One segment of the printing industry continues to see strong growth is packaging. Research from Smithers had identified a $231.7 billion world corrugated packaging market as of 2024, and expected it to continue to grow at an average annual growth rate (AGR) of 2.5% (by volume), with world corrugated volumes reaching 190 million tons in 2029. They forecast that corrugated’s value in the market will increase at a +3.7% AGR to $277.6 billion. Meanwhile, Keypoint Intelligence found that, at the end of 2022, digital printing accounted for a mere 2.9% of corrugated production. But, they say, “Even if nothing were to change, digital’s share is projected to reach 7.3% by 2027. With change, however, the future potential is truly staggering. A 26% share of the global high graphics market opens up a world of opportunities, with equipment revenues projected to reach $6.2 billion.”
And that’s just corrugated. There are also folding cartons, flexible packaging, even labels, all of which are the subject of very bullish forecasts, and industry analysts and consultants have pointed to untapped potential for commercial print businesses in the packaging markets, and while some have taken advantage of these opportunities, most have not. Yet?
But are there opportunities for print service providers in packaging? If so, what and where are they? Join us at 1pm ET on April 29 for the upcoming WhatTheyThink webinar “Opportunities for Commercial Printers in Packaging—Reality Check,” sponsored by Canon. Analyst Kevin Karstedt of Karstedt Partners and former Vice President of Packaging for Keypoint Intelligence will identify where and how the real opportunities can be found. What strategies can printers take to move into these new areas? What markets and verticals should they pursue? Does it require a massive capital investment?
What you’ll learn:
• What the reality is in terms of opportunities for commercial printers in packaging production
• Strategies for tapping into the market for digital packaging production
• Specific markets and verticals to pursue
If you’re a print business owner looking for product diversification opportunities, you won’t want to miss this presentation.
A complete recording of this session—slides and audio—will be available.
