In this article, Sean Smyth – Print Consultant with Smithers Pira examines the results of a new report that looks at the growth of Digital Print for Packaging to 2022. This report breaks down the projected growth by packaging application, and shows some surprising results.
In 2016 Smithers Pira published the latest version of what has proved to be a well-received report: “The Future of Digital Print for Packaging to 2022”. It looks at the trends, drivers, applications and new technology that is shaping the future production landscape of packaging and labels, with forecasts of the market development over the next five years. These years will see major changes as digital production goes mainstream that will make many brands and retailers look at packaging in new ways, making converters do different things as new supply chains develop.
In 2017 digitally printed labels and packaging add up to an overall $13.2 billion market globally. The label sector was the early adopter and is pretty mature in most regions. There is very strong growth in corrugated as very high performance single pass presses capable of tens of millions of square meters of output annually are snapped up by converters, cartons, flexible packaging and direct-to-shape, with developments in metal printing. In 2022 the sector will grow to be worth $23.2 billion after five healthy years of growth averaging 11.2% in value terms. Tonnage grows at an average CAGR of 28.1%, as cartons and the corrugated packaging comes on stream. So, no wonder you are reading the article – hopefully considering how your organization can take advantage of this growth. You are not alone.
The $13.2 billion is big, but digital packaging is only 3.33% of printed packaging and perhaps a little over 2.0% of all packaging (as there is so much non-printed). In terms of printed area the equivalent of 163 billion A4 prints is just 1.72% of the total, while the 1.7 million tons of products represents just under 1.03% of all packaging. By 2022 the $23.2 billion digital packaging sector will account for nearly 5.3% of packaging by value, the 334 billion A4 prints will be some 3.2% of the print area output while almost six million tons is also 3.2% of the total. So even after five years of very strong growth digital will still be a tiny minority – hardly the major disruption predicted by some. But it is a significant base that will set the stage for major changes in supply chains, and even the functions of packaging which are developing.
Growth is forecast in different applications and different regions at varying rates as shown in the figure, led by the small flexible packaging, metal and rigid plastics while corrugated, cartons and labels are the drivers of real volume growth.
Five-year growth rates in the value of digital packaging sectors from 2012 to 2022. Source: Smithers Pira
As more converters get involved and make investments they will find out how the technologies can be used to benefit their customers. There will be new campaigns and these will be copied, and converters will provide new services and response to their customers which will allow significant supply chain efficiencies, some of which are not clear in early 2017, but will open up over the next years to better suit the final packaging consumers. Satisfying buyers is the goal for all parties.
The digital packaging sector is maturing. Around 2010 the big question for brands and converters was: “What can the technology do?”, and what should it do. After seven years of concentrated development the question has changed to: “Where is the application value?” as all parties across the supply chains realize that using digital printing can help make them money. This is the case for brands/retailers (and their agencies including design), as well as for packaging and label converters, some of whom are really prospering. It is also true for the equipment/consumable suppliers as well, although not all have succeeded.
Drupa 2016 saw a real step-change in the quality and performance of digital printing, from established suppliers and newcomers into the digital arena who are experienced in packaging. HP is the market leader with thousands of Indigo presses producing very high-quality labels, cartons and flexible packaging while its inkjet monster presses are making inroads into corrugated. But HP is by no means alone as others push their quality, productivity and improve their cost of production position. There are important breakthroughs in new substrates and surface treatments, in finishing where digital methods are also making progress, and most importantly in workflow improvements.
CJK Group, Inc. has acquired select business assets of Joe Christensen, Inc. in Lincoln, Nebraska. Joe Christensen, a family-owned company since 1933 that specializes in the printing of law reviews and law journals, has made the decision to transition out of the law review and law journal business and has entrusted the transition of its publication work to Sheridan, effective immediately. This body of work represents over 300 publications, some of the nation’s top law reviews among them. Sheridan has been a significant provider to the industry as well, with over 350 law publications currently being produced in the Sheridan Pennsylvania facility. Chris Kurtzman, CEO of CJK Group commented, “Acquiring the law review and law publication assets of Joe Christensen, Inc. is indeed an honor for Sheridan, as we look to be the leading publication services provider to this esteemed market. Over the last two decades, we’ve devoted many efforts and developed streamlined solutions to serve this community and are looking forward to not only delivering on but exceeding the expectations of our new customers.”
CJK Group, led by CEO Chris Kurtzman, is a largely unknown, low-profile industry conglomerate that's been methodically consolidating the book manufacturing market. But the entity can no longer fly under the radar screen as it sounds another "Bang!" ... no pun intended ... with yet another major M&A transaction. The latest acquisition by Brainerd, Minn.-based Bang Printing and its holding company, CJK Group, is the assets of Webcrafters, a 270-employee, Madison, Wis., printer that caters to the educational publishing community as a manufacturer of textbooks, workbooks, teacher and student guides, and related educational support materials. Terms of the definitive agreement reached between the two privately-held companies were not disclosed.
CJK Group is the holding company for Bang Printing, a manufacturer of books, catalogs, publications and fulfillment services in Brainerd, Minn., and Palmdale, Calif., which has already acquired Hess Print Solutions in Brimfield, Ohio; Sentinel Printing, St. Cloud, Minn.; Victor Graphics in Baltimore; Sinclair Printing, Los Angeles; and The Sheridan Group with production facilities in Waterbury, Vt., Hanover, N.H., Hanover, Pa., Chelsea, Mich., and a corporate office in Hunt Valley, Md. Prior to Webcrafters, CJK Group's most recent acquisition comprised the $196.5 million, 1,000-employee Sheridan Group this past April. Click Read More below for additional detail.
ENPOINTE has achieved a significant milestone with the expansion of its production and fulfillment capabilities in Brooklyn Park, MN. The company proudly announces the addition of a second production facility adjacent to its existing location, as well as a state-of-the-art Fulfillment Center nearby. “This new facility marks a pivotal moment for ENPOINTE,” stated Todd Matuska, CEO and President. “It not only streamlines our operations and enhances efficiency but also underscores our commitment to sustainability through improved green initiatives. These advancements align with our dedication to delivering exceptional value to our clients and future partners.” Dubbed the “Year of the Move,” ENPOINTE’s initiative includes the installation of a six-color Mitsubishi full web press at the new production facility with speed efficiencies, enhanced color controls and a wide range of folding capabilities. All ENPOINTE production is now operating out of one campus with two buildings connected by a skyway.
