Printing Supplies Market

Printing Supplies Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

The global printing supplies market size is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.2% in the forecast period from 2023 to 2033. It is anticipated to surpass a valuation of US$ 55.8 billion by 2033, up from US$ 33.5 billion in 2023.

In today's digital age, where information is primarily consumed online, one might assume that the need for printing would decline. However, contrary to this assumption, the printing sector continues to thrive, leading to an increased demand for printing supplies.

Despite the digital revolution, businesses still rely heavily on printed documents for various purposes. Office environments require printed reports, invoices, presentations, and other essential documents.

Numerous sectors such as legal, healthcare, and education also heavily depend on physical copies for record-keeping, compliance, and archival purposes. This consistent demand for printed materials might fuel the need for printing supplies globally.

Companies continue to invest in print marketing materials as part of their advertising and promotional strategies. Brochures, flyers, business cards, banners, and other printed materials play a crucial role in brand awareness, product launches, and events.

Tactile nature of printed materials provides a unique advantage by engaging the target audience effectively. Consequently, businesses consistently require printing supplies to fulfill their marketing needs, which is set to aid demand.

With the rise of remote work and e-commerce, individuals are increasingly setting up home offices. Several people nowadays rely on home printers for personal and professional use.

From printing work documents, homework assignments, and study materials to family photos and creative projects, home printing has become an integral part of daily life. As a result, demand for printing supplies is expected to soar as more households invest in printers and consumables.

Despite advancements in digital learning tools, schools and educational institutions still heavily rely on printed materials. Textbooks, worksheets, handouts, exams, and educational resources are frequently printed to facilitate learning in classrooms.

With increasing homeschooling and online education platforms, parents and students often print study materials at home. As the global student population continues to expand, demand for printing supplies in the education sector is also on the rise.

The printing sector encompasses more than just personal and office printing. Large-scale printing operations such as packaging, labeling, and commercial printing services might contribute significantly to the demand for printing supplies.

The packaging sector, in particular, is expanding due to growth of e-commerce and global trade. As companies ship products worldwide, the need for labels, tags, and packaging materials increases, and drives printing supply demand on an industrial scale.

What Are a Few Printing Supplies Market Trends Listed by Future Market Insights (FMI)?

• Use of radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology to enable improved inventory management, product tracking, and anti-counterfeiting measures would aid demand for printing supplies.
• Increasing demand for 3D printing supplies such as filaments and resins to cater to the diverse needs of prototyping applications is a key trend.
• Rising demand for materials that enable unique, one-of-a-kind printed products such as personalized packaging and customized marketing collateral would propel sales.
• Rapid shift toward eco-friendly printing supplies such as recycled paper, bio-based inks, and sustainable packaging materials is set to accelerate demand.
• Increasing demand for specialty inks such as metallic, fluorescent, and UV-reactive inks from packaging, promotional materials, and label applications are a new trend.
• High popularity of digital printing technologies, including inkjet and laser printing owing to their speed, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness would foster sales.

How Will Sales of Printing Supplies between 2018 and 2022 Outpace Demand from 2023 to 2033?

The global printing supplies market is likely to witness a CAGR of 5.2% in the forecast period. It experienced a decent CAGR of 6.7% in the historical period during 2018 to 2022. Demand for printing supplies has experienced a notable rise in the past 5 years due to several significant factors.

In an increasingly personalized world, millennials are seeking unique and customized experiences. This trend has extended to printed materials as well.

From personalized greeting cards and invitations to custom-designed merchandise and promotional items, individuals and businesses are embracing the power of on-demand print. They are aiming to stand out and leave a lasting impression. Desire for personalized printing materials has hence contributed to increased demand for printing supplies.

As environmental consciousness grows, there is a shift toward sustainable practices in several sectors, including printing. Consumers and businesses are generally opting for eco-friendly printing materials.

A few of these are recycled paper, vegetable-based inks, and energy-efficient printing processes. This surge in eco-consciousness has led to an increased demand for environmentally friendly printing supplies to support more sustainable printing practices.

Rise of art and crafting communities has also played a crucial role in boosting the demand for printing materials. Artists, designers, and hobbyists rely on printing supplies to bring their creative visions to life.

From fine art prints and photography to do-it-yourself (DIY) projects and scrapbooking, need for quality printing materials has expanded. Items such as specialty papers, inks, and printing equipment are showcasing high demand in tandem with the flourishing artistic and creative pursuits.

Multiple societies place immense value on their cultural heritage and preservation of historical documents. Libraries, museums, and archives require printing supplies to digitize and preserve valuable manuscripts, artworks, and artifacts.

Demand for high-quality reproductions of culturally significant materials such as rare books or historical photographs have surged. It is projected to help in contributing to increased printing supply sales.

While digitalization has impacted traditional printing, it has also created new opportunities. Developing economies and emerging markets are witnessing a rise in print media consumption.

As these regions experience economic growth and increased access to technology, there is a greater demand for printed materials. Newspapers, magazines, books, and promotional materials are hence expected to witness skyrocketing demand.

Convergence of digital and print media has further led to the emergence of new printing technologies such as digital printing and 3D printing. Ongoing innovations in this space are set to fuel demand for unique printing supplies.

Nikhil Kaitwade

Principal Consultant

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Which Factors Are Pushing Printing Supply Demand Worldwide?

• Expansion of e-commerce and remote work is projected to propel home printing supply demand.
• Continued reliance on printed materials in the education sector worldwide is estimated to spur sales.
• Industrial printing demands such as labeling and commercial printing services are likely to push sales.

Which Factors Might Limit Printing Supply Sales Globally?

• Increasing adoption of digital documentation and paperless workflows in diverse sectors might hamper demand.
• Declining demand for traditional publishing materials and printed books among millennials might obstruct growth.
• Advancements in electronic communication and file sharing technologies are anticipated to limit demand.

Country-wise Insights

Will China Continue Exhibiting Extraordinary Printing Supply Demand?

Growth of Retail Sector in China to Foster Demand for Screen Printing Supplies

China printing supplies market is likely to create an absolute dollar growth opportunity of US$ 4.9 billion from 2023 to 2033. It is set to exceed a valuation of more than US$ 12.4 billion by 2033.

China's robust economic growth has led to expansion of various sectors, including manufacturing, retail, and e-commerce. As these sectors flourish, there is an increased need for printing supplies for packaging materials, labels, promotional materials, and others. The country's industrial development is expected to contribute to surging printing supply demand.

China has one of the largest e-commerce sectors globally, driven by growing popularity of online shopping platforms. With millions of online sellers and consumers, demand for printing supplies for product packaging, shipping labels, invoices, and marketing materials has witnessed a significant rise. The e-commerce boom is anticipated to create a substantial market for printing supplies in China.

China also has a massive population with a strong emphasis on education. The education sector requires printing supplies for textbooks, workbooks, educational materials, and examination papers. Additionally, the publishing sector in China continues to thrive, creating a sustained demand for printing supplies for book production.

Key printing supplies vendors in China are estimated to invest huge sums in research and development activities to come up with novel products. In order to build structures on the moon, the country is expected to investigate adopting 3D printing technology as Beijing finalizes its strategies for long-term lunar occupation.

Would the United States Create New Opportunities for Printing Supplies Providers?

Emergence of New E-commerce Platforms to Generate Opportunities for Printing Equipment and Supplies Vendors

The United States printing supplies market is estimated to accelerate at a CAGR of 5.2% in the projected period. The country is likely to reach a valuation of US$ 10 billion by 2033.

The United States has one of the largest economies globally, offering a significant market for printing supplies providers. Economic growth, consumer spending, and business activities would contribute to the demand for printing materials.

Ink cartridges, toners, papers, and specialty printing supplies are projected to witness high demand. As the economy expands, there are increased opportunities for providers to cater to the growing printing needs across various sectors.

The United States is also known for its innovation and technological advancements. Printing sector continually evolves with new technologies such as digital printing, 3D printing, and advanced printing equipment. These advancements might create new opportunities for printing supplies providers to offer specialized supplies & materials that support the latest technologies.

Sustainability is gaining prominence in the United States, with a focus on environmentally friendly practices and materials. Printing supplies providers that offer eco-friendly options such as recycled paper, vegetable-based inks, and sustainable packaging materials can tap into the growing demand for sustainable printing solutions. This would deliver an opportunity to differentiate themselves in the market and cater to increasing sustainability preferences of businesses & consumers.

Rise of e-commerce and online printing services is further estimated to open up new avenues for printing supplies providers. As more businesses rely on online platforms to order printed materials, providers can establish partnerships or direct channels to deliver to these platforms. This can help reach a wider customer base and cater to growing demand for online printing services.

In November 2022, TikTok joined the United States e-commerce sector, battling with companies such as Amazon and other social media firms. With the addition of a function called TikTok Shop, users of TikTok might now buy things through the app. Introduction to such e-commerce platforms in the country is expected to create new opportunities.

Category-wise Insights

Which is the Highly Preferred Technology of Printing Supplies?

High Demand for Marketing Materials to Propel Sales of Laser Printing Company Supplies

In terms of technology, the laser segment is anticipated to record a CAGR of 5.0% in the forecast period. It expanded at a CAGR of 6.5% during the historical period.

Laser printing technology delivers sharp and precise prints with excellent resolution. It produces clean and professional-looking documents. Hence, it is projected to be suitable for various applications, including business documents, marketing materials, and graphics.

Laser printers are known for their high printing speed, especially when compared to other printing technologies. They can rapidly produce large volumes of prints in a short time. This might help in making them ideal for busy office environments and commercial settings where time efficiency is crucial.

While the initial investment in a laser printer might be higher compared to inkjet printers, laser printing supplies tend to have a lower cost per page. Laser toner cartridges have a higher page yield compared to ink cartridges. This is anticipated to make them more cost-effective in the long run, particularly for high-volume printing needs.

Laser printers and their associated supplies are known for their durability and longevity. Laser toner cartridges have a longer shelf life compared to ink cartridges. This is set to allow users to store them for longer periods without worrying about the ink drying out.

Laser printers are also designed to handle high workloads and have robust mechanisms, making them reliable and suitable for heavy-duty printing requirements. They are compatible with a wide range of media types, including various paper sizes, cardstock, labels, and transparencies.

In May 2023, for instance, in order to provide businesses with intelligent printing products that are effective and high-quality, HP India unveiled a new line of laser printers. These reasonably priced printers serve various printing requirements of homes and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMBs) who are aiming to maximize their resources.

Which is the Dominant Application of Printing Supplies Worldwide?

Printing Supply Stores to Focus on Commercial Applications to Bolster Sales

Based on application, the commercial segment is likely to dominate in terms of the global printing supplies market share by 2033. It is projected to witness a CAGR of 5.1% in the assessment period. It exhibited a considerable CAGR of 6.6% during the historical period.

In the competitive commercial landscape, businesses understand the importance of effective branding and marketing strategies. Printed materials such as brochures, catalogs, business cards, and signage play a crucial role in creating brand awareness.

They are also useful for communicating messages and attracting customers. Ability to produce high-quality, visually appealing printed materials using reliable printing supplies might allow businesses to enhance their brand image and stand out in the market.

Packaging also plays a vital role in product presentation and protection. Commercial businesses require printing supplies for packaging materials, including labels, tags, and boxes.

The materials not only provide essential product information but also serve as a platform for branding and promotional messaging. With growth of e-commerce and increasing focus on sustainable packaging, demand for printing supplies in commercial applications has risen to meet these packaging requirements.

In February 2023, for instance, Canon unveiled the ProStream 3000 series, which represents the latest iteration of its web-fed inkjet presses designed for commercial print purposes. This new series offers enhanced speed and performance to meet the demands of the market. Launch of such innovative products is set to drive their demand in the commercial segment.

Competitive Landscape

Printing supplies manufacturers are prioritizing quality control measures to ensure that their products meet industry standards and customer expectations. They are implementing rigorous quality control processes throughout the manufacturing cycle. Compliance with regulatory standards and certifications is helping to assure customers of the reliability and performance of their printing supplies.

A few others are embracing digital technologies to streamline their operations and enhance customer experiences. They are adopting automation, data analytics, and online platforms to optimize production processes, improve supply chain management, and provide seamless ordering & support services. Digital transformation enables manufacturers to operate efficiently, offer personalized experiences, and adapt to changing dynamics of the market.

With growing environmental concerns, printing supplies manufacturers are also adopting sustainable practices. They are investing in eco-friendly manufacturing processes, using recycled materials, and reducing their carbon footprint.

By incorporating sustainability into their operations, manufacturers not only meet the demand for environmentally conscious products but also enhance their brand reputation. They are aiming to attract customers who prioritize sustainable choices.

For instance,

• In July 2023, Creality unveiled the K1 Max 3D Printer, its most recent product. The K1 Max aspires to make high-quality 3D printing accessible to a wider audience with its cutting-edge capabilities and affordable price.
• In August 2022, the Gallus One press was introduced by Gallus, expanding its lineup of conventional and hybrid label presses. The Gallus One is a 340-mm broad roll-to-roll UV inkjet computerized inline label press. It runs at a top speed of 70 meters per minute at 1,200 dots per inch in four colors plus white. It was developed on the Gallus Labelmaster press platform.

Scope of the Report

Printing Supplies Market Outlook by Category

By Technology:

• Laser
• Inkjet
• Thermal
• Dot Matrix

By Application:

• Commercial
• Household
• Industrial
• Government

By Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• Western Europe
• Eastern Europe
• South Asia and Pacific
• East Asia
• Middle East & Africa