The global direct thermal printing films market is expected to be valued at USD 219.76 million in 2023. The product demand is anticipated to be driven by the expanding use of POS terminals in warehouses and retail stores.
A promising business environment due to amended government policies and mounting domestic consumption for pharmaceutical and food and beverage products in South Asian countries. The demand for direct thermal printing films is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% between 2023 and 2033, totaling around USD 328.44 million by 2033.
Direct thermal printing films are BOPP films with a proprietary coating that enables image/impression formation on the film upon contact with the print head of the thermal printer. A protective layer is generally applied to protect the coated surface from mechanical abrasion, climatic factors, chemical products, etc. The film thus offers good scuff & water resistance.
The film also lends an excellent paper-like matte finish and produces a dark image on printing while consuming limited energy during the printing process. It is used for many applications like information labeling (airport baggage tags), POS weight, and price labeling.
Direct thermal printing films are highly resistant to heat, water, UV light, chemicals, etc. As a result, the market for explicit thermal printing films has seen substantial growth over the forecast period.
Direct thermal printing films are easily compatible with various printing technologies such as flexography, letterpress, offset, screen printing, gravure, etc. Explicit thermal printing films are mainly manufactured from polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, etc.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Market CAGR (2023 to 2033) | 4.1% |
| Market Valuation (2023) | USD 219.76 million |
| Market Valuation (2033) | USD 328.44 million |
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Growing Demand for Barcodes Labels in Warehouses & Airports for Luggage Tracking Acts as a Primary Growth Driver
Barcodes manufactured from direct thermal printing films are used in airport bags, shipping, logistics, etc. The increasing need for safe and secure transport and goods logistics positively impacts the market for direct thermal printing films over the forecast period.
Direct thermal printing films are highly resistant and tough. As a result of this, these films have a relative advantage over the usage of other films in thermal printing.
The heat sensitive nature of direct thermal printing films is driving the growth of this market. Direct thermal printing films are cost-effective solutions compared to other types of films and are the few factors increasing the development of the direct thermal printing films market.
Novel product launches by prominent players are increasing the demand for thermal printing films. For instance, In June 2022, Cosmos Films, a well-known name in the specialty films industry for flexible packaging, labeling, and lamination applications as well as synthetic paper, re-launched BOPP-based Direct Thermal Printable (DTP) top coating film with a proprietary coating that enables the formation of an image or impression on the film upon contact with the heated print head of the thermal printer.
Significant Damage from Sunlight May Impede the Market Growth
Despite several benefits, the direct thermal printing films market also witnesses challenges, restricting market growth over the conjecture period. For instance, the use of plastic in direct thermal printing films cannot withstand exposure to sunlight after a long time. As a result, this needs to be replaced in a couple of months, restraining the direct thermal printing films market.
Principal Consultant
The global demand for direct thermal printing films is projected to increase at a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period. From 2018 to 2022, sales witnessed significant growth, registering a CAGR of 3.4%.
In recent years, the flexible packaging market has observed exceptional growth. Direct thermal printing films are heat-sensitive laminates used for high-volume printing. Extensive use of direct thermal printing films for information labeling, such as manufacturing tracking labeling, price, weight labeling, etc., has boosted the market growth over the historic period.
The direct thermal printing films are profoundly used for various applications such as electronics, food & beverages, retail, industrial goods, etc. The global market for direct thermal printing films is estimated to witness moderate growth throughout the assessment period.
Based on end use, direct thermal printing is finding its extensive application in the retail sector. It is expected to be the fast-growing segment during the forecast period. In these end-uses, the shelf-life of print is generally relatively short, even though there are also exceptional thermal grades for more extended print durability.
The highly widespread applications in retail are in fresh service counters, especially self-service weigh price labeling and backroom meat labeling. The main benefits of DT are easy and relatively cost-competitive printing and scanning equipment since the label is the only consumable used.
It is also possible to reach good quality bar codes with high speed. TTR is mainly used in logistics and food segment applications where longer print life or higher durability is required.
UPM Raflatac is one of the global leaders in VIP business and offers an extensive range of face materials for both DT and TTR, ranging from short shelf-life labels to applications requiring high durability and print speed.
Both printing methods are relatively mature, but market volumes are growing thanks to growth in retail and manufacturing. The trend towards smaller packages as labels do not shrink in proportion, internet and home shopping, and the limited threat from other labeling technologies.
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Promising Growth in the Retail Sector to Put United States at the Forefront of Direct Thermal Printing Films Market
Regarding regional platforms, North America holds a significant market share in the direct thermal printing films market. The region is expected to accumulate a 23% share in 2023 and is projected to maintain its lead over the forecast period due to its preference for printing by thermal label manufacturers. The United States & Canada account the higher regional revenue contribution.
Increased industrial and manufacturing capacities in countries such as Chile and Peru is estimated to increase warehousing activities, thereby increasing the demand for thermal paper in labels and tags.
The region has witnessed tremendous growth in the retail and logistics industry segment, coerced by renowned market players like FedEx International, A.P Moller- Maersk, C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc., and United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
These corporations are concentrating on market acquisitions, which helps expand their market reach. For instance, in March 2020, C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. announced the acquisition of the outstanding shares of Prime Distribution Services, a retail consolidation services provider in North America, for USD 222.7 million.
Rapidly Increasing Preference for Packaged Food Items has proliferated the Market Demand in Recent Years.
According to Future Market Insights, Europe is expected to provide immense growth opportunities for direct thermal printing films, accounting for 16% of overall demand in 2023. This market growth is attributed to the accelerating adoption of thermal paper in the region in various end-uses, such as supplement packaging and labeling, and the gaming industry is expected to help the market growth in the area.
The ever-increasing focus on sustainable products in Europe is anticipated to affect the production and use of thermal paper in the region as manufacturers focus on alternative production methods.
As per the recently published research report by Frontier.org, nearly 100 million tons of foods are wasted annually in the EU, almost 30% of the agri-food supply chain, which leads to substantial environmental impacts (high carbon food print, and blue water footprint, vain land use, etc.). Moreover, inaccuracies in, or misunderstanding of, food date labels are estimated to cause over 20% of the avoidable disposable of still-edible food.
The effective use of direct thermal printing films on food products may reduce food wastage. In addition, the regulations set by European governing bodies is estimated to help adopt eco-friendly coatings, such as powder and waterborne, in producing thermal paper.
Accelerating Advancement in Direct Thermal Printing Technology to Boost Regional Market Growth
As per the recent analysis by Future Market Insights, Asia Pacific is anticipated to be the higher-growing region over the forecast period. Asia Pacific region is expected to register the highest growth for the direct thermal printing films market over the forecast period owing to recent spending in the printing industry of this region.
Another growth prospect propelling the regional market is the increasing expansion of retail chains in the region, backed by the rising consumer preference for easily accessible consumer goods and increasing innovations in thermal printing technology.
In October 2021, Fujitsu launched an all-in-one thermal printer. The company is looking to target gaming, logistics, transportation, and parking markets with the new thermal printer.
The flourishing market for FMCG goods in emerging economies has led to an expansion in the production capacities for these goods. Consequently, it piloted an upsurge in the number of transactions at retail stores. Such aspects have directed a significant build-up in demand for thermal paper to produce labels, tags, and POS receipts, boosting the market for thermal paper.
Vital Players Opening Frontiers for Future Market
Many prominent market players in the direct thermal printing films market are working hand-in-hand to provide the best-in-class Direct Thermal Printing Films for enhancing the global analytics arena.
However, many global startups in the Direct Thermal Printing Films market are stepping forward to match the requirements of the Direct Thermal Printing Films domain.
Leading Players in the Global Market
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Forecast Period | 2023 to 2033 |
| Historical Data Available for | 2018 to 2022 |
| Market Analysis | USD billion for Value |
| Key Countries Covered | United States, United Kingdom, Japan, India, China, Australia, Germany |
| Key Segments Covered | Region, Material Type, End Use |
| Key Companies Profiled | Avery Dennison Corporation; Jindal Poly Films Ltd; Armor Packaging; Cosmo Films Ltd.; Italnastri S.p.A.; Daelim Industrial Co. Ltd.; Bizerba SE & Co. KG; Namo Packaging Solutions Pvt. Ltd.; Mondi Group; Lintec; Green Bay Packaging; Able Label; Smith & McLaurin; Ricoh |
| Report Coverage | Market Forecast, Company Share Analysis, Competition Intelligence, DROT Analysis, Market Dynamics and Challenges, and Strategic Growth Initiatives |
| Customization & Pricing | Available upon Request |
The market is valued at USD 219.7 million in 2023.
Avery Dennison Corporation and Jindal Poly Films Ltd. are the key competitors in the market.
The market is forecast to register a CAGR of 4.1% through 2033.
The retail segment is likely to remain preferred through 2033.
Advancements in direct thermal printing technology are encouraging sales.
1. Executive Summary 2. Market Overview 3. Market Background 4. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033 5. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Material Type 5.1. Paper Printing Films 5.2. Plastic Printing Films 5.2.1. Polypropylene (PP) 5.2.2. Polyethylene (PE) 5.2.3. Polystyrene (PS) 5.2.4. Others 6. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By End Use 6.1. for Food & Beverages 6.2. for Pharmaceuticals 6.3. for Personal Care & Cosmetics 6.4. for Industrial Goods 6.5. for Retail 6.6. for Other End Uses 7. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Region 7.1. North America 7.2. Latin America 7.3. Western Europe 7.4. Eastern Europe 7.5. South Asia and Pacific 7.6. East Asia 7.7. Middle East and Africa 8. North America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 9. Latin America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 10. Western Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 11. Eastern Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 12. South Asia and Pacific Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 13. East Asia Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 14. Middle East and Africa Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 15. Key Countries Market Analysis 16. Market Structure Analysis 17. Competition Analysis 17.1. Avery Dennison Corporation 17.2. Jindal Poly Films Ltd 17.3. Armor Packaging 17.4. Cosmo Films Ltd. 17.5. Italnastri S.p.A. 17.6. Daelim Industrial Co. Ltd. 17.7. Bizerba SE & Co. KG 17.8. Namo Packaging Solutions Pvt. Ltd. 17.9. Mondi Group 17.10. Lintec 17.11. Green Bay Packaging 17.12. Able Label 17.13. Smith & McLaurin 17.14. Ricoh 18. Assumptions & Acronyms Used 19. Research Methodology
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Direct Thermal Printing Films Market
