Commercial Printing Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Printing Technology (Digital Printing, Lithography Printing, Flexographic, Screen Printing, Gravure Printing), By Application, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Commercial Printing Market Size & Trends

The global commercial printing market size was valued at USD 494.53 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.0% from 2024 to 2030. The increasing need of businesses and enterprises for advertising materials such as brochures and pamphlets is driving the demand for commercial printing services. Advertising is one of the excellent marketing tools. Increasing technological proliferation, such as faster presses and new color & toner technology, allows better production capabilities and superior quality. Additionally, technical development of printing techniques proves to provide cost-effectiveness and efficiency for bulk printing. The cost-effectiveness can prevent the restraining impacts of digital media on printing services to a certain extent.

The booming demand for packaging and labeling from the e-commerce industry contributes significantly to the growth of the target market. The e-commerce vendors such as Amazon, eBay, and Target are adopting innovative packaging solutions such as additive manufacturing and AI-powered design tools to enhance the packaging. Market players from the logistics, warehousing, and retail sectors are investing in hybrid print technologies. Hybrid technology helps in combining the benefits offered by analog and digital technologies. This is accomplished by combining the dependability and effectiveness of flexographic printing with the artistic potential of digital technology.

Despite the increasing adoption of digital media for the publication of books and advertising, commercial printing still holds relevance since the experience that printed materials and publications offer is unique. It cannot be duplicated in an online medium. Avid book readers and magazine buyers prefer the printed form over online reading, as physical books add to the experience. Printed books also offer benefits to users, such as better readability.

The sale of print books in the United States increased by nearly USD 68 million in 2021. The growing popularity of print-on-demand among consumers also contributes to the expansion of the market. Print-on-demand (POD) is an order delivery method in which goods are printed as soon as an order is placed. POD allows users to get customized designs for a wide range of products. Increasing consumers’ preference for customization & personalization also contributes to the target market growth.

The rising cost of input materials such as ink, paper, and pigments, among others, is one of the restraining factors of the market's growth over the forecast period. In addition, consumers' increasing adoption of digital media is further anticipated to hinder the market. However, the adoption of green commercial printers among vendors is expected to create lucrative opportunities for the market. The green technology uses eco-friendly papers, soy inks, and coatings which are expected to broaden the demand for green commercial printers, thereby opening new opportunities for market growth.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The commercial printing market is known for its highly fragmented structure, characterized by a multitude of small to medium-sized printing businesses. This fragmentation arises due to factors such as low barriers to entry, affordable printing equipment, and the ability to serve local or specialized customer needs. As a result, the market is geographically segmented, with printers focusing on specific regions to build strong relationships with local clients and provide personalized services. Additionally, many printing businesses differentiate themselves by specializing in niche areas such as packaging or large-format printing, allowing them to establish expertise and cater to specific customer requirement.

With a wide range of capabilities and equipment available, the fragmented commercial printing market offers customers a diverse selection of printing options. Some printers utilize traditional offset printing methods, while others embrace digital technologies. The equipment used varies in terms of size, speed, and print quality, catering to different customer preferences. This diversity encourages competition and drives printers to offer competitive pricing strategies. However, it also requires careful navigation to strike a balance between competitive rates and maintaining profitability.

Smaller printing firms frequently engage in collaborative efforts or establish partnerships with other entities within the industry to address the operational hurdles associated with their scale and reach. These strategic alliances facilitate the pooling of resources, expertise, and the potential outsourcing of specific printing tasks, empowering smaller enterprises to broaden their service portfolios and tap into a wider array of capabilities. Through the utilization of such partnerships, printing companies can deliver more holistic solutions to their clientele, ensuring swift and proficient fulfillment of customer requirements.

In conclusion, the fragmented nature of the commercial printing market presents both opportunities and challenges for businesses. While the market structure may hinder individual players from achieving economies of scale, it encourages specialization, local engagement, and competitive pricing. Understanding the market characteristics and navigating the complexities of this fragmented industry is crucial for businesses to thrive and differentiate themselves in a highly competitive landscape.

Application Insights

The packaging segment accounted for the largest revenue share of over 53.87% in 2023. The packaging segment includes printing on labels, tags, and flexible packaging. Commercial printers have been noted to be incorporating digital technology to improve packaging print quality. In addition, Quick response (QR) codes are now a standard print on product packaging that may be scanned with a smartphone to display additional data, like product details and promotional content, to name a few.

The regulatory requirement of packaging printing on products such as pharmaceuticals, cigarettes, and alcoholic beverages is one of the driving factors for the segment's growth. The advertising segment is anticipated to grow at a promising CAGR of about 2.3% from 2024 - 2030.

Print advertisements provide coverage of events, in-depth analysis, and mass-circulation of tangible promotions and news, thus resulting in higher conversion rates and building credibility. Gravure and digital print processes are generally utilized for short runs, such as newspapers, newsletters, posters, flyers, and brochures. Publishing comprises books, newspapers, magazines, and others. The rising prevalence of newspaper and newsletter subscribers is one of the key factors driving the publishing application market

Printing Technology Insights

The digital printing segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 4.1% from 2024 - 2030. The growth is attributed to the rapid adoption of inkjet and laser printing solutions across the paper and packaging printing sector due to the cost-efficient and flexible nature of the technology. Furthermore, the segment is anticipated to be driven by the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Internet of Things (IoT) based technologies. Digital printing also provides reduced costs for color prints and has a better return on investments, and hence is adopted widely for printing applications.

The lithography printing segment held the largest share of 43.92% in 2023. The dominant nature of the segment is owing to the growing demand for printing from packaging applications. Lithography technology offers various advantages, such as consistent and high image quality, leading to higher adoption. Lithographic printing is ideal for high-volume batches of static mailings, such as directories and product advertisements. Flexographic technology is also one of the most used technologies. However, the post-printing processes required for it limits its adoption.

Regional Insights

North America held the second-largest share in the commercial printing market in 2023 and accounted for a revenue share of over 33.16% of the global revenue. The regional growth is attributable to the high demand for commercial printing for marketing, packaging, labeling, and advertising purposes. Furthermore, the presence of key players in the region, such as Quad/Graphics Inc., Acme Printing, Cenevo, and RR Donnelley is anticipated to further propel the industry’s growth.

U.S. Commercial Printing Market Trends

 The U.S. commercial printing market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.9% from 2024 - 2030. The growth of the U.S. commercial printing market stems from several factors. Primarily, the adoption of digital printing technologies offers enhanced flexibility, customization, and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional methods. This aligns with the increasing demand for shorter print runs and personalized marketing materials across industries like advertising, publishing, and retail. Technological advancements in printing equipment and software further improve print quality, color accuracy, and variable data capabilities, driving broader adoption

Europe Commercial Printing Market Trends

The commercial printing market in Europe is currently experiencing growth driven by various factors. Firstly, the economic recovery in the region post-recession has led to increased business activities and marketing expenditure, resulting in a higher demand for printed materials such as brochures, catalogs, and promotional materials. Additionally, Europe's stringent environmental regulations have prompted a shift towards eco-friendly printing practices. This includes the adoption of sustainable materials and processes, which has further stimulated the growth of the market.

The UK commercial printing market accounted for a revenue share of 24.06% in the European market. The growth can be attributed to the escalating demand for packaging materials driven by the booming e-commerce sector. Additionally, the rise of personalized printing services, catering to various industries such as retail, marketing, and events, is contributing to market expansion.

The commercial printing market in France accounted for a revenue share of 18.34% in the European market. The revenue share can be attributed to the advancements in digital printing technology that are revolutionizing the printing industry, leading to increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Moreover, there is a growing emphasis on sustainable printing practices, driven by environmental regulations and consumer preferences.

Germany commercial printing market accounted for a revenue share of more than 32%. The revenue share can be attributed to the robust manufacturing sector, which demands high-quality printed materials for packaging, labels, and promotional materials. The country's reputation for precision engineering and innovation is also driving growth in specialized printing segments such as 3D printing and industrial printing.

Asia Pacific Commercial Printing Market Trends

The commercial printing market in the Asia Pacific region is currently experiencing significant growth driven by various factors. Firstly, the region's rapid urbanization and industrialization have led to an increased demand for printed materials in sectors such as retail, packaging, advertising, and publishing. Additionally, the growing population and rising disposable incomes are fueling consumer spending on printed products, including magazines, newspapers, and promotional materials. This growth presents lucrative opportunities for businesses operating within the industry, and it is important for companies to recognize and capitalize on these growth drivers to stay competitive in the market.

Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 3.4% from 2024 - 2030, and it was also the dominant region in the global market in 2023. The regional growth is attributed primarily to advancements in the print industry, such as digital technologies, particularly in China and India. With such improvements, traditional printers have been replaced by high-tech commercial printers due to their high-speed capabilities. Moreover, the region’s e-commerce boom and organization of the retail sector offer enormous potential for packaging growth in the packaging application, supporting the target market.

China commercial printing market accounted for a revenue share of more than 44% in the Asia Pacific market. The revenue share can be attributed to the rapid urbanization, coupled with the proliferation of e-commerce platforms, which is driving the demand for packaging materials, labels, and advertising materials. The government's initiatives to promote domestic consumption and stimulate economic growth are further boosting investment in the printing sector, fueling market expansion.

The commercial printing market in India accounted for a revenue share of more than 16% in the Asia Pacific market. The revenue share can be attributed to the growing population and rising disposable income levels, leading to increased spending on advertising and promotional materials. Additionally, the adoption of digital printing technology is democratizing access to printing services, driving market growth across various sectors.

Japan commercial printing market growth can be attributed to technological innovation and a strong emphasis on print quality and precision. The country's renowned craftsmanship and attention to detail are driving demand for specialized printing services, including high-end packaging, labels, and promotional materials.

MEA Commercial Printing Market Trends

The commercial printing market in the MEA region is expanding due to several key factors. Firstly, the region's improving economic conditions and growing consumer markets are driving demand for printed materials across various sectors, including retail, advertising, and publishing. This increased demand is creating opportunities for businesses in the commercial printing industry.

KSA commercial printing market can be attributed to the government initiatives aimed at diversifying the economy away from oil dependency are stimulating investment in the printing sector. The country's strategic location as a regional hub for trade and commerce is also attracting foreign investment, driving growth in the commercial printing market. Additionally, the increasing adoption of digital printing technology is enhancing efficiency and expanding the range of printing services available in the market.

Key Commercial Printing Company Insights

Some of the key companies operating in the Print-on-demand market include Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.Transcontinental Inc., and Quad.com.

• Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. is a Japanese printing company specializing in a wide range of printing-related products and services. The company’s operations and activities are categorized into four reportable business segments: information communication, electronics, beverages, lifestyle & industrial supplies. The lifestyle & industrial supplies segment includes the packaging, living spaces, and industrial high-performance material businesses

• Transcontinental Inc. is a versatile provider of flexible packaging services. The company's offerings include packaging solutions, commercial printing, and specialized media services. Its services include packaging for flexible materials such as plastic and paper, including roll stock, bags, pouches, and shrink films. The company is also involved in flyer printing, in-store marketing products, and media services. Moreover, it provides advanced coating services for various substrates, educational publications, and flyer distribution in print and digital formats. The company operates printing plants, media studios, and flexible packaging facilities.

Cimpress and ACME Printing are some of the emerging Print-on-demand vendors.

• Cimpress plc is a provider of customized print products and services on a large scale. The company gathers diverse, individually tailored orders from various sources, including large, medium, small, and micro businesses, printers, resellers, graphic designers, and traditional suppliers who delegate these products. The company's operations are structured into five segments: PrintBrothers, and Vista.

• ACME Printing is a prominent player in the commercial printing market, recognized for its comprehensive range of printing solutions. With a steadfast commitment to quality and innovation, ACME Printing offers diverse services, including offset and digital printing, graphic design, and promotional materials.

Recent Developments

• In June 2023, TC Transcontinental Printing, a division of Transcontinental Inc., announced a substantial investment of USD 15 million in its book printing platform situated at the Transcontinental Beauceville (Interglobe) facility in Quebec. This strategic move aims to cater more effectively to the burgeoning demand in the North American market. This investment supplements the USD 10 million allocations in 2019 - 2020 and includes the integration of an additional press. As a result, the plant has successfully doubled its hardcover binding capacity and enhanced overall production capacity by approximately 15%.

• In December 2022, Canva announced its partnership with Creatively Holdings Inc. (Creatively), an online recruitment and creative platform provider. The partnership was aimed at providing resources and opportunities for creative professionals. The partnership between Canva and Creatively marked a significant step toward supporting creative professionals. Canva's design tools and resources, combined with Creatively's community and events, provided creative professionals with the required design tools and resources.

• In October 2022, Printful, Inc. announced a partnership with Pietra, an e-commerce business platform, to offer over 60,000 creators new opportunities for customizable and branded products. This partnership would allow creators to access a global made-to-order market and utilize the on-demand production model, enabling them to test new products and enhance their e-commerce businesses in time for the holiday shopping season, starting from Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Commercial Printing Market Report Scope

Global Commercial Printing Market Report Segmentation

The report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2017 to 2030. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the commercial printingmarket based on printing technology, application, and region:

• Printing Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Digital Printing

  • Lithography Printing

  • Flexographic

  • Screen Printing

  • Gravure Printing

  • Others

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Packaging

  • Advertising

  • Publishing

    • Books

    • Newspaper

    • Magazines

    • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

    • France

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • Australia

    • South Korea

  • South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa

    • KSA

    • UAE

    • South Africa