The global market for digitally printed packaging and labels will reach $22.0 billion (£16.7 billion) in 2025, according to new research from Smithers, a global authority on the packaging industry.
Forecasting in Smithers’ latest report, “The Future of Digital Print for Packaging to 2030”, indicates the market will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.9% to reach $36.9 billion (£28.1 billion) by 2030.
Smither’s report states that digital printing currently holds a modest share of overall printed packaging output – 1.3% by volume and 4.1% by value. Smithers adds that this share is expected to rise as a new generation of higher-throughput digital presses designed specifically for packaging applications is introduced.
From 2025 to 2030, the most significant growth opportunity is in corrugated packaging. Smithers’ analysis shows that value in this segment will more than double over the next five years, reaching $8.2 billion (£6.24 billion) in 2030. The company identifies inkjet as the primary driver, with the latest wide-web systems printing up to 400m/min in mono or colour. These are described as the fastest digital presses available, with speeds expected to reach 500m/min by the end of the decade.
Inkjet postprint is also expanding rapidly, supported by high-performance systems being installed in box plants and for high-volume display work. This growth is reinforced by increased demand for printed e-commerce delivery boxes and by the narrowing gap between display and secondary packaging, including higher-quality shelf-ready trays and boxes.
Smithers forecasts the slowest digital growth in the labels segment, projecting an 8.0% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. The firm notes that label printers are much further along the digital adoption curve, with roughly 8100 narrow-web inkjet and toner presses in operation globally for label and sleeve printing. As a result, labels hold a higher value share of 23.3% compared with other segments.
Competition among suppliers in the label sector remains high. One emerging option is upgrading existing narrow-web presses to handle flexible packaging substrates. Smithers forecasts digital print on flexibles will grow at an 11.6% CAGR through 2030, presenting opportunities for toner OEMs while new inkjet systems enter the market with solutions to previous chemistry-stack challenges.
Smithers expects ongoing technical advancements to improve both quality and cost-effectiveness in digital packaging print throughout the forecast period. The firm notes that digital labels and packaging remain a dynamic sector, with evolving print systems supported by developments in workflow and finishing technologies.
