Market Trends of Printing Blanket Industry
Packaging is Expected to be the Most Significant Application of Printing Blankets
- The packaging segment is poised to be a key driver of the market's growth. Packaging printing, utilizing techniques like offset lithography, rotogravure, flexography, digital and screen printing, and a range of ink types, caters to materials like glass, metal, plastic, labels, paper, and paperboard. Its applications span across industries like pharmaceuticals, food, and beverages.
- A rubber printing blanket is utilized in the process of offset printing. It is stretched around a printing cylinder for its first use in a printing machine, transferring ink from the printing plate to the paper. Offset printing is commonly used for paperboard packaging, especially for small retail and cosmetic packaging. This method produces sharper and more vibrant prints for fine text and artwork. It is crucial to ensure clear and concise information on packaging to effectively communicate important details to customers.
- In March 2023, PLASTO PU transfer blankets were announced as suitable for the packaging industry, whether for letterpress or flexographic printing on rigid substrates or pre-formed plastic containers. Due to Porvair's unique characteristics - high porosity and compressibility, the surface remains undistorted during printing, resulting in exceptionally clear prints. They are appropriate for various substrates, such as PP, PS, EPS, HIPS, ABS, HDPE, and LDPE.
- • The expansion of the packaging industry, particularly in emerging markets, is a significant factor fueling the demand for offset printing blankets. According to BIGS, Brazil's packaging industry had a gross production value of BRL 144.4 billion in 2023, compared to BRL 123.2 billion. This indicated a growth of over BRL 20 billion from the previous year and a substantial increase since 2016. The impressive capabilities of the packaging industry will lead to a notable demand in the LA region.
- Enhanced collaboration between converters and retailers in the packaging sector has spurred the creation of novel customer enticements. The rise of online shopping and the trend toward personalized experiences have notably bolstered the commercial printing market within packaging. Consequently, a growing number of packaging firms are channeling investments into commercial printing solutions, propelling the market's expansion.
- Additionally, digital printing is becoming more and more crucial for flexible packaging as it caters to a wide range of market and consumer requirements that can be addressed with advanced digital production equipment. Lithographic printing blankets are frequently used for offset printing and are suitable for flexible packaging printing purposes. Flexible packaging applications encompass wide web printing for pouches, wrap-around packaging, and other uses. The rising need for flexible packaging techniques in different sectors will create substantial market prospects for multiple suppliers.
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Asia-Pacific is Expected to Dominate the Market
- Asia-Pacific is witnessing significant market expansion as a result of heightened demand from critical territories such as India, China, Japan, and Korea. The growth in the region’s printing market is being fueled by factors like high print media penetration, increased investments in print media advertising, the rise of e-commerce, and urbanization. Moreover, the market is experiencing growth due to advancements in printing technology and the increasing need for efficient and cost-effective printing processes.
- The paper print and packaging industries in Asia-Pacific have demonstrated steady growth over time. As an illustration, statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics of China indicated that by May 2024, China had produced approximately 13.26 million metric tons of processed paper and cardboard, compared to 12.24 million metric tons in May 2023. These notable production capabilities are expected to drive opportunities for printing materials and bolster market growth in the region.
- The textile printing sector is a crucial area that is presenting substantial growth prospects for the market studied. The Indian textile industry registered a market size of USD 223 billion in 2021, marking an increase from the previous year's USD 150 billion. The market size is projected to reach USD 250 billion by 2030. Furthermore, in June 2023, the Indian government sanctioned R&D projects valued at USD 7.4 million (INR 61.09 crore) in the textile sector. These noteworthy advancements in the region's textile industry are expected to propel opportunities for the printing blanket market.
- Moreover, the rise in digital printing is anticipated to favor the region's printing blankets market. Digital printing provides quicker turnaround times, variable data printing capabilities, and reduced setup costs, making it attractive to a diverse customer base. The expansion of the packaging industry, particularly in developing countries such as India, is a significant factor driving the demand for printing blankets. Furthermore, advancements in printing technology and the requirement for efficient and cost-effective printing processes are also driving the market's growth.
- In recent years, the packaging industry has emerged as a crucial sector that fuels technological advancements and innovation in the nation while also enhancing the value of different manufacturing sectors. The introduction of new technologies, coupled with the surge in e-commerce, evolving lifestyles, urbanization, and heightened personal health consciousness, has significantly propelled the expansion of the print and packaging markets. As per IBEF, India allows 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) through the automatic route in the paper and packaging industries. Several foreign companies are investing significantly in the region's packaging industry, which is expected to enhance market opportunities.
- Current developments in the region's printing blankets industry involve a rise in the demand for environment-friendly and sustainable printing options. Producers are concentrating on creating blankets that lessen waste and lower environmental consequences. Additionally, there is a surge in the acceptance of digital printing technology, leading to a need for specialized blankets that work well with this technology. Furthermore, substantial investments in packaging, the paper industry, and others are projected to boost market growth in the coming years.
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