on folding cartons and flexible packaging. These account for 20.1 per cent and 17.9 per cent of packaging and labels volume respectively.
Smithers also says that print service providers are adapting to changes in packaging materials. It says the drive for greater sustainability is pushing converters to use more paperboard and coated paper stocks, as well as thicker monomaterial polymer formats in flexibles.
Regulatory developments are emphasising recyclability, which is creating a demand for packaging printers to switch to water-based inks, invest in better de-inking technology, and work with new material sets that are easier to recover at the end of life.
In the narrow web segment, this is pushing converters to move towards thinner easier to separate labelstocks, lowering ink coverage, and minimising or switching adhesives.
