Packaging Printing Market By Printing Technology (Gravure, Flexography, Digital, Offset, and Screen Printing), By Material (Labels, Plastics, Paper & Paperboard, Metal, and Others), By Application (Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Household, Cosmetic Products, and Others), By Printing Ink (Aqueous Ink, UV-Curable Ink, Solvent-Based Ink, and Others), By Region, By Competition Forecast & Opportunities 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 417.24 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	5.29%
Fastest Growing Segment	Gravure
Largest Market	Asia Pacific
Market Size (2031)	USD 568.47 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Packaging Printing Market will grow from USD 417.24 Billion in 2025 to USD 568.47 Billion by 2031 at a 5.29% CAGR. Packaging printing refers to the industrial process of reproducing text, graphics, and branding elements onto various substrates such as paper, plastic, glass, and metal to ensure product identification and protection. The primary drivers fueling this sector's expansion include the rising global consumption of processed goods and the rapid surge in e-commerce activities which necessitate durable, visually appealing shipping materials. Furthermore, there is a distinct growing preference for convenient, lightweight packaging solutions that align with modern consumer lifestyles. According to the Flexible Packaging Association, in 2024, food applications represented the dominant market driver, accounting for 44.5 percent of total flexible packaging demand.

However, the industry confronts a significant challenge regarding the volatility of raw material costs and supply chain instability. Fluctuating prices for essential inputs such as paper pulps, plastic films, and ink solvents create financial unpredictability for converters, often eroding profit margins and delaying capital investments. Manufacturers are consequently forced to balance these rising operational expenses while attempting to maintain competitive pricing structures for their clients. This economic uncertainty constitutes a persistent hurdle that could impede the seamless expansion of the global packaging printing landscape.

Key Market Drivers

The rapid expansion of the global e-commerce sector is reshaping the packaging printing market, as the shift toward direct-to-consumer models necessitates a substantial increase in shipping materials that serve both logistical and branding functions. As retailers transition to digital storefronts, the shipping container has evolved into a critical marketing tool, driving higher volumes of printed corrugated boxes and flexible mailers. This surge is evident in logistics data; according to Pitney Bowes, July 2025, in the '10th Annual Parcel Shipping Index', parcel volumes in the USA rose 3.4 percent to reach 22.4 billion shipments in 2024. This volume growth is spurring capital investment across the industry. According to Heidelberg, May 2025, in its financial results, incoming orders in the packaging segment increased around 11 percent, reflecting the intense pressure on converters to scale production capacities.

Simultaneously, the rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions is compelling the market to adopt biodegradable substrates and vegetable-based inks. This trend is enforced by consumer awareness, forcing brands to abandon single-use plastics in favor of fiber-based alternatives that require specialized printing techniques. The commercial impact is profound; according to Mondi, February 2025, in the 'Sixth Annual eCommerce Trend Report', 80 percent of consumers now insist on environmentally conscious or recyclable packaging, making sustainability a primary competitive differentiator. Manufacturers are consequently re-engineering their print processes to ensure high-quality graphics on recycled materials, balancing aesthetic appeal with the rigorous environmental compliance demanded by stakeholders.

Download Free Sample Report

Key Market Challenges

The volatility of raw material costs and supply chain instability constitutes a critical impediment to the expansion of the Global Packaging Printing Market. Manufacturers face persistent financial unpredictability as prices for essential inputs like paper, plastic films, and ink solvents fluctuate erratically. This instability forces companies to divert capital away from growth initiatives, such as facility upgrades or research and development, to cover immediate operational shortfalls. Consequently, the inability to maintain stable pricing structures erodes profit margins and deters potential clients, effectively stalling broader market adoption of high-quality printed packaging.

This impact is substantiated by recent industry statistics highlighting the severity of these cost pressures. According to Intergraf, in 2024, 47 percent of printing companies reported that their production costs increased by 10 to 20 percent due to rising supplier prices. Such a significant escalation in expenses restricts the liquidity required for expansion and innovation. When printers are compelled to operate in a defensive financial posture, the overall market growth is directly stifled, preventing the sector from fully meeting the surging demands of the global consumer landscape.

Key Market Trends

The Integration of Near-Field Communication and QR Code Technologies is rapidly transforming the sector by converting standard containers into dynamic platforms for consumer engagement and supply chain transparency. Brands are increasingly embedding scannable digital triggers directly onto packaging substrates to deliver real-time product provenance, usage instructions, and interactive marketing content without altering the physical design footprint. This connectivity addresses the growing requirement for digital traceability and enhanced user experiences, effectively bridging the gap between physical goods and digital ecosystems. According to QRCodeChimp, April 2025, in the article 'QR Code Statistics for 2025', the marketing and advertising industries registered a 323 percent rise in QR code scans, underscoring the massive surge in consumer interaction with these connected packaging solutions.

Simultaneously, the Accelerated Adoption of Digital Printing for Flexible Packaging is fundamentally reshaping production models by enabling shorter run lengths and significantly faster turnaround times. Converters are transitioning from analog methods to advanced digital platforms that support high-quality variable data printing, which is essential for managing the proliferation of SKUs and targeted seasonal campaigns. This technological shift allows manufacturers to minimize inventory waste and respond swiftly to fluctuating market trends, thereby optimizing operational agility and cost-efficiency. This industry-wide transition is substantiated by recent data; according to Packaging Impressions, December 2024, in the 'Digital Packaging: The Pursuit of Prosperity' report, 66 percent of converter respondents reported an expected increase in sales of digitally printed packaging in the next 24 months, highlighting the sector's decisive move toward digital infrastructure.

Segmental Insights

Based on recent market research, the Gravure segment is emerging as the fastest-growing category within the Global Packaging Printing Market. This expansion is primarily driven by the surging demand for flexible packaging in the food and beverage sectors, where Gravure offers unmatched consistency and image quality for high-volume production runs. Furthermore, rapid industrial growth in the Asia-Pacific region has significantly bolstered this segment, as manufacturers in these emerging economies prioritize cost-efficiency for large-scale branding. The increasing adoption of sustainable, water-based ink formulations also supports this growth, allowing the technology to meet stringent environmental standards while maintaining superior performance.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific maintains the leading position in the global packaging printing market due to the extensive manufacturing capabilities of China and India. The region benefits from high demand across the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors which rely heavily on printed packaging for distribution. This growth is reinforced by rigorous labeling standards from institutions like the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India that require precise product information on packages. Consequently, the combination of rising domestic consumption and strict regulatory compliance cements Asia Pacific as the primary driver of market activity.

Recent Developments

• In September 2024, a German precision mechanical engineering company announced a strategic collaboration with a specialty chemicals manufacturer to advance paper packaging solutions. This partnership focused on integrating barrier coatings for fiber-based packaging directly into the web flexo printing process using the company's Boardmaster machine. The aim was to develop a cost-effective, high-speed production method for recyclable and compostable food packaging that prevents leakage of liquids and greases. This development significantly supports the sustainability trends driving the Global Packaging Printing Market by reducing reliance on plastic materials and offering environmentally friendly alternatives for the food industry.
• In May 2024, a major Swiss supplier of equipment and services to the packaging industry launched the DIGITAL MASTER 55, an all-in-one digital printing and converting platform tailored for the folding carton sector. This new solution was designed to combine printing, embellishment, quality control, and die-cutting in a single pass at speeds of up to 100 meters per minute. By enabling just-in-time production for runs up to 6,000 sheets, the platform aims to reduce production time by 80% and lower costs for short runs, directly addressing efficiency needs in the Global Packaging Printing Market while minimizing waste and logistics.
• In April 2024, a global imaging and electronics company launched the DE1024 Digital Embellishment Printbar System, designed to add digital varnish and tactile effects to labels and packaging. This new inkjet solution integrates directly onto existing label presses and narrow-web machines, allowing for precise registration of gloss highlights on pre-printed materials. The release also included the 42X Printbar System for variable data printing, enhancing the capabilities of analog presses. These launches provide converters in the Global Packaging Printing Market with advanced tools to streamline workflows, reduce finishing coordination time, and offer value-added customization to brand owners.
• In March 2024, a leading industrial printer manufacturer unveiled revolutionary packaging print technologies, including the new Indigo V12 Digital Press which incorporates LEPx technology for label production. During a pre-event at its headquarters, the company also introduced the Indigo 120K and 18K presses designed to redefine high-volume production for flexible packaging. These innovations were developed to address challenges such as labor shortages and material scarcity in the Global Packaging Printing Market. Additionally, the company announced a collaboration with a software provider to automate digital print for packaging, further enhancing customization capabilities for converters.

Key Market Players

• Anglia Labels Ltd.
• Bell Printers Pvt. Ltd.
• Dai Nippon Printing Co. Ltd.
• Eastman Kodak Co.
• Flexo Image Graphics Pvt. Ltd.
• Frontier Label Inc.
• HP Inc.
• Landa Corp. Ltd.
• Toppan Printing Co. Ltd.
• Xerox Holdings Corp.

By Printing Technology	By Material	By Application	By Printing Ink	By Region
Gravure Flexography Digital Offset Screen Printing	Labels Plastics Paper & Paperboard Metal Others	Food & Beverages Pharmaceuticals Household Cosmetic Products Others	Aqueous Ink UV-Curable Ink Solvent-Based Ink Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

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

• Packaging Printing Market, By Printing Technology:

• Gravure
• Flexography
• Digital
• Offset
• Screen Printing

• Packaging Printing Market, By Material:

• Labels
• Plastics
• Paper & Paperboard
• Metal
• Others

• Packaging Printing Market, By Application:

• Food & Beverages
• Pharmaceuticals
• Household
• Cosmetic Products
• Others

• Packaging Printing Market, By Printing Ink:

• Aqueous Ink
• UV-Curable Ink
• Solvent-Based Ink
• Others

• Packaging Printing 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