The global Flexographic Printing market was valued at USD 8.23 Billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 10.69 Billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 3.8 % for the forecast period 2023-2030.
Market Definition
Flexographic printing is a versatile and frequently used printing technology that transfers ink onto a substrate using flexible relief plates. It is often used for high-volume printing on a variety of materials, including paper, plastic, metallic films, and others. A rotating cylindrical plate transfers ink to the printing surface, allowing for efficient and quick manufacturing. Flexographic printing is appropriate for a wide range of applications, including packaging, labels, newspapers, and corrugated cardboard, due to the flexible nature of the plates. Flexographic printing stands out for its cost-effectiveness and adaptability for large-scale printing operations due to its ability to use a diverse range of inks and print on a variety of substrates. Furthermore, technological breakthroughs have resulted in improved print quality and reduced environmental effect through the use of water-based inks and more eco-friendly methods.
Market Size:
- 2022: USD 8.23 billion
- 2030: USD 10.69 billion
- CAGR (2023-2030): 3.8%
Flexographic Printing Market Dynamics
Drivers Propelling the Demand for Flexographic Printing include:
The packaging sector’s expansion is driving the market:
The rise of many printing markets, including flexographic printing, has been fueled by the growth of the packaging sector. As customer needs change and e-commerce grows, so does the demand for inventive and visually appealing packaging solutions. Flexographic printing meets these requirements precisely due to its adaptability in printing on many substrates and its potential for high-speed, high-volume manufacturing. The industry's shift toward environmentally friendly packaging has also increased demand for flexographic printing, which can efficiently use eco-friendly inks and materials. Furthermore, as emerging markets' urbanization and disposable income levels rise, so does the demand for efficient and cost-effective printing solutions like flexography to satisfy these expectations while retaining quality and visual appeal. Overall, the expansion of the packaging industry has functioned as a catalyst, propelling the market for flexographic printing due to its adaptability, efficiency, and ability to satisfy the changing needs of modern packaging.
For instance, in June 2023, BOBST announced its latest innovations in printing, converting, services and performance to help converters and brand owners to take a big step towards the digitalization of the packaging supply chain to drive the market.
Recent Developments
In August 2023, Windmöller & Hölscher (W&H) has introduced the VISTAFLEX II, a CI flexographic press with a wide-web press capable of running jobs at speeds of up to 800 m/min (2,620 ft/min) with quick and easy job changeovers. Furthermore, this version is being released with technological improvements and a more modern appearance.
In October 2022, Comexi introduced the F2 Origin, a new flexographic printing press reference. The Comexi F2 Origin, a brand-new piece of Comexi F2 flexo equipment, incorporates GeniusTech improvements to boost productivity, ergonomics, and printing quality while decreasing operator reliance. This new machine will be accessible to clients in the following year, with an enhanced design.
Restraint
Skilled labor and their costs may hamper the market growth:
The availability of competent labor and labor costs can pose obstacles to the flexographic printing market. The complexities of operating and maintaining the equipment necessitate a competent team familiar with the nuances of this printing technique. However, finding and retaining such qualified workers can be difficult, especially as technology evolves and requires more specialized expertise. Furthermore, labor costs associated with skilled workers have an impact on overall operational expenses, affecting the cost competitiveness of flexographic printing, particularly when compared to alternative printing technologies. The training required to produce a competent staff necessitates an investment in both time and finances, which can put additional strain on organizations operating in this field. These difficulties in acquiring and retaining competent personnel, as well as managing associated labor expenses, can stymie the expansion and adoption of flexographic printing technologies, particularly for smaller enterprises or those in areas with limited access to specialist training programs.
Challenges
The shift in demand can put up various challenges:
The flexographic printing industry has both possibilities and problems as market needs change. As customer preferences evolve toward more personalized and environmentally sustainable packaging, printers under more pressure to produce high-quality, customizable, and environmentally friendly solutions. This desire for shorter print runs, faster turnaround times, and higher print quality puts classic flexographic techniques to the test, which were designed for high-volume, standardized production. Furthermore, the emergence of digital printing technology has created new competition by allowing for greater flexibility, customization, and shorter print runs without requiring substantial setup or specialized skills. As a result, flexographic printers are being pushed to innovate and adapt their processes to meet these changing demands, which may include investments in new technology, materials, and talent development in order to remain competitive in a volatile market scenario. Meeting these various market expectations while preserving cost-efficiency and quality is a key problem for the flexographic printing industry.
Opportunities
Packaging customization and personalization creating new opportunities for the Flexographic Printing market:
The increased emphasis on packaging customization and personalization creates a considerable opportunity for the flexographic printing business. Consumers are increasingly looking for one-of-a-kind and bespoke experiences, and packaging plays a critical part in capturing their attention. Flexographic printing provides a versatile platform for meeting these demands, enabling high-quality, bespoke graphics on a variety of substrates. Its versatility to various materials and surfaces permits sophisticated designs, brilliant colors, and variable data printing, allowing the construction of shelf-standing packaging. Furthermore, technological improvements have improved the possibilities of flexographic printing, allowing for faster setup times and the cost-effective creation of smaller, specialized print runs. This ideally matches with the requirement for shorter print cycles and faster turnarounds, allowing firms to experiment with new designs and cater to niche markets, ultimately increasing demand for flexographic printing in the world of personalized and bespoke packaging.
Snapshot:
| Attributes | Details |
| Market Size in 2022 | USD 8.23 Billion |
| Market Forecast in 2030 | USD 10.69 Billion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) | 3.8 % |
| Unit | Revenue (USD Million) and Volume (Kilo Tons) |
| Segmentation | By Offering, By Ink Type, By Method, By Web Type, By Automation Type, By Application, & By Region |
| By Offering |
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| By Ink Type |
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| By Method |
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| By Web Type |
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| By Automation Type |
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| By Application |
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| By Region |
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| Base Year | 2022 |
| Historical Year | 2018 - 2022 |
| Forecast Year | 2023 - 2030 |
Segment Analysis of the Flexographic Printing Market
The Flexographic Printing’ market is segmented by offering, by ink type, by method, by web type, by automation type, by application, & by region.
By Web Type
The Flexographic Printing market based on the segment web type is classified into medium web, wide web, and narrow web. The wide web segment to grow at highest growth rate during the forecast period. Flexographic printing on a wide web is common in applications such as flexible packaging, corrugated boxes, and large-format labels. Its capacity to handle large widths enables efficient manufacture of bulk packaging materials, making it a popular choice for high-volume manufacturing in industries such as food packing and shipping. Narrow web flexographic printing, on the other hand, specializes in smaller labels, tags, and packaging for industries such as medicines, cosmetics, and specialized foods. This market specializes on high-quality, detailed printing on narrower substrates, satisfying the demand for finely designed, smaller-sized labels and packaging. While wide and narrow web flexographic printing have separate market shares, their merits in diverse applications contribute to the industry's overall growth and adaptability across numerous sectors.
By Application
The corrugated packaging expected to hold major share during forecast period:
Based on the application segment the market for flexographic printing is classified into flexible packaging, corrugated packaging, labels & tags, cartons, and others. The corrugated packaging segment is expected to hold major share during the forecasted period the segments growth can be attributed as the advent of e-commerce and the demand for long-lasting, environmentally friendly shipping materials has raised the demand for well-printed, branded corrugated boxes. Flexographic printing shines in this field because to its ability to print on rough materials such as corrugated cardboard while keeping high-quality graphics and text. Second, the food and beverage industries, as well as other consumer items, rely significantly on corrugated packaging for shipping and retail display. Flexographic printing is a popular choice for these industries due to its capacity to handle large-format printing and create enormous volumes at a cheap cost. Flexographic printing's ability to use eco-friendly inks and substrates further secures its position in the corrugated packaging industry, making it a key driver of the market's growth in this application area.
Regional Analysis
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Asia-Pacific to grow at highest growth rate during the forecasted period:
The Asia-Pacific to be fastest growing market during the forecasted period. Rapid industrialization and economic development in the region have fostered rising consumerism, creating demand for packaged goods across all industries. As a result, there is a significant demand for efficient, cost-effective printing solutions such as flexography to meet this increasing demand for packaging materials. Furthermore, technological breakthroughs and infrastructure improvements in countries such as China, India, and Southeast Asian countries have strengthened the printing industry's capabilities, opening the door for wider flexographic printing adoption. Furthermore, as the market shifts toward more sustainable practices, flexographic printing's adaptability to eco-friendly materials and inks aligns well with the region's growing emphasis on environmentally conscious production methods, contributing to the region's anticipated rapid growth.
List of the prominent players in the Flexographic Printing Market :
- Amcor Plc
- Rotatek
- Comexi
- Uteco
- Codimag
- Gaullus
- Komori Corporation
- Omet Group
- Allstein GmbH
- Soma Engineering
- Edale
- Westrock
- Nuova Gidue
- Flint Group
- Tresu Group
Segmentation Analysis of the Flexographic Printing Market
By Offering
- Flexographic Printing Ink
- Flexographic Printing Machine
- Solvent-based Inks
- Energy-curable Inks
- Water-based Inks
- Central Impression press
- Inline Type press
- Stack Type press
- Medium web
- Wide web
- Narrow web
- Semi-automatic
- Automatic
- Flexible Packaging
- Corrugated Packaging
- Labels & Tags
- Cartons
- Others
- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East and Africa
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Flexographic Printing Market:
The COVID-19 epidemic has had a wide-ranging impact on the flexographic printing industry. Initially, the industry was impacted by lockdowns, supply chain disruptions, and lower customer demand for non-essential goods. Many printing enterprises had to close temporarily or curtail their operations, hurting production schedules and income. However, as the pandemic proceeded, demand for packaging increased, particularly in the food and healthcare sectors. Flexographic printing, which is an important aspect of the packaging business, has seen a surge in demand for labels, food packaging, pharmaceutical packaging, and other necessities.
As the demand for informative and hygienic packaging increased, so did innovation in materials and designs, opening up opportunities for flexographic printers to adapt and cater to these shifting needs. Overall, while the first impact was disruptive, the increased demand for vital commodities and inventive packaging solutions had a mixed effect on the flexographic printing market, highlighting both problems and potential.
