As is known to all, subtle changes are underway in the global market. Many publications have gradually gone digital.
E-books, online newspapers and magazines find their way in some developed countries. Meanwhile, dictionaries, catalogues and brochures have gone digital. Furthermore, the emergence of social networking leads to a reduction in printing, but for packaging and label printing, there is a different story.
Application of digital printing technology will be doubled.
Great changes have taken place in the application of printing technology. Digital printing technology has become more and more vital, which is highlighted in graphical arts (excluding the non-packaging sector). Though the global printing volume is shrinking, printing houses are still in quest for their Holy Grail. From 2008 to 2018, digital printing in the world will be doubled with the market share soaring from 9.5% to 23.5%.
Meanwhile, packaging printing has different stories in various regions over the globe. Technological innovation is underway in countries with the well-established printing industry. Upgrading on second-hand printing equipment has been effected in emerging markets. Advertiser, publishers and buyers of packaging products become more demanding for printing products. Printing houses are shifting to operate internationally in their business mode.
China is expected to lead the global market.
Currently, the U.S. remains the biggest printer of the world. However, a report predicts that that picture will be different in the coming five years. After years of strong growth, China will put out more printing than the U.S. and become the leader during 2014 to 2018. India will rise from the 10th to the 5th. The ranking of Mexico, Brazil and Russia will be lifted, too.