The global printing and packaging industry has witnessed a sea change. Disruptive technologies such as digital printing, AI-driven automation, and IoT-driven sensors have revolutionised and penetrated the bastion of one of the most traditional of industries.
The invention of e-readers such as Kindle sent alarm bells ringing for print publishers around the world. But with passing years, the popularity of print stood the test of time. Today, reading has once again gained traction as one of the most popular recreational activities, even among Gen Z, the ‘digital natives’.
Needless to say, the rise in demand for printed books and publications is having its impact on the printing paper industry. But with boom in e-commerce platforms, the demand for printing paper has seeped into other sectors such as packaging, making it a high-value industry.
According to market research and consultancy firm Future Market Insights, the global printing paper industry, valued at $75.4 billion in 2024, is slated to surpass $106.3 billion by 2034. The exponential growth is primarily attributed to technological advancements and increasing applications of printing paper across various sectors. The FMI study reveals that the printing paper market is likely to grow at a decent 3.5% CAGR through 2034.
Another leading global market research company Data Bridge Market Research projects the writing, printing, and specialty paper market value in the Middle East and Africa to grow from $23.61 billion in 2023 to reach $37.06 billion by 2031 at a CAGR of 5.80% during the forecast period 2024-2031.
As more and more companies are being committed to sustainability, eco-friendly materials are gaining prominence. Since paper is manufactured from wood pulp and falls within the ambit of circularity, there’s a growing demand for printing paper made from recycled fibres or sourced from sustainably managed forests and plantations. This trend also aligns with consumer preferences for environmentally responsible products. Manufacturers on their part are adopting sustainable processes that reduce carbon emissions and offer eco-friendly printing paper solutions.
Traditional Print Media
Traditional print media still largely remains a cornerstone of communication. The irreplaceable role of printing paper in conventional printing has created the huge market demand. Despite the rise in digital platforms, printed materials including newspapers, magazines, calendars, brochures, and flyers continue to be vital tools of information.
Despite the digital age, major companies still seek their promos through newspaper and magazine advertisements. Research shows that people retain information better when reading from paper than a screen, once again due to its tangible and visual appeal that creates a lasting impression on consumers. Also high-quality printing paper, which includes coated paper, enhances the aesthetics of advertisements with vibrant colours, sharp images, and clear texts, thus capturing the attention of target audiences and giving companies that advertise in newspapers and high-gloss magazines a positive ROI.
E-commerce Boom & Branding
The COVID lockdowns created a spurt in e-commerce activities, where contact-less communication and hygiene became mandatory the world over. Packaging companies capitalised on the opportunity, creating a mammoth demand for daily essentials through online portals. Since then, the packaging industry represents a significant driver of printing paper demand with its reliance on printed materials for product packaging and labelling.
With the rapid expansion of e-commerce and the increasing importance attached to marketing and branding in recent years, the demand for high-quality printing papers, including specialty paper for packaging solutions continues to rise steadily.
The rise of online shopping and e-commerce has spurred demand for packaging materials, including printing paper used for producing labels, packaging inserts, and shipping boxes. Brands are also beginning to place greater emphasis on the visual appeal of packaging, with embellishment packaging catching on as one of the most popular ways of making a package appear luxurious, drawing attention to the product.
This trend drives demand for high-quality printing paper with excellent printability and durability, as brands seek to convey their identity, slogan, and product information effectively through packaging.
Education
The reliance on printing paper in the educational sector remains robust with textbooks, workbooks, and instructional materials still widely used in academic institutions worldwide. Despite the proliferation of e-learning tools, printed materials offer the tactile experience that plays a crucial role in facilitating better learning, comprehension, and retention among students.
Versatility Leads to Surge in Demand
The versatility of printing papers extends beyond traditional uses with the introduction of specialty papers. Specialty papers play a significant role in a variety of industrial applications such as printing, packaging, labelling, and even construction. Specialty papers are gaining significant growth due to increasing end-use applications in fields including photography, art, and creative projects. The tactile feel and visual appeal of printed materials have unique advantages, driving demand for specialty papers in various creative industries.
Advancements in printing technologies are also influencing the demand for specialty printing papers. Digital printing technologies have enabled cost-effective short print runs and customisation, leading to a surge in demand for specialty papers optimised for digital printing processes.
Looking Ahead to a Bright Future
Market studies clearly indicate that the printing paper industry will grow in the coming years, driven by technological advancements, increased use of printing paper, and the e-commerce boom. The future certainly looks bright!
