According to the recent The Future of Digital Printing to 2035 published by US research firm Smithers, digital printing will reach a value of $251.1 billion in 2035, almost 50% more than in 2025. This growth is underpinned by an increase in equipment productivity, with a global volume equivalent to 2,830 billion A4 sheets, up 54.3% over this period.
This dynamic makes digital printing the most active segment of the graphics industry worldwide. In value terms, this printing technology will account for 22.5% of the total print and printed packaging market by 2035. This rise is taking place against a backdrop of profound changes in production methods, tools and uses.
Digital technology extends to rigid and metal packaging substrates
The Smithers study highlights the broadening use of digital printing, particularly in the packaging sector. Applications are developing rapidly on corrugated board, flexible packaging, rigid plastics and metals. This last segment, historically little concerned by digital printing before 2020, now boasts one of the highest growth rates.
The publishing and graphic-printing sectors continue to evolve, but it is packaging - including labels - that is driving industrial transformation.
At the same time, the only declining segment is transactional printed matter, affected by the digitization of administrative and commercial exchanges.
New equipment, new business models
The rise of digital printing is largely due to the arrival of a new generation of high-productivity inkjet equipment. These machines can replace traditional analog platforms, while opening the way to new business models for printers. The adoption of digital technology is profoundly changing brand strategies, converters' habits and printing companies' offerings.
Sean Smyth, author of the report and consultant at Smithers, points out that these developments are taking place in a changing environment, where the global economy, geopolitical tensions and environmental priorities are shaping the entire printing market.
