Packaging Industry Today

Digital Printing Packaging Market Anticipated to Reach USD 35.7 Billion, at a Notable 3.7% CAGR by 2035

Digital printing packaging uses digital printing technology to apply graphics, text, and variable data directly onto packaging materials without traditional printing plates.
Published 11 February 2026

Digital printing packaging refers to the use of digital printing technologies to print graphics, text, and images directly onto packaging materials without the need for traditional printing plates. Unlike conventional printing methods such as flexography, gravure, or offset printing, digital printing enables faster turnaround times, shorter print runs, high customization, and variable data printing. These advantages have made digital printing an increasingly attractive solution across multiple packaging segments, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, personal care, retail, and e-commerce.

The Digital Printing Packaging Market Size was valued at 24 USD Billion in 2024. The Digital Printing Packaging Market is expected to grow from 24.9 USD Billion in 2025 to 35.7 USD Billion by 2035. The Digital Printing Packaging Market CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 3.7% during the forecast period (2025 - 2035).

The global digital printing packaging market has experienced robust growth in recent years, driven by changing consumer preferences, the rise of personalized packaging, and the rapid expansion of e-commerce. Brand owners are increasingly seeking flexible, cost-effective, and visually appealing packaging solutions, positioning digital printing as a key enabler of modern packaging strategies.

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Growing Demand for Customization and Personalization

One of the strongest drivers of the digital printing packaging market is the rising demand for personalized and customized packaging. Brands are using variable data printing to tailor packaging designs for specific regions, customer segments, promotions, or limited-edition campaigns. Digital printing allows unique designs, QR codes, serial numbers, and localized content without increasing production complexity or costs.

Expansion of E-Commerce and Direct-to-Consumer Channels

The rapid growth of e-commerce has increased demand for short-run, flexible packaging solutions that can adapt quickly to changing product volumes and seasonal demand. Digital printing supports faster design changes and on-demand printing, making it ideal for online retail and subscription-based business models.

Shorter Product Life Cycles

Consumer products today have shorter life cycles due to fast-changing trends, frequent product launches, and marketing-driven packaging updates. Digital printing packaging allows brands to respond quickly to market changes without maintaining large inventories of pre-printed packaging.

Technological Advancements in Digital Printing

Continuous improvements in inkjet and electrophotographic printing technologies have enhanced print quality, color consistency, speed, and substrate compatibility. These advancements are expanding the range of applications where digital printing can compete with traditional printing methods.

Restraints

Higher Cost for Large Print Volumes

While digital printing is cost-effective for short and medium print runs, it may not be economically viable for large-volume production compared to conventional printing methods. This cost limitation can restrict adoption for mass-produced packaging.

Limited Ink and Substrate Compatibility

Although technology has improved significantly, digital printing still faces limitations in terms of ink adhesion, durability, and compatibility with certain packaging materials, particularly in high-barrier or flexible packaging applications.

Initial Equipment Investment

High-end digital printing equipment requires substantial capital investment, which can be a barrier for small and mid-sized packaging converters, especially in developing regions.

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Opportunities

Rising Demand for Sustainable Packaging

Digital printing supports sustainability goals by reducing waste, eliminating printing plates, and enabling just-in-time production. As brands and regulators emphasize environmentally responsible packaging, digital printing offers a more sustainable alternative to traditional methods.

Growth in Smart and Connected Packaging

Digital printing plays a key role in smart packaging solutions by enabling the integration of QR codes, NFC tags, serialization, and traceability features. These applications are gaining traction in food safety, pharmaceuticals, and brand authentication.

Emerging Markets and Urbanization

Rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and growing consumer goods industries in emerging economies present significant growth opportunities for digital printing packaging, particularly in food, beverage, and personal care sectors.

Advancements in Digital Inks and Materials

Ongoing research into water-based, UV-curable, and eco-friendly inks is expanding digital printing’s applicability across different packaging formats, including flexible and rigid packaging.

Key Companies in the Digital Printing Packaging Market Include:

  • Durst Group
  • Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems
  • DS Smith
  • Stora Enso
  • Canon
  • Brother Industries
  • Sakata Inx
  • Kodak
  • Mimaki Engineering
  • HP
  • Xeikon
  • Ricoh
  • Epson
  • AgfaGevaert
  • Sun Chemical

Emerging Trends

Personalized and Variable Data Packaging

Brands are increasingly leveraging digital printing to deliver personalized experiences, seasonal campaigns, and region-specific designs.

Integration with Smart Packaging Technologies

Digital printing enables cost-effective integration of track-and-trace features, anti-counterfeiting elements, and interactive packaging.

Shift Toward Sustainable Printing Practices

Use of eco-friendly inks, recyclable substrates, and waste-minimization strategies is becoming a key focus area.

Hybrid Printing Models

Packaging converters are adopting hybrid models that combine digital and conventional printing to balance cost efficiency and flexibility.

On-Demand and Short-Run Production

Just-in-time manufacturing and inventory reduction strategies are accelerating adoption of digital printing packaging solutions.

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Future Outlook

The digital printing packaging market is expected to witness strong growth over the next decade, driven by evolving brand strategies, increasing demand for customization, and the continued expansion of e-commerce. Digital printing is likely to gain a larger share of the packaging printing market as technologies mature and costs decline.

Asia-Pacific is projected to remain the fastest-growing region, while North America and Europe will continue to lead in technological innovation and sustainability adoption. The development of advanced inks, improved print speeds, and broader substrate compatibility will further expand the scope of digital printing in packaging applications.

While traditional printing methods will continue to dominate high-volume production, digital printing will increasingly complement these methods by serving short runs, premium packaging, and customized solutions.

The digital printing packaging market represents a transformative shift in the packaging industry, enabling flexibility, speed, customization, and sustainability. As brands seek to differentiate themselves in competitive markets, digital printing offers a powerful tool to enhance packaging aesthetics, functionality, and consumer engagement.

Despite challenges related to cost and scalability, continuous technological advancements and evolving consumer demands are driving steady market growth. In the coming years, digital printing packaging is expected to play a central role in shaping the future of packaging, supporting innovation across food, pharmaceuticals, personal care, and e-commerce industries worldwide.

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