Digital Printing Packaging Market- Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Printing Ink, By Printing Technology, By Format, By Packaging Type, By End User Industry, By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Description

The Global Digital Printing Packaging Market is projected to expand from USD 39.09 Billion in 2025 to USD 61.04 Billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 7.71%. This technology utilizes methods such as inkjet and electrophotography to apply digital images directly onto substrates, thereby removing the necessity for physical plates. The market's growth is largely fueled by the rising need for rapid market entry and short production runs, enabling brands to optimize inventory management and lower warehousing expenses. Additionally, the capacity for variable data printing supports mass customization, satisfying consumer demand for personalized items. This momentum is evident in industry investment plans; FESPA reported in 2025 that 40 percent of Global Print Expo attendees intended to purchase new printing solutions within the year.

Market Overview
Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size 2025	USD 39.09 Billion
Market Size 2031	USD 61.04 Billion
CAGR 2026-2031	7.71%
Fastest Growing Segment	Inkjet Printing
Largest Market	North America

However, the industry encounters a major obstacle regarding cost efficiency that may limit widespread expansion. The high cost associated with consumables, specifically proprietary inks and printheads, frequently renders digital printing less economically feasible compared to traditional analog techniques for high-volume orders. Consequently, while digital methods offer flexibility, the financial implications of large-scale production remain a significant barrier to replacing conventional workflows entirely.

Market Driver

Advancements in digital press speed and substrate versatility are greatly enlarging the market for digital packaging by narrowing the productivity difference with analog techniques. While previously limited to short runs, modern digital presses now provide throughput capable of making medium-run production economically sound, thus fostering wider industrial usage. For example, Labels & Labeling reported in December 2025 that the HP Indigo V12 digital press achieved production speeds up to 117.5 meters per minute, enabling converters to shift larger volumes from flexographic methods to digital workflows. This maturity is highlighted by the installed base; WhatTheyThink noted in May 2025 that HP Indigo achieved a milestone by installing its 400th flexible packaging press globally.

A growing focus on sustainable and waste-reducing manufacturing processes serves as a second primary catalyst transforming the industry. As brand owners increasingly prioritize environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives, the ability of digital printing to eliminate prepress consumables like plates and minimize substrate waste through on-demand production offers a crucial competitive edge. This environmental advantage is both substantial and measurable, giving brands the metrics needed to verify sustainability efforts. According to HP's '2024 Sustainable Impact Report' released in July 2025, using the HP Indigo 25K digital press can lower the global warming impact of packaging production by up to 65 percent relative to traditional analog technologies, directly answering regulatory and consumer demands for greener supply chains.

Market Challenge

The Global Digital Printing Packaging Market encounters significant hurdles related to cost efficiency, particularly due to the high operational expenses linked to consumables such as proprietary inks and printheads. In contrast to traditional analog methods where unit costs drop significantly as volume increases, digital printing maintains a consistently high variable cost per unit. This cost structure makes the technology economically impractical for high-volume production runs, which represent the bulk of the packaging sector's output. As a result, converters are forced to limit digital applications to short-run or promotional tasks, hindering the technology from replacing analog methods in the core mass-production market.

This economic limitation is exacerbated by wider financial strains within the industry, where maintaining profit margins is critical. The high cost of digital inputs complicates the justification for moving standard long-run jobs to digital platforms. According to the PRINTING United Alliance, the industry experienced an average operating cost inflation of 2.9% in 2025, a financial pressure that outstripped the capacity to increase prices. In such a margin-sensitive climate, the substantial ongoing costs associated with digital consumables serve as a deterrent to broader adoption, effectively limiting the market's potential for expansion.

Market Trends

The adoption of AI-driven workflow automation and inspection is transforming the production landscape by improving quality control and operational efficiency. Beyond simply increasing print speeds, AI algorithms now facilitate predictive maintenance and real-time defect detection, which drastically reduces production errors and material waste. This technological evolution is a key strategic focus for converters seeking to streamline complex manufacturing processes and decrease dependence on manual supervision. According to Esko's 'Packaging Trends 2025 Survey' from March 2025, 73 percent of industry respondents identified automation, artificial intelligence, and machine learning as the factors likely to have the most significant impact on the packaging sector in the upcoming year.

Concurrently, the integration of smart packaging and connected technologies is converting passive containers into digital data carriers, providing brands with new opportunities for supply chain visibility and consumer interaction. This trend entails embedding technologies like RFID and NFC directly into packaging to enable product traceability and interactive digital experiences that go beyond the retail shelf. Commercial adoption of these intelligent solutions is gaining speed, especially in high-volume consumer markets. For instance, Avery Dennison reported in its 'Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results' in January 2025 that total sales rose by 4.7 percent to $8.8 billion, a performance bolstered by robust demand for Intelligent Labels in the apparel and general retail sectors.

Key Market Players

CCL Industries, Inc.
Quad/Graphics Inc.
DS Smith plc
Smurfit Kappa Group plc
Printpack, Inc.
Thimm The Highpack Group
Krones AG
ePac Holdings, LLC
Nosco Inc.
Quantum Print & Packaging Ltd.

Report Scope

In this report, the Global Digital Printing Packaging Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Digital Printing Packaging Market, By Printing Ink

Solvent-Based
UV-based
Aqueous
Others

Digital Printing Packaging Market, By Printing Technology

Thermal Transfer Printing
Inkjet Printing
Electrophotography & Electrostatic Printing
Others

Digital Printing Packaging Market, By Format

Fill Color Printing
Variable Data Printing
Large Format Printing
Others

Digital Printing Packaging Market, By Packaging Type

Corrugated
Folding Cartons
Flexible Packaging
Others

Digital Printing Packaging Market, By End User Industry

Food & Beverage
Pharmaceutical & Healthcare
Household & Cosmetic Products
Others

Digital Printing Packaging Market, By Region

North America
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
Europe
- France
- United Kingdom
- Italy
- Germany
- Spain
Asia Pacific
- China
- India
- Japan
- Australia
- South Korea
South America
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Colombia
Middle East & Africa
- South Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Digital Printing Packaging Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Digital Printing Packaging Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

1. Product Overview

1.1. Market Definition
1.2. Scope of the Market
- 1.2.1. Markets Covered
- 1.2.2. Years Considered for Study
- 1.2.3. Key Market Segmentations

2. Research Methodology

2.1. Objective of the Study
2.2. Baseline Methodology
2.3. Key Industry Partners
2.4. Major Association and Secondary Sources
2.5. Forecasting Methodology
2.6. Data Triangulation & Validation
2.7. Assumptions and Limitations

3. Executive Summary

3.1. Overview of the Market
3.2. Overview of Key Market Segmentations
3.3. Overview of Key Market Players
3.4. Overview of Key Regions/Countries
3.5. Overview of Market Drivers, Challenges, Trends

4. Voice of Customer

5. Global Digital Printing Packaging Market Outlook

5.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 5.1.1. By Value
5.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 5.2.1. By Printing Ink (Solvent-Based, UV-based, Aqueous, Others)
- 5.2.2. By Printing Technology (Thermal Transfer Printing, Inkjet Printing, Electrophotography & Electrostatic Printing, Others)
- 5.2.3. By Format (Fill Color Printing, Variable Data Printing, Large Format Printing, Others)
- 5.2.4. By Packaging Type (Corrugated, Folding Cartons, Flexible Packaging, Others)
- 5.2.5. By End User Industry (Food & Beverage, Pharmaceutical & Healthcare, Household & Cosmetic Products, Others)
- 5.2.6. By Region
- 5.2.7. By Company (2025)
5.3. Market Map

6. North America Digital Printing Packaging Market Outlook

6.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 6.1.1. By Value
6.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 6.2.1. By Printing Ink
- 6.2.2. By Printing Technology
- 6.2.3. By Format
- 6.2.4. By Packaging Type
- 6.2.5. By End User Industry
- 6.2.6. By Country
6.3. North America: Country Analysis
- 6.3.1. United States Digital Printing Packaging Market Outlook
  - 6.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 6.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 6.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 6.3.1.2.1. By Printing Ink
    - 6.3.1.2.2. By Printing Technology
    - 6.3.1.2.3. By Format
    - 6.3.1.2.4. By Packaging Type
    - 6.3.1.2.5. By End User Industry
- 6.3.2. Canada Digital Printing Packaging Market Outlook
  - 6.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 6.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 6.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 6.3.2.2.1. By Printing Ink
    - 6.3.2.2.2. By Printing Technology
    - 6.3.2.2.3. By Format
    - 6.3.2.2.4. By Packaging Type
    - 6.3.2.2.5. By End User Industry
- 6.3.3. Mexico Digital Printing Packaging Market Outlook
  - 6.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 6.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 6.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 6.3.3.2.1. By Printing Ink
    - 6.3.3.2.2. By Printing Technology
    - 6.3.3.2.3. By Format
    - 6.3.3.2.4. By Packaging Type
    - 6.3.3.2.5. By End User Industry

7. Europe Digital Printing Packaging Market Outlook

7.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 7.1.1. By Value
7.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 7.2.1. By Printing Ink
- 7.2.2. By Printing Technology
- 7.2.3. By Format
- 7.2.4. By Packaging Type
- 7.2.5. By End User Industry
- 7.2.6. By Country
7.3. Europe: Country Analysis
- 7.3.1. Germany Digital Printing Packaging Market Outlook
  - 7.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.1.2.1. By Printing Ink
    - 7.3.1.2.2. By Printing Technology
    - 7.3.1.2.3. By Format
    - 7.3.1.2.4. By Packaging Type
    - 7.3.1.2.5. By End User Industry
- 7.3.2. France Digital Printing Packaging Market Outlook
  - 7.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.2.2.1. By Printing Ink
    - 7.3.2.2.2. By Printing Technology
    - 7.3.2.2.3. By Format
    - 7.3.2.2.4. By Packaging Type
    - 7.3.2.2.5. By End User Industry
- 7.3.3. United Kingdom Digital Printing Packaging Market Outlook
  - 7.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.3.2.1. By Printing Ink
    - 7.3.3.2.2. By Printing Technology
    - 7.3.3.2.3. By Format
    - 7.3.3.2.4. By Packaging Type
    - 7.3.3.2.5. By End User Industry
- 7.3.4. Italy Digital Printing Packaging Market Outlook
  - 7.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.4.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.4.2.1. By Printing Ink
    - 7.3.4.2.2. By Printing Technology
    - 7.3.4.2.3. By Format
    - 7.3.4.2.4. By Packaging Type
    - 7.3.4.2.5. By End User Industry
- 7.3.5. Spain Digital Printing Packaging Market Outlook
  - 7.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.5.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.5.2.1. By Printing Ink
    - 7.3.5.2.2. By Printing Technology
    - 7.3.5.2.3. By Format
    - 7.3.5.2.4. By Packaging Type
    - 7.3.5.2.5. By End User Industry

8. Asia Pacific Digital Printing Packaging Market Outlook

8.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 8.1.1. By Value
8.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 8.2.1. By Printing Ink
- 8.2.2. By Printing Technology
- 8.2.3. By Format
- 8.2.4. By Packaging Type
- 8.2.5. By End User Industry
- 8.2.6. By Country
8.3. Asia Pacific: Country Analysis
- 8.3.1. China Digital Printing Packaging Market Outlook
  - 8.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.1.2.1. By Printing Ink
    - 8.3.1.2.2. By Printing Technology
    - 8.3.1.2.3. By Format
    - 8.3.1.2.4. By Packaging Type
    - 8.3.1.2.5. By End User Industry
- 8.3.2. India Digital Printing Packaging Market Outlook
  - 8.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.2.2.1. By Printing Ink
    - 8.3.2.2.2. By Printing Technology
    - 8.3.2.2.3. By Format
    - 8.3.2.2.4. By Packaging Type
    - 8.3.2.2.5. By End User Industry
- 8.3.3. Japan Digital Printing Packaging Market Outlook
  - 8.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.3.2.1. By Printing Ink
    - 8.3.3.2.2. By Printing Technology
    - 8.3.3.2.3. By Format
    - 8.3.3.2.4. By Packaging Type
    - 8.3.3.2.5. By End User Industry
- 8.3.4. South Korea Digital Printing Packaging Market Outlook
  - 8.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.4.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.4.2.1. By Printing Ink
    - 8.3.4.2.2. By Printing Technology
    - 8.3.4.2.3. By Format
    - 8.3.4.2.4. By Packaging Type
    - 8.3.4.2.5. By End User Industry
- 8.3.5. Australia Digital Printing Packaging Market Outlook
  - 8.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.5.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.5.2.1. By Printing Ink
    - 8.3.5.2.2. By Printing Technology
    - 8.3.5.2.3. By Format
    - 8.3.5.2.4. By Packaging Type
    - 8.3.5.2.5. By End User Industry

9. Middle East & Africa Digital Printing Packaging Market Outlook

9.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 9.1.1. By Value
9.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 9.2.1. By Printing Ink
- 9.2.2. By Printing Technology
- 9.2.3. By Format
- 9.2.4. By Packaging Type
- 9.2.5. By End User Industry
- 9.2.6. By Country
9.3. Middle East & Africa: Country Analysis
- 9.3.1. Saudi Arabia Digital Printing Packaging Market Outlook
  - 9.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 9.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 9.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 9.3.1.2.1. By Printing Ink
    - 9.3.1.2.2. By Printing Technology
    - 9.3.1.2.3. By Format
    - 9.3.1.2.4. By Packaging Type
    - 9.3.1.2.5. By End User Industry
- 9.3.2. UAE Digital Printing Packaging Market Outlook
  - 9.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 9.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 9.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 9.3.2.2.1. By Printing Ink
    - 9.3.2.2.2. By Printing Technology
    - 9.3.2.2.3. By Format
    - 9.3.2.2.4. By Packaging Type
    - 9.3.2.2.5. By End User Industry
- 9.3.3. South Africa Digital Printing Packaging Market Outlook
  - 9.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 9.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 9.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 9.3.3.2.1. By Printing Ink
    - 9.3.3.2.2. By Printing Technology
    - 9.3.3.2.3. By Format
    - 9.3.3.2.4. By Packaging Type
    - 9.3.3.2.5. By End User Industry

10. South America Digital Printing Packaging Market Outlook

10.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 10.1.1. By Value
10.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 10.2.1. By Printing Ink
- 10.2.2. By Printing Technology
- 10.2.3. By Format
- 10.2.4. By Packaging Type
- 10.2.5. By End User Industry
- 10.2.6. By Country
10.3. South America: Country Analysis
- 10.3.1. Brazil Digital Printing Packaging Market Outlook
  - 10.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 10.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 10.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 10.3.1.2.1. By Printing Ink
    - 10.3.1.2.2. By Printing Technology
    - 10.3.1.2.3. By Format
    - 10.3.1.2.4. By Packaging Type
    - 10.3.1.2.5. By End User Industry
- 10.3.2. Colombia Digital Printing Packaging Market Outlook
  - 10.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 10.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 10.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 10.3.2.2.1. By Printing Ink
    - 10.3.2.2.2. By Printing Technology
    - 10.3.2.2.3. By Format
    - 10.3.2.2.4. By Packaging Type
    - 10.3.2.2.5. By End User Industry
- 10.3.3. Argentina Digital Printing Packaging Market Outlook
  - 10.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 10.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 10.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 10.3.3.2.1. By Printing Ink
    - 10.3.3.2.2. By Printing Technology
    - 10.3.3.2.3. By Format
    - 10.3.3.2.4. By Packaging Type
    - 10.3.3.2.5. By End User Industry

11. Market Dynamics

11.1. Drivers
11.2. Challenges

12. Market Trends & Developments

12.1. Merger & Acquisition (If Any)
12.2. Product Launches (If Any)
12.3. Recent Developments

13. Global Digital Printing Packaging Market: SWOT Analysis

14. Porter's Five Forces Analysis

14.1. Competition in the Industry
14.2. Potential of New Entrants
14.3. Power of Suppliers
14.4. Power of Customers
14.5. Threat of Substitute Products

15. Competitive Landscape

15.1. CCL Industries, Inc.
- 15.1.1. Business Overview
- 15.1.2. Products & Services
- 15.1.3. Recent Developments
- 15.1.4. Key Personnel
- 15.1.5. SWOT Analysis
15.2. Quad/Graphics Inc.
15.3. DS Smith plc
15.4. Smurfit Kappa Group plc
15.5. Printpack, Inc.
15.6. Thimm The Highpack Group
15.7. Krones AG
15.8. ePac Holdings, LLC
15.9. Nosco Inc.
15.10. Quantum Print & Packaging Ltd.