Inkjet technology appeared over 20 years ago. It’s come a long way from those early offerings, and it’s grown from a niche product to a mainstream one, capable of just about any type of printing.
Whatever statistics or researchers we follow, the trend is clear: inkjet continues to grab market share from traditional printing technologies. Some estimates suggest that by 2028, just two years from now, inkjet devices will print a quarter of all document pages. To quantify further: the global inkjet market is experiencing robust growth across both graphic/packaging and industrial sectors. Output is projected to reach $134.6 billion and $42.7 billion, respectively, by 2031, according to research firm Smithers. Graphics andpackaging will produce a 5.9% CAGR; industrial and functional printing will generate a 7.9% CAGR.
Meanwhile, most projections show traditional printing in retreat.
What’s Driving the Growth?
The appeal of inkjet lies in many factors, including lower waste, high quality, and more efficient technology. Since inkjet is a non-contact printing form, it can image on a huge range of substrates,
besides paper. Offset and toner technology cannot match inkjet’s ability to image on materials such as vinyl, plastics, metals, fabric, ceramics, glass, and more. Plus, it can produce a host of embellishments.
The growth of inkjet printing for packaging is driven by the explosion of online shopping. You order toothpaste and light bulbs online and find them on your doorstep the next day. Inkjet also continues to shine with short-run and variable printing jobs.
But, as other traditional markets shrink, inkjet can offer the way forward with added value and diversification.
Print is moving from a commodity, long-run, cost-per-unit model to a high-value, even luxury model. When businesses, marketers, or retail customers buy print, they’re looking for value, longevity, and presence, not simply throwaway brochures. And if the product is right, with personalization for example, or marketing messages delivered on a quirky substate, they will pay a premium for it. If clients are active in more luxury markets, embellishments add that extra layer of refinement that makes promotional materials stand out.
Integrating Inkjet into Your Operation
Printers can counteract declining print volumes through diversification. Inkjet is made for specialty niches in retail, photography and art, branded products, décor, and clothing, in addition to signage and other more traditional applications. One printer we know of runs a successful street-front operation catering to individuals who want to print their pictures on canvas or other substrates. They also sell posters and images that are out of copyright. The store has been going strong for 10 years.
You can’t, of course, offer everything all at once. A good start is always with existing customers and your expertise. Perhaps clients need special signs, or their lobby could do with some artwork showcasing the history of the company. Or you could offer to print a line of promotional objects. If you can, consider a retail operation for photo books, t-shirts, wallpaper, and other consumer items that you can market on an e-commerce site.
Also, think about the skills of your workforce and the investment required to achieve your goals. Invest strategically in equipment and chart a clear path for integrating inkjet devices into the shop. Don’t forget your finishing needs and how you will manage inventory if you’re dealing with short runs of various substrates.
A good workflow that automates essential functions may also be key, as is integrating all your software systems from order entry to shipping. If you have a web-to-print site, for example, automation is key to its success.
The good news is that inkjet is both a prevalent and transformative technology, offering a measure of success to everyone. It can do just about any printing you need. The less-good news is that success requires focus and an effective strategy.