Business intelligence firm Smithers has released a long-term forecast, which considers the disruptions that the COVID-19 pandemic caused in 2020 and provides a view of future industry prospects.
 
The report, entitled The Future of Print to 2030, provides a view on the prospects for print markets and printed packaging, together with the associated supply sectors of printing machinery, paper, board and substrates, inks, plates and chemicals, etc.

It takes an in-depth look at the incremental improvements in analogue technology. It forecasts that the boundaries between different sectors will blur, with more functionality being integrated into many products.

The report further suggests that the digital age will have matured significantly in 2030, with new channels and experiences that will further marginalise many print publications.

The Future of Print to 2030 by Smithers also highlights that:

• By 2030 packaging will account for almost two thirds of the global print market
• Publishing will make up nearly 40 per cent of print volume in 2030, but will still be the biggest loser in the market
• As some markets diminish many print suppliers have diversified into new activities, servicing more of their particular customer value chains.

The corresponding Smithers Infographic: The Future of Print in a Post-Covid World forecasts that from 2015-2030, the global print and printed packaging market will fall from the equivalent of 49.2 trillion A4 prints, to 41.8 trillion A4s in 2030; down by just over 15 per cent.

However, the infographic illustrates that the value of the market will grow by nearly 6.8 percent, largely due to changes in the product mix.

This insightful infographic expands on:

• Mega trends impacting print demand
• Drivers and trends shaping print in 2030
• Global print and printed packaging market development, by value and print volume; from 2020-2030
• Regional print and printed packaging market development, by value and print volume; from 2020-2030
• Impact of technology on print demand to 2030
• COVID-19 and the impact on printing.

To purchase and download The Future of Print to 2030 click here.

To complete a request to download The Future of Print in a Post-Covid World infographic click here.

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