Flexographic Printing Market - By Offering (Flexographic Printing Machine, Flexographic Printing Ink), By Ink Type (Water-based, Solvent-based, Energy-curable), By Method, By Type, By Automation Type, By Application, By End Use & Forecast, 2023-2032

Flexographic Printing Market Size

Flexographic Printing Market size was valued at over USD 8.5 billion in 2022 and is estimated to register a CAGR of over 14% between 2023 and 2032. The focus on sustainability underscores the increasing awareness and commitment across industries to environment-friendly practices. In the industry, customers are seeking packaging materials and inks that have minimal ecological impacts, are recyclable, and use renewable resources. Flexographic printing, with its adaptability to eco-friendly substrates and water-based inks, aligns well with sustainability goals. As regulations and consumer preferences increasingly prioritize environmentally responsible options, the market benefits from its ability to offer more sustainable packaging solutions, attracting businesses striving for eco-conscious practices.
 

Flexographic printing is a high-speed, versatile, and cost-effective printing process used for a wide range of packaging materials, labels, and other products. It employs flexible rubber or photopolymer plates to transfer ink onto substrates such as paper, plastic, and foil. This method is particularly suited for large-volume printing runs and can accommodate various ink types including water-based, solvent-based, and UV-cured inks. Flexographic printing is known for its ability to produce sharp images and vibrant colors, making it a popular choice in the packaging and label printing industries.
 

Labor shortages pertain to the difficulty in finding and retaining skilled labor within the flexographic printing industry. Expert operators, technicians, and engineers are essential for maintaining efficient production processes and ensuring print quality. However, the industry faces a shortage of qualified professionals due to retirement, lack of specialized training programs, and competition with other sectors. This scarcity of skilled labor can lead to productivity bottlenecks, increased labor costs, and challenges in meeting customer demands, ultimately impacting the profitability and competitiveness of flexographic printing businesses.
 

COVID-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the flexographic printing market in several ways. Lockdowns and disruptions in supply chains led to material shortages, delaying production and increasing costs. Reduced economic activity and consumer spending during the pandemic also resulted in lower demand for printed packaging and labels. Many printing companies faced workforce challenges due to safety concerns, limiting their capacity. Additionally, the shift toward e-commerce reduced the need for some printed materials. While the industry showed resilience by adapting to remote work and adopting automation, the pandemic underscored the need for flexibility and digitalization in the face of unforeseen disruptions.
 

Flexographic Printing Market Trends

The flexographic printing industry is witnessing several prominent trends. With the emphasis on sustainability, eco-friendly ink formulations and materials are gaining traction. Digitalization is on the rise, improving print quality and customization capabilities. Shorter print runs, faster job changeovers, and reduced waste are also becoming more prevalent. There is a shift toward high-quality, photorealistic printing for labels and packaging. Furthermore, the market is experiencing increased demand in the food & beverage, pharmaceutical, and e-commerce sectors. Automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are streamlining operations, improving efficiency, and reducing costs, making flexographic printing more competitive in the modern landscape.
 

Flexographic Printing Market Analysis

Based on application, the flexographic printing market is segmented into corrugated packaging, flexible packaging, labels & tags, and cartons. The flexible packaging segment is expected to register a CAGR of over 6% during the forecast period. Flexible packaging is experiencing significant growth owing to its versatility, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. Changing consumer preferences, increased e-commerce, and the need for lightweight, convenient packaging are propelling product demand. Flexible packaging caters to various industries including food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Its ability to incorporate vibrant graphics, product information, and branding makes it appealing to marketers. Moreover, flexible packaging offers excellent barrier properties, extending product shelf life. As manufacturers continue to innovate materials and printing technology, the flexible packaging segment is poised for continued expansion in the coming years.
 

Based on type, the flexographic printing market is categorized into narrow web, medium web, and wide web. The wide web segment held a market share of over 40% in 2022 and is anticipated to grow significantly in coming years. Wide web flexographic printing is expanding due to its suitability for high-volume, large-format printing applications. The market growth is attributed to the increasing demand for flexible packaging in the food, beverage, and consumer goods industries. Wide web printing allows for cost-effective & high-speed production with minimal setup time, making it attractive for manufacturers. Moreover, advancements in technology have improved print quality, enabling intricate designs and vibrant colors. The ability to print on a variety of substrates including plastic films further enhances its versatility. As these trends persist, the wide web flexographic printing industry continues to evolve.
 

Asia Pacific held a significant share of over 32% in 2022 in the global market. The regional flexographic printing market is expanding primarily due to the region's burgeoning manufacturing and consumer goods sectors. As economic growth and urbanization fuel the demand for packaged products, there is a greater need for flexible packaging and labeling. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce has increased the demand for labels and packaging materials. The region's diverse economies and expanding middle-class population also contribute to this growth. Furthermore, increasing environmental concerns have led to a shift toward sustainable packaging, and flexographic printing is adaptable to eco-friendly materials and inks.
 

Flexographic Printing Market Share

Major players operating in the flexographic printing market include

• Allstein GmbH
• Amcor PLC
• Bobst
• Codimag
• Comexi
• Flint Group
• Gallus
• Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
• Koenig & Bauer AG
• Komori Corporation
• Mark Andy Inc.
• MPS Systems B.V.
• Nilpeter A/S
• Nuova Gidue
• Omet Group, Rotatek
• Tresu Group
• Uteco
• Windmoller & Holscher

These players heavily invest in research to introduce innovative products & services and garner the maximum market revenue.
 

Flexographic Printing Industry News

• In August 2023, Reproflex3, a prepress, flexographic plate manufacturer based in the UK, announced the acquisition of ANF, a manufacturer of flexographic printing plates for the packaging industry. This move was aimed at expanding the company’s presence in the European corrugated packaging and pharmaceutical sectors.

The flexographic printing market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Million) from 2018 to 2032, for the following segments:

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By Offering

• Flexographic printing machine
• Flexographic printing ink

By Ink Type

• Water-based inks
• Solvent-based inks
• Energy-curable inks

By Method

• Inline-type press
• Central impression press
• Stack-type press

By Type

• Narrow web
• Medium web
• Wide web

By Automation Type

• Automatic
• Semi-automatic

By Application

• Corrugated packaging
• Flexible packaging
• Labels & tags
• Cartons
• Others

By End Use

• Food & beverage
• Healthcare
• Cosmetics
• Consumer goods
• E-commerce
• Electronics
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • ANZ
  • Rest of Asia Pacific 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• MEA
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA