The global printing industry is forecast to reach $1 trillion by the end of 2023, driven by growth in packaging and labels, rather than graphic applications, and digital rather than analog printing.

According to an analysis the value of global packaging printing will double in turnover during the next 15 years from now. This surpasses the automobile industry by far and is already eight times larger than the games industry. Thus, the print volume has risen more vigorously, than analyses of paper manufacturers have predicted and surveys from the flexible packaging and beverage packaging show.

Until 2014 the USA was the world’s biggest print market. China has now surpassed the United States in print volume terms after many years of very strong growth across all areas of print. India has moved up to become the fifth largest print user. The print market in Mexico, Brazil, and Russia grow larger than the global GDP. These changes are important for print supply companies as they demonstrate where the consumable volumes and appetite for investment continue to grow.

In Europe, sales of commercial print media are told to be on the decline in terms of numbers, forgetting that companies are using communication methods of individualization and personalization employing printed products more resource-efficient, more strategic and more meaningfully than in the past, actually providing added-value.

Growing businesses in Europe are décor printing, major areas of specialized packaging printing, functional and security printing, smart labels, 3D printing, and most importantly many applications of variable data printing. Looking at each sector individually we realize great growth potential.